Keeping a non running engine from freezing

[Frixmatthew]

I bought a 1994 Mighty Max that started knocking, the radiator has a hole in the top of the rad so only water was put in it. While I get the money up to rebuild the engine I was wondering instead of buying anti-freeze I was wondering if I could use some rubbing alcohol mixed with some water to put in it since Im not driving it. It has already froze and I dont know if it has done any damage to the block or the head. So I want to prevent it from freezing again.. Ive got most of the water out but I know there is some still in the block

[royster]

Worst-case-scenario is your freeze plugs pop out. Should be alright, I'd think, if you got most of the water out.

[Fordubishi]

water will crack the block along time before you ever pop a block plug. I've see this many times. the worst was a 350 that broke the out side of the block so bad you could see 3 or the cylinders through the hole.

[Frixmatthew]

Worst-case-scenario is your freeze plugs pop out. Should be alright, I'd think, if you got most of the water out.

Well I think I got most of the water out it was sunny today so I left the hood up all day letting the sun hit it and took the drain plug out the rad, under the truck its pretty wet so Im sure alot of it melted.. Im going to check it in the morning to see if any froze..

Also my brother 97' Firebird had water in it and it froze... Cracked the block.

[camoit]

wrap the block with the old style X Mas lights like we do for plants.