Antifreeze circulation question.

[cdnwillyg]

Just got a 68 m250 390 cu. in. that isn't running got caught with cold temp here and need some opinions on if I pull the thermostat and crank the the motor over with the starter will there be enough circulation to mix the antifreeze thru the block? Or am I wasting my time and just drain it?? ASAP would be nice thanks just not sure of mixer with in the block as it took about 1.5 gals to fill rad.
Thanks

[tnlprt]

The FE has block drains on both side by the motor mount

remove them and drain the block

Mix fresh antifreeze and refill the system after reinstalling the drains

[cdnwillyg]

Okay will do just hope i'm not to late and it will drain. I stuck a magnetic heater to the oil pan to try and get some heat there. Will the new antifreeze get into the block with out the engine running? Dumb question maybe but most vehicles I have worked on the engine was able to run and circulate the fluids.
Thanks

[Ranchero50]

If you can get the plugs out there will be a layer of rust behind them that you'll need to break through with a screw driver. I usually just drain the radiator, add a gallon of new antifreeze concentrate and run it for a couple minutes. Just filling the radiator should cause some coolant to get into the engine but probably not enough for long term freezing cold protection.

Mercury avatar means Canada?

[cdnwillyg]

Ranchero50 if I turn water pump via the starter would there be enough circulation to get the new antifreeze into the block?
And yes to CANADA!

[Ranchero50]

Maybe but you'd be safest getting it running so the coolant mixture is fully 'mixed'. You could pop the belts off and spin the fan until your arm went numb but I'd bet you still end up with frozen spots.

[cdnwillyg]

Okay plugs are the way to be sure thanks again.

[cdnwillyg]

Well with my headers in the way getting the allen bolt plugs out is near impossible so that isn't going to happen and I will be dragging this old girl inside to try to get her running. I need to have the truck drive-able anyhow to be able to bring it in to work on in the wife's part of the garage, so I'm just going to be ahead of the game. The antifreeze I drained and put back in from the rad is at-45*F so here's hoping the block is the same or close.

[Manny]

Well just draining the radiator will drain down the heads and the top part of the block so chances are youve got a good bit of -45 in the block. sounds like you shoud be pretty good. What temps you getting up there?

[tsherry]

I think Alberta's going to be in the mid teens by tomorrow morning....brrrr.

[cdnwillyg]

Yeppers 13*F for a low here over night and 17 for a high Thursday!!!!
Truck is coming in tomorrow for sure to address issue.Not sure why this engine turns over so slow?

[Ranchero50]

Not sure why this engine turns over so slow?

Molasses for oil?

[cdnwillyg]

Ranchero50 this truck I bought is like brand new from the frame up with the engine being rebuilt at a engine shop but I did check the oil and it looks like it was just put in so no molasses for oil. I did come across the thread on poor cables to starter and ground cable condition so once i get the truck into the garage I will start with that. I will pull the plugs as well as they need to be cleaned and just turn it over with out them in to see maybe its high compression causing the slow turn over.(Not sure what was done in the engine but told it was modified for more hp????)

[Ranchero50]

Fully charged battery and a salamander blowing under the truck for 15 minutes should help brings things to life to get it in the garage.

[cdnwillyg]

GOT THE TRUCK IN TO THE GARAGE WITH A COME=A-LONG!! Sad thing is I now see some of the issues I didn't before and it brings concerns to what else is done haphazardly...
Oh well wanted a project and now I have one!!!