Running without radiator coolant

[Hartman]

The other day I was doing some engine cleaning, and when I popped the radiator coolant reservior I was surprised to see the thing sucked dry! I have no idea how long I was running without the coolant. Are there any long term effects of running without the coolant?

 

[aldive]

Thats just an overflow container. No harm.

 

[Hartman]

Phew! Thanks.

 

[Stephen S]

There's no harm as long as the radiator stayed full. There is a "Cold Fill" line on the overflow tank that should have coolant/water up to that line when the truck is cold. Take off the radiator cap (while cold) and see if the radiator is full. If it is, good, now fill up the overflow tank up to the line. Then keep an eye on it for a couple of days to make sure you don't have a leak anywhere.