My Z has been sitting 3 years since I wrecked it, due to the situation i'm not willing to fix it and drive it... long story for another time. Anyway, I pulled the damaged radiator and AC condenser out and it is sitting in a friends garage ready to receive new parts. I haven't bought replacement parts yet, again, part of the long story. I changed the oil in the motor two and a half years ago and I go out once a month and start the motor and let it run for about 2 seconds.

My question is, not being a expert on engines, would it harm the motor to drive it around the block without the radiator? Just a two minute drive... probably a stupid idea but i'd like a technical response from those of you with knowledge in this area.

 

Wow... no

 

probably not…but I wouldnt stretch it too much longer than a few minutes.

 

Not a high chance to cause damage but I would never risk it.

Also, starting an engine for 2 seconds is the worst thing you could do for it. That's like continuously doing cold starts and never letting the engine warming to operating temp in order to be properly lubricated. Horrible engine wear. Either start it enough to let the lubrication get through the engine or put some fog oil in the cylinders to leave it in storage.

 

I would let it idle for no more than 1 minute, do not drive , do not put under load. Your temp gauge will not work, there is no fluid touching the sensor.

 

Wow thanks for the responses. I though i was doing good by starting it up for a few seconds, thought i would be getting oil all through the engine. I think ill just buy a radiator then flush and refill and bleed. I dont want to cause any damage to the engine. But letting it sit for long periods of time is bad too...

 

Not if properly stored.

Cold start is the most damage you can do to an engine. It takes at least a few seconds for the oil pressure to even stabilize in the engine.