Starting the engine with a dry cooling system?

[ShooterMcGavin]

I have drained my cooling system, as I have been dismantling and cleaning the intake manifold on the engine. After I put it back together, and before I get into the next engine work, I think it is a good idea to at least start the engine. If I did 2 projects without starting it, it could be much harder to diagnose any problems. Good idea?

The next job is TB and WP, so I don't want to fill the cooling system just to drain it again. Can I safely start my engine with a completely dry cooling system? Let it run for 30-60 seconds or so. I do expect a high idle from the cleaner throttle body and IAC, but I want to verify that it is running.

 

[The Count]

Absolutely YES. I have ran engines for several minutes to move them from one area of the shop to another HUNDREDS of times. It is usually to drain the cooling system at a designated "easy to clean up" area and move them into my work stall.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Welp here was we do at the dealer when it come this kind of stuff.... and we have a job mid ways and we need to run the engine and the system is clear of coolant we fill up with water do what we need to do and then we recycle that water afterwards.... its just a fail safe...

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Thanks guys. I didn't see anything wrong with it, but just had to ask first.

 

[BrianSD_42]

FYI properly burping the cooling system of any air can be a bit difficult.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

FYI properly burping the cooling system of any air can be a bit difficult.

Even harder in a vehicle with a rear heater?

 

[fedoantie]

I didn't see anything wrong with it

 

[The Count]

Do yourself a favor and get one of these. They make life easier and way less messy when refilling cooling systems.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A6AS6LY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

They give you room for coolant expansion while the system " burps" and make the radiator fill neck without a doubt the highest point in the cooling system, easing the "burping" process. Once the system is full and free of air, stick the plug in the funnel and remove it from the radiator, spilling none to very little coolant.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Could I just jack up the front of the vehicle?

 

[The Count]

Could I just jack up the front of the vehicle?

That can help air burp out of the radiator neck. But not as effectively and will still be very hard to prevent spills. That funnel set is very effective and convenient.

 

[TheDurk]

Could I just jack up the front of the vehicle?

I've filled and burped mine with the front wheels up on a curb many times without any difficulty. The funnel thingy might be nice on my Bimmer, which is a PIA to burp , but I don't think it is needed on the 4Runner.

For less than a minute I'd run it dry, though. It won't hurt anything.