dumb question of the day

[burdar]

I initially filled the rad with distilled water and no antifreeze.  I didn't want to deal with antifreeze if I had a leak.  How much water will be left in a small block after the rad is drained?  If I just add a 50/50 mix I'll have too much water in the system.

[4Cruizn]

Why not add 100% antifreeze and a little more water?  There will still be some water left but not that much.   

[LAA66]

  60/40 would seem right if you are keeping the challenger in a garage. Knowing you, it will be changed in a couple years anyways.

[hooD]

You could drain the block using the drain plugs on each side.  I would guess there might be up to 2-3 gallons of water in the block.

[burdar]

The engine mount brackets are in the way of the block plugs.  That would be the best thing to do but I can't get to them.  Maybe I'll just add a couple gallons of antifreeze to begin with before mixing.  I can test if for strengh once the level is up high enough.

[dodj]

I would put in straight antifreeze, run the engine a bit, test with a hydrometer and adjust as necessary. I think about 65-75% of the system capacity is in the block/heater core. 

[dutch]

may be a stupid question, but why anti freeze instead of coolant?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

may be a stupid question, but why anti freeze instead of coolant?

Over here Bart, anti-freeze and coolant are in the same jug.

[dutch]

Over here Bart, anti-freeze and coolant are in the same jug.

oh...ok ,thanks.   I think overhere you will have to really search for anti freeze.  all pre mixed 

[Chryco Psycho]

you will have over 3 gallons in the system , draining just the rad would get you in the 60/40  [more water] zone so I would drain one side of the block & put in 2 gals of AF & top up with the drained water

[burdar]

OK, thanks for the suggestions.  I'll take another look at the block plugs.