I can't get your link to work. I have an antifreeze hydrometer, but it is old and the guy at Autozone told me it wouldn't be accurate with the newer antifreezes. I don't know about that one? I didn't know there was any changes made to antifreeze, except for the animal safe stuff that's a zillion bucks a gallon!
It is not as uncommon as one may think. Looked at this temperature chart and 35 of the 50 states have had -34F or more. Here in Wisconsin, we had -55F in 1996 ............ check out the list of highs and lows http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state_temperature_extremes
I don't think a closed thermostat will stop the water from not draining out of unhooked lower hose. The bypass hose/passage will vent the water jacket. Running the engine with no water in the block the thermostat will not open. This is a good way to damage the engine.
X2... running the engine will do nothing but scald a cyl. with the lower hose off, there is no water in the waterpump area. with the heater on it may open the heater control valve and let the water out of the heater core...are thoes 2 cupfulls worth locking an engine up for...
Ha...-34 would kill me, dont believe we in oregon ever get below zero...hell we're lucky to get snow! Your method sounds very reasonable, easy, and like the smartest way to do it....and i do run pure water in the summer months, this is the first winter owning it without it being pre-filled with antifreeze.
@ 71 Gold & RThomas The block is holding coolant in it, while at the same time the radiator is. By removing the hose the radiator is drained. By starting the engine, the engine begins to warm up & circulating coolant. When the engine is warm the thermostat opens and lets radiator coolant into the block, and block coolant into the radiator. Poses no risk to the engine block IMO as the thermostat opens up at 180 degrees, and is then shutoff. You also get more than a few cupfulls...more like a gallon and a halfs worth of antifreeze each time. If you watch the diagram on this website I'm basically stopping on the warmup stage http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system2.htm
Once you remove the lower hose...the coolent will drain from the block. There is no check valve to stop the water from coming out of the block. The water pump will not pump air through the water jacket. IF a water pump could pump air then it couldn't build pressure with the lower hose removed because its not a closed system anymore. The water in the upper hose is the only water left in the cooling system and a maybe a couple ounces at the bottom of the water jacket that is below the bottom of the water pump. The water in the water jacket valleys of the head will turn to steam if you run the engine.
yea i get what your saying. I still believe this method removes most water in the system unless you have it flushed at a shop which is best. I disagree about it damaging the motor though. In that theory, then a multi cylinder air cooled engine (VW beetle for example) would have a short lifespan due to no coolant.
