what does happen if my engine block cracks and how cold does it have to be for it to happen?

Question

I had a small radiator leak,so, I was using water instead of antifreeze. It was 20 last night and now when I fill my radiator it pours out on the ground from under the engine somewhere.

Answer 1

in all likely hood you only need a new freezeplug, there is a reason it is called a freezeplug. you might be able to put a new one in with out tacking the engine out, but it will be hard to do your self. a good mechanic that is not stiffing you will be able to do it for $50. If he dose not need to pull the engine and if he dose need to pull it will be about $700.

Now for the radiator leak. check the cockvalve see if it is closed, then the hoses and the clamps if you see a rust line in the radiator that is where the radiator is leaking. First try some stop leak if that dose not work you will need to tack it to a shop that fixes radiators.

Answer 2

Yes, you could have cracked the block. However, experience would tell me that it is more likely one or more "freeze plugs" may have been popped out by the ice. "Freeze plugs" are round metal inserts along the lower sides of the engine block plugging holes left when the block was cast to allow removal of the sand engine mold. Contrary to popular belief, they are not designed to be an ice relief value. If this indeed is your only problem, you can find replacement plugs at any auto parts store, right next to the antifreeze display. If the block is cracked, you will probably have to scrap it. Best wishes!

Answer 3

You may have just popped out a freeze plug. 20 is cold enough to crack your block and head. If block is cracked you will need another engine.
Never, never put straight water in a cooling system.
Water freezes at 32 degrees above zero

Answer 4

In a word 'heat'. Could be a bad casting, an overworked piston shaft. But once the metal is compromised any tiny discontinuity will become a larger one. So any engine must have good heat transfer. Oil for moving parts, water and air transferred to the radiator and all sensors working. Change all fluids on a schedule.

Answer 5

if your engine block cracks you will lose 70%of powerfrom moter wont take long 2 blow up always use antifreeze id say you dident crack the block lastnight hole in radiator might have got bigger go to autozone and get some stop leak and antifreeze see if that will help good luck.

Answer 6

i did this too. if your lucky it broke the freezer plugs. the freezer plugs are stuck in the block and designed to break in the event that water in the block freezes when it is 32 degrees or lower. because of course frozen water needs somewhere to expand to. this rarely actually works though. but worth checking. it could also be your water pump. same thing with the ice expanding. the water pump would be cheaper to repair. and it could be your block. that would be bad.

Answer 7

$$$ How deep is your wallet? Presure test the cooling system to find where the leaks are. And then repair them. USE ANTIFREEZE that's what it's ment for.

Answer 8

Plus 32 Degrees Fahrenheit. In an emergency you should have used windshield washer fluid. See if any of your insurances Will cover your mistake.

Answer 9

yes, this is why you need antifreeze, water freezes at 32º. You now need a new engine.

Answer 10

you need to replace one of your freeze plugs in the side of your block, they will blow out before it cracks your block, get some anti-freeze in it before you do totally ruin your engine.