Running engine with no coolant
 

I want to test the engine in my parts car before I pull it. The car was in a front end collision which completely destroyed the radiator. My question is, is it safe to run the engine for, say, 15 seconds with no coolant at all in it? Or would it work to just run cold water from a garden hose into the water inlet? Any suggestions?

Thanks
Mike

Either way would be o.k. I'd plan on replacing the water pump soon, though. If a used pump sits dry for a couple days it will usually begin leaking shortly after being returned to service.

Thanks a lot for the help, Beav. "Completely destroyed the radiator" was not totally accurate. There is still some coolant in the bottom of the radiator, but I have to pull everything out to get chunks of fan shroud out of the accessory belts. I am planning to sell the engine as soon as I can verify that it is in good running order. I expect the next owner will want to replace the t-belt and water pump before they install the engine anyway (I know I would prefer to do the job while the engine is out of the car)

Thanks again!
:D
Mike