How cold does it have to be before it cracks the block?

[Cranky]

Like the title says.....when there's no antifreeze in the rad?

 

[dadsbee]

31...

 

[Fran Blacker]

31...

That's number 1 how long to freeze it.

 

[Don Frelier]

Pure water will freeze below 32.
Maybe a little lower due to minerals.
When it does it will expand.
The expansion won't be greater if the ambient temperature is lower.
So it's actually more time than temperature if everything freezes solid you're fudged.
(Only I didn't say fudge)

 

[WileE]

Doesn't matter if the radiator is empty. Only matters what's in the block, if anything.

 

[Cranky]

30 degrees is considered a 'light' freeze for water pipes and isn't a solid freeze, right? What I'm thinking is 29 isn't going to be strong enough to make things break. Been here going on 41 years and so far, no pipes have froze and no blocks have cracked but never left a vehicle outside without antifreeze in 29 degree weather. Thing is, all of my vehicles have water with additives such as water pump lube and anti corrosion/rust.....

 

[DeltaV]

A drop light with a 60 Watt incandescent bulb will keep it warm enough.

 

[1967coronet]

Like the title says.....when there's no antifreeze in the rad?

Sitting inside or outside ?

 

[Cranky]

A drop light with a 60 Watt incandescent bulb will keep it warm enough.

Well, have one better than that under the oil pan....I stink. Heat light but didn't want to use it if the low for the night is only going to be 29. Might turn it on for a few hours before going to bed.....

 

[Cranky]

Sitting inside or outside ?

Outside but up against the shop door on the south side.

 

[Jeff Peterson]

You'll be fine

 

[1967coronet]

Outside but up against the shop door on the south side.

I would dump the radiator, toss a tarp over the engine bay and like delta said use a light or if you have a small electric heater if it's just for 1 or 2 nights. Your betting the weather man is right ?
Just a side note minus -13 here tonight.
Lol.

 

[Don Frelier]

Run it to operating temperature and throw a blanket over the hood.

 

[DeltaV]

Well, have one better than that under the oil pan....I stink. Heat light but didn't want to use it if the low for the night is only going to be 29. Might turn it on for a few hours before going to bed.....

You're in Texas. Shovel a fresh pile of manure under the oil pan. That will keep the engine warm.

 

[Dave6T4]

About $35.00 worth of antifreeze will keep you good down to -35 when mixed 50/50 with water. Cheap insurance. These old blocks are getting harder to find all the time.

 

[Cranky]

You're in Texas. Shovel a fresh pile of manure under the oil pan. That will keep the engine warm.

 

[Cranky]

About $35.00 worth of antifreeze will keep you good down to -35 when mixed 50/50 with water. Cheap insurance. These old blocks are getting harder to find all the time.

I have some antifreeze but was saving it for my 'better' junk instead of my 'junk' junk! But I'm still having some fun with my junk junk....especially with the straight pipe on this old V6

 

[davek]

Just a day and not a hard freeze your good.

 

[WileE]

I have some antifreeze but was saving it for my 'better' junk instead of my 'junk' junk! But I'm still having some fun with my junk junk....especially with the straight pipe on this old V6

Having fun with your junk ? Whaaaat ?

 

[Photon440]

I had my 383 freeze up solid to the point where the water pump wouldn't turn and it popped out the two block heaters (in frost plug holes), but it didn't crack the block. I should have plugged in the heaters...