The temp gage went all the way to "H" but the engine didn't die. Is it O.K. to drive it to the service station which is a mile away or should I have it towed? If I drive it that distance will I ruin the engine?
2006-07-05 14:46:09 · 8 answers · asked by mande11 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well I would stop and let it cool down if you drive it after it get over 210 then it will tear up the motor. You could go to the auto parts store and get some stop leak and put in it. Changing a radiator is pretty easy. I would go to a junk yard and buy one but make sure you go in the back with the guy when he takes it off the other truck so you can see if it already has fluid in it. Sometimes they drain then so they dont freeze in the winter. Anyway its alot cheaper to do it yourself it would cost you like 40 to50$ of you could go to the auto parts store and pay like 2 or 3 hundred $ or pay no telling how much to have it done. You could try thatstop leak stuff but some of that stuff isnt that great for the motor it can clog it up. The guy at auto zone should be able to tell you whats better. Good luck and dont be driving it hot anymore. just carry some water with you and let it cool down before you try putting it in so you dont crack the block. Dont pay for a tow truck just watch the tem and dont let it get past 210 and you should be fine but get it fixed right away.
2006-07-05 14:59:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
If the leak is from the radiator and not the engine block (ie water pump) chances are that liquid drainage from the cooling system will be gradual. Still, I would add water to the system and observe the leak just to be sure and if the leak is gradual I would wait for the engine to cool down, fill it up with water and rush to the repair shop. A mile isn't that much of a distance anyways. However, if I was in your position, I would purchase a used radiator and install it on the truck, thereby eliminating the need to chance it. Most radiators are only held in place by a few bolts and are fairly easy to remove and install.
2006-07-05 22:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by michael h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not drive your truck to the service station it will burn up the engine. Try to put water in the radiator and see where it is coming out. If it does not come out when engine first starts before warming up, leave your radiator cap lose and drive to the service station or repair shop.
2006-07-05 21:56:42 · answer #3 · answered by Carl K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when the engine is cold, pour water from your tap into the radiator, if all the fluid drained out it will take a while to fill it all up and you might have to run the engine for a quick second to pump the water through the engine. when its filled up see how bad the leak is, if its temporary you don't have to worry about antifreeze unless its going to get below 40degrees at night. run it untill the engine gets hot, it might take a while but when the water is curculating find out how bad the leak is. if its a drip drip drip drip, your ok or a small stream, but if its gushing don't, if its that close have a friend pull it with a chain, u steer and break, be careful with hot coolant, and good luck
2006-07-05 21:58:04 · answer #4 · answered by Adam K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends of the severity of the leak. But i would never run an engine with no coolant in it. Fill it up with water and drive it with the radiator cap off. I had to do this once with my '94 beretta when i blew the head gasket. I think its in the junkyard now haha.
2006-07-05 22:54:06 · answer #5 · answered by Eric 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
should be fine to go a mile..it takes awhile for the temperature to rise forcing the coolant to run over the engine and thru the radiator.
2006-07-05 21:57:26 · answer #6 · answered by Iloveitwhenyoucallmebigpoppa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have already damaged your engine, but to be on the safe side I would get the truck towed.
2006-07-05 22:02:49 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u only drive it to the station thing it should be fine jsut dont drive it really far
2006-07-05 21:50:36 · answer #8 · answered by Sammi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋