No oil in rocker box.

[alan12666]

My day job is in powertrain and engine management system development, putting engines on test beds and the like. Almost every engine we install gets a short start without coolant ... not to aid the cylinder head, just as a quick check of all other systems before we go to the trouble of filling coolant systems. One less thing to do remove if we do find an issues. I have always done it on my home-built engines for around 20-30 years and never had an issue .

[philthehill]

Mr V
Do not be disappointed - I do know what it does - it takes a few thousand miles off the life of the water pump seal. The issue of leaking seals then becomes someone else's problem.
Phil

[StillGotMy1stCar]

Mr V
Do not be disappointed - I do know what it does - it takes a few thousand miles off the life of the oil pump seal. The issue of leaking seals then becomes someone else's problem.
Phil

I sometimes read from the end of a post back. I saw oil pump seal mentioned and wondered what’s happened. Anyhow going back to page one I finally got to the Water pump running dry issue. Phew!!!

[philthehill]

I am glad that someone's on the ball

Sorry about that - must have been having a senior moment.

[Mr. V]

Phil, is the issue temperature, in which case should I remove the fan belt and wrap a wet rag round the pump, or is it the seal running dry, in which case should I just remove the fan belt?

Steven.

[les]

Why run it dry ? Just fill it up as usual, I’ve not had any problems, I wouldn’t take any unnecessary risks, especially if you’re unsure.

[oliver90owner]

Don’t know, but maybe running dry for just a couple minutes might allow the gasket to settle/expand so when eventually filled with coolant there might be less/no chance of chemicals between gasket faces and head or block?

I’ve never done that, and never seen it recommended/required.

[philthehill]

It is the running of the water pump without coolant and its impact on the seal that concerns me. The seal was never designed to run dry. The coolant also cools the seal. If you want to run the engine without water in the block I would suggest that the fan belt is disconnected and then there can be no chance of the seal overheating, wearing or picking up.
As I understand it the BK540 gasket has a heat sensitive sealant applied to its top and bottom faces and when the sealant gets hot it melts so improving the seal between the head and the block.

[Mr. V]

Thanks for that Phil.

Steven.