Cadillac Repair: Radiator Drain Valve, coolant leaks, target master

Question
I recently bought a 94 DeVille and when driving it in stop and go traffic it overheated and drained out all the coolant, I discovered the drain valve missing, However it did not all come out and I would like to know if there is a way to get the rest of it out without removing the radiator?

And I'm not sure if that is why it over heated so I was also wondering if there is a way to install a manual Temp senor gauge to monitor it without effecting the original operation?

Answer
Hello,

You might have caused severe damage to the engine already by overheating it. The aluminum blocks do not hold up to overheating and the head gaskets can blow as well.

I would recommend towing the car to a service center and let them remove the lower hose, check for coolant leaks with a pressure tester and once filled and purged of air, check the engine to see if you did major engine damage. All Cadillac aluminum blocks since the eighties and into the Northstar like you have cannot be driven hot!

Years ago, the Chevy 283, 327, 350, Chrysler 318 and 360, Ford 289,302, 351 could all run hot and do no damage to the engine. These had cast iron blocks. You don't have that luxury.

You can ask the tech if he can put a manual gauge in it for you.

Many engines stall the engine if the oil pressure gets low. It would be nice if they had an engine stall for overheating, but then the dealer could not sell you a target master replacement engine.

Good Luck!

Rob