The radiator in my girlfriend's Neon just puked and dumped antifreeze all over the place. Since i live in Chicago and the temperature is dropping rapidly, is there any potential for damage to occur to the car without coolant in the system? I know that if you don't have a reasonable antifreeze / water mixture, that freezing can result in cracked blocks, heads, radiators, hoses, etc.. but can anything "bad" happen without coolant in the system?
Thanks for any helpful replies : )
yes... you just said what would happen. And in the summer you could be running hot. not to say that without having coolant you have no additives to prevent rust build up
Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech
If you run the engine, yes.
Not enough information! Could be: head gasket, stack thermostat, not enough coolant in the system, plugged radiator, electric fan does not work, heat sensor incorrect reading, water pump, etc. These are some suggestions
Do not run the engine under any circumstances in freezing weather without at least a 50/50 mix of antifreeze-coolant and water. Severe damage will likely result. It sounds like the engine overheated which can happen even in freezing weather if the thermostat is stuck closed. Could also be a failed water pump or if your lucky just a busted radiator hose. Good luck!
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