Engine start up precautions after overheat? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

samwise68 · 01-05-2008, 05:36 PM

alright,

so, as some of you know, my dad and truck had a bit of an accident involving a tree.

after getting it out of the snowbank, we drove it home. but, the bottom outlet on the radiator had pulled out of the radiator itself. needless to say, the temp idiot light was the one calling me an idiot.

we only drove it about a mile, parked it in the garage, and that was that.

this weekend, the plan is to put another radiator in it, and start it up again.

i was wondering if there was anything you would do as a precaution before starting it up?

it's a 307, 2 bbl, and headers, if that makes a difference.

i was thinking a thing of Slick 50, might help? or some other additive?

just hoping for some insight.

thanks in advance!

-Sam.

**El Jay** · 01-05-2008, 06:09 PM

IMHO, just fire it & see what happens.
If there's any major damage, it's already done. Although you may have taken a few thousand miles off the engine.
Them small blocks are tougher than most people think.

Longhorn Man · 01-05-2008, 07:14 PM

if you only drove it a mile... then I highy doubt you did any damage.

On a side note, I would NEVER recomend putting slick 50 in your engine. Unless you LIKE having sludge in the oil pan at least.

dwaite72lnghrn · 01-06-2008, 01:29 AM

I would pull the dipstick and check for water in the oil in case the head gasket went. Other than that start it up nad see what happens.

67_C-30 · 01-06-2008, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwaite72lnghrn

I would pull the dipstick and check for water in the oil in case the head gasket went. Other than that start it up nad see what happens.

X2

Longhorn Man · 01-06-2008, 11:35 AM

even more importan.... AFTER starting it. If the water is at the bottom of the pan, the dipstick won't reach it, but once the oil and water solution is made, it'll be real easy to spot on the dipstick.
Dark or gold oil... good
Coffee with 3 creams in color... bad

samwise68 · 01-07-2008, 02:39 PM

alright, good news!

we fixed the radiator, and started it up tonight.

after the initial moisture burnt out of the system, the smoke was clean.

then we let it run for about 5 minutes, and checked the oil. it was that nice oil color, and not the three cream, two sugar coffee color Andy was talking about.

so, just figured i'd put some closure on this thread.

thanks again for the help guys.

-Sam.

**El Jay** · 01-07-2008, 02:47 PM

Glad it worked out for you.

01-05-2008, 06:09 PM	#2
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Engine start up precautions after overheat? IMHO, just fire it & see what happens. If there's any major damage, it's already done. Although you may have taken a few thousand miles off the engine. Them small blocks are tougher than most people think.

01-05-2008, 07:14 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Engine start up precautions after overheat? if you only drove it a mile... then I highy doubt you did any damage. On a side note, I would NEVER recomend putting slick 50 in your engine. Unless you LIKE having sludge in the oil pan at least.

01-06-2008, 01:29 AM	#4
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Re: Engine start up precautions after overheat? I would pull the dipstick and check for water in the oil in case the head gasket went. Other than that start it up nad see what happens. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

01-06-2008, 11:35 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Engine start up precautions after overheat? even more importan.... AFTER starting it. If the water is at the bottom of the pan, the dipstick won't reach it, but once the oil and water solution is made, it'll be real easy to spot on the dipstick. Dark or gold oil... good Coffee with 3 creams in color... bad Last edited by Longhorn Man; 01-07-2008 at 09:02 PM.

01-07-2008, 02:47 PM	#8
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Engine start up precautions after overheat? Glad it worked out for you.



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