I probably sound as if I am 15 yrs old here, just add 10 years to that =). I am changing my radiator hoses this weekend so I will be draining the fluid out obviously. My question is can I run the engine if I just refill the radiator with water until I can go a few miles down the road and get the coolant flushed? It would seem a waste of $10 for the stuff to be drained out again when I get the coolant flush done.

Oh yeah, for those who want to know how much hoses from Nissan are:
Upper: $19
Upper rear: $14
lower: $19

I think these are the original hoses that came on this car after 159k, they are in pretty bad shape.

 

that'd probably be fine

But I'd recommend getting a big bucket/drain pan and make sure it's clean. Drain all the coolant into there and then put it back in after replacing the hoses and then take it to the shop to get it flushed.

 

just be sure that they are replacing not recycling what's in there.
some places flush by recycling the old stuff through a machine to restore the PH level.
so be sure they are flushing and refilling with fresh anti-freeze

 

Depends on weather: temp has to be above freezing point or smtg has to be used to shield rad. Suppose not problem t here now.

Used to drive my jeep all the time with water as all available pumps leaked always, the '11th pump' also: just let all water out in the evening. In the long (year scale) run its no good. Rust, boiler incrustation, freezing prevention (what?else) are the main things for coolant having the additive contents as they do. Boiler incrustation is the nasty phenomena that will cause overheating in older cars; but that buildup needs long time period. I have never had any problems with my few million miles even though no flush. Maybe the thermostat breakup initiated coolant swaps have been enough...

I think most important is to have the system always pressurized and bubble free. Air pockets (without coolant) warp cyl heads and destroy gaskets.

 

Yes running your engine on water is fine I've done it lots. Most drag tracks require that you use only water while racing. Coolant has 2 functions 1 is prevent freezing, 2 is to prevent corrosion. As far as cooling abilities pure water cools your engine better than coolant.

So as long as it is not freezing overnight, and you don't leave it in for a long time (< 1 week) then no problems.

 

Didnt know that... Sounds reasonable.

I think so too: but verfify that info from THE CAR mechAnics---> If your car is cold in the winter, they'll tell that its because of too much coolAnt - hmm - lol. So fun that tears freeze on cheeks...

Its like mama got an idea of heated house window ad: just buy those advertized hot windows and your house will stay warm through winter. Now try reason with that...

 

Actually, that is supposed to be distilled water. Hard water will leave deposits in the system very soon. I know that very well as I am from Russia where most cars were used during summer with distilled water and stored in the winter time after draining the cooling system.

 

Good point: more depends on what kind water is available: Distilled sounds quite high requirement, but it might be good idea on certain areas.

Btw. This water quality requirement does not change when u mix with coolant. But is there even one place observing this req?

 

water is the thermal conductor to transfer the heat.

 

I was quite surprised when I moved to Canada and first time read the labels on antifreeze canisters at Canadian Tire. They said 'mix with tap water', whereas everyone who was lucky enough in Russia to have access to ethilenglicole mixed it with distilled water. Needless to say that those unlucky ones had to use pure distilled water.

 

Distilled water simply will cause less corrosion over time.

For a short period, tap water is fine.

 

coolant/antifreeze actually has many functions not just two
it keeps it from freezing and boiling, corrosion, help treat the rubber and plastics, and also helps lube and seal the water pump
yes it will be fine to use water for a short trip to get it flushed and filled and just like brian said have them put in new fluid

 

1. Tap water here IS NOT Tap water t here.

2. Distilled water here IS NOT Distilled water t here.

Summarum: 1 + 2 = heaven knows what is putin...

- First: One cannot wash himself in Salt Lake City tap water: would imagine its a great soot souce to fry in engine guts.
- Second: I have seen gas station distilled water can being filled from tap.

Water itself has at least five hundred known molecule chains. Then count in all the minerals depending on where it comes from. I think for us the pH is key.

I know a supersecret? camera ctrolled lake which was/is used to make dynamite because of its properties and cleannes and whatever (dunno really chemistry). Dont try to ge for a pee...