It never freezes! Volvo 240 and no anti-freeze = ??

[Matt Vorne]

Note: Save the preaching I know I screwed up

Here in Portland Oregon we've had quite the cold spell and it didn't dawn on me until too late my 1977 Volvo 240 didn't have antifreeze. It spontanously leaks water in the summer so I typically just keep a gallon jug in the back seat and refill when needed. Needless to say I refilled too many times during the summer with plain water and depleted the antifreeze ratio. Now the radiator hoses are rock solid with ice and the waterpump is frozen.

What are the chances of the block or some other part cracking and does the 1977 240 have a freeze plug?

Thanks for any info.

-M

 

[Mike F]

Note: Save the preaching I know I screwed up

Here in Portland Oregon we've had quite the cold spell and it didn't dawn on me until too late my 1977 Volvo 240 didn't have antifreeze. It spontanously leaks water in the summer so I typically just keep a gallon jug in the back seat and refill when needed. Needless to say I refilled too many times during the summer with plain water and depleted the antifreeze ratio. Now the radiator hoses are rock solid with ice and the waterpump is frozen.

What are the chances of the block or some other part cracking and does the 1977 240 have a freeze plug?

Thanks for any info.

-M

There are what are often called "frost plugs" on the sides of the block, one on the back and some on the head. They're not designed to protect the engine from freezing coolant, but they may. Wait for everything to thaw, start the engine, run it for a couple of minutes and see if anything leaks out.