Cooling System

[nthomas1]

Some more questions from a novice!
I removed the radiator and associated hoses from my S2 Coupe, to give me better access to the rear of the front valance and front panel where I am sanding and grinding ahead of painting.   I've cleaned and painted the fan shroud, and I've located replacement radiator hoses from Omicron.  That leaves me with a few questions:
1) Is there any problem leaving the engine without water for a lengthy period of time - at least 6 months, maybe 12.  This may be a daft question!  But I wondered if the internals of the engine are better protected with water in place than without.
2) Are there any special tests I should conduct on the radiator before re-fitting it.
3) It would seem to make sense to replace all of the hose clips at the same time as fitting the new hoses.  Any thoughts on best option out of:
        (a) try to find original clips/clamps (are they even available),
        (b) fit hose clamps (non-jubilee type), or
        ((c) fit jubilee clips (presumably should use stainless steel rather than plated?)
As always, advice would be appreciated.

[lancialulu]

If engine is dried out completely and stored in the dry it should not be a problem. Problems occur if water is left in lowest parts and cause additional corrosion to give trouble down the road. Do not store filled with water as this could freeze (so being pedantic if you stored it with anything it should be >30% antifreeze....). Re rad I would take to a radiator refurb comanpy and let them pressure test it (for free....). They would get the work if it was faulty...

Re clips if you have bought silicon hoses you need a rolled edge jubilee s/s clip. others will cut hose over time...

[nthomas1]

Thanks Tim.
With the rad and hoses removed, is it still possible to fill the engine with water/antifreeze?
Would I block off one opening and then rig a pipe up to the other to pour the mix in?  Once again, sorry for my ignorance on this!

[frankxhv773t]

If your hoses aren't silicone simonandjuliet posted about some original Lancia style clips in A fettler's voyage (why can you never find something to post a link when you need to?). If they are silicone Dave Gee at Classic Silicone Hoses stocks the right sort of hose clip.

[Caracad]

I would always store an engine dry.
The coolant should have all drained out. Corrosion is only really a problem with the aluminium cylinder head. Generally caused by galvanic action between the aluminium and steel parts when full of coolant without corrosion inhibitor i.e antifreeze.