block heater anyone?

[eric1h]

So, Devin and I went down to work on cars today, and low and behold, my engine was frozen solid!

Looks like the water pump blew a seal and one of the freeze plugs popped.

These cars have been run with straight water so if you live in an area that gets very cold you may want to look into a block heater

[Cobrafang]

I prefer a emergency garage heater.

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by eric1h

Looks like the water pump blew a seal and one of the freeze plugs popped.

Well Eric in our (mildish) climate over here in NZ I always looked on freeze plugs as a pain in the butt. I will have more respect for them in future..........!! Hope the plug did its job and there is no other damage.

[eric1h]

Originally Posted by NZGTRA17

Well Eric in our (mildish) climate over here in NZ I always looked on freeze plugs as a pain in the butt. I will have more respect for them in future..........!! Hope the plug did its job and there is no other damage.

Thanks! ME TOO!

I couldn't see any leaks except for the water pump, rad hose and freeze plug, really hope I didn't crack a head or block.

Really suprised it froze. I am in North Carolina for cryin out loud, not green bay wisconsin!

SO much for water wetter, "helping to add antifreeze characteristics"!

[Cobra4B]

That sucks... ours came w/ coolant in it.

[Wess-RA]

Mine had coolant too and I just drained it (last week) and switched to Distilled water and water wetter. When my car spent the night outside at the track the thought crossed my mind too. Sorry to hear it.

[PanozDuke]

Man Eric, I feel for you. That's going to be a lot of work. Even though I'm in south central Texas, I think I'll stay with coolant especially since you get some lubrication for the water pump and anti-corrosion properties for the aluminum components. There sure have been some cold temperatures down the eastern half of the country. Praying for minimal damage for your motor.

Mike

[Cobra4B]

I don't really see the point of swapping to straight water or even water w/ water wetter in these cars... it's not like they even get warm on track.

I was seeing 230 oil temps in 100 degree weather at VIR last summer w/ my father and I hot lapping it back to back sessions each time.

[eric1h]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

I don't really see the point of swapping to straight water or even water w/ water wetter in these cars... it's not like they even get warm on track.

I was seeing 230 oil temps in 100 degree weather at VIR last summer w/ my father and I hot lapping it back to back sessions each time.

It's not so much a cooling issue. Most sanctioning bodies wont let you run Antifreeze. Antifreeze Plus asphalt = ice slick! yes, straight water cools better than AF, but its mainly a safety issue. That's probably why the RA cars had AF in them and the WC cars did not.


Now for the good news....

I went over today and replaced the water pump, freeze plugs and the upper radiator hose. Luckily it warmed up here and was near 60 today so filled the car up with a 50/50 mix and fired her up. Fingers, legs, toes and eyes crossed. and the motor appears top be fine. No smoke, no knocks, no foam or froth in the oil pan, and most importantly, no leaks!! so i will leave the AF in the car until spring and then drain it back out when i finish the LS1 swap.

[David Eastman]

The school cars had anti freeze in them because they were kept out side with covers on.

David

[Panoz26]

But he did not start mine.... :o(

Really, I am glad it turned out as good as it did. someone was looking out for you this time around - if it was the bimmer, gawd know's......