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And a VERY small one at that!

 

Lol, yup

 

Hello guys, here's a question...
I have a '98 XJ 4.0 2WD (Amanda) that rear ended a truck a few days ago (15 mph or so).
The mechanic said I need to see a body shop to bend the front end forward before he can even assess what needs repair.

I'm pretty sure the radiator is toast, after the coolant drained out of it. Other than that Amanda still runs to my knowledge. She never even stalled during the impact. The body shop is less than a mile away, and I need to know if I could drive it that far, safely with no coolant circulating.

Thank you.

 

No, it cannot be driven at all without coolant in the block!
Time to call your friends for a push if it's less than 1 mile away.

 

Thank you for your input. I've seen conflicting information about this other places.
It seems to me that as long as oil is moving through the engine as normal, than a drive of .8 mile would not give sufficient time for the motor to overheat. Especially in the evening. Correct me if I'm wrong, but overheating is the primary enemy in this situation correct?

 

^ Sounds risky. Next opinion..

 

it is not the oil that keep the block cool. It's the coolant!

 

I understand that, but the lubrication is fine, that's what I'm saying. I'd like to know if I could drive it a short distance, as long as the temp was within bounds basically. Though I'm not sure if the temp gauge would read accurately.

I had a GMC Vandura years ago, and ran that thing all summer like champ mainly on water, and sometimes not even that. But this is a different vehicle, so...

 

Thanks for the info on the radiator. I wouldn't mind converting to 2 row but I can't find any cheap that aren't weird descriptions. I have a week of draining with the flush fluid though, so I can research a bit more.

 

Straight distilled water can be used in any system. The anti-freeze main purpose is to prevent corrosion.

Coolant does not just dissipate heat. It evens out the hot spots. The problem with no coolant is these hot spots would be out of control.
And the temp sensor could not be trusted.

 

Speedo and tach dropped to zero then instantly back to normal. I've read somewhere before of this happening but I can't search right now.

 

As in you lost all power and then it jumped back on nearly instantly? That's your CPS, if you say yes to my question. I recommend replacing it very soon before it leaves you stranded.

 

As in the jeep lost power or just the gauges? In my case, just the gauges.

 

You've received sound advice. Either drive the ****in jeep or don't but you've been told, by legit members, NOT to.. So your call at this point.