It's getting cold around here and I decided today to check the antifreeze levels in the cars that I bought this summer. Checked my stock engined '26 T roadster and it came up straight water. Definitely don't want it to freeze so I took off the lower radiator hose and dumped all the water out. (see picture) My question is, is my engine empty now, or is there water lower in the block that won't come out this way? I don't want to come back to this car in spring to find out that the block is cracked because there's water in there that I couldn't get out. Some advice would be appreciated.
The water inlet is pretty much the lowest point in the water jacket. There'll still be a little left behind - I picked up a 27 lump by one end that came in from Uraguay the other day and water still trickled out! I have one T block with the corner blown out by frost damage - (it was in a boat!), but that looks like it was left with water in. Now I'm SURE I put antifreeze in my 27, but now you're getting me paranoid...
Look at that pic--the flat area the water junction bolts to IS the water jacket; the area where you can see the cylinders is actually just the cylinder walls, no water down there. If worried, pull those two bolts to remove the water inlet and look in there, and look at both sides to be sure ain't nothing downhill from there. Traditional method would be to start it and wait for steam to cease...
If there is a little water left in it, is it going to hurt the motor? I would think if there's just a 1/4" or so of water, it wouldn't crack the block, because it has expansion room, but this motor runs yet and I really don't want to **** it up. Would there be any way to get the little bit of remaining water out? Will it dry up on it's own now that it's opened up (somewhat) to air? I'm as paranoid of this as you are.
Maybe I will pull that waterneck off and feel around in there with my finger a bit to see. Sounds like it should be pretty good though. Thanks for the responses, I'll sleep better tonight.
"this motor runs " Drain it, then give it a few short runs. Converting water into steam is what T's do best...
i put my shop vac on the outlet and un screw the rad cap and hold my hand over it ,letthe vacuum run and it will take all the water out, then you will not have to worry