Hey folks a few nights ago I hit a traffic cone in the hwy possibly above the speed limit, but I can't confirm my actual speed. Anyway the D/s bumper took the shot, the cone went under my D/s wheel took out the radatior, hoses and some trim under the car. Had it towed to the dealer, they ordered the parts and spoke with the ins adjuster. I lost alot of coolent and shut the car off as soon as I could reach a safe area to stop. Temp did not go into the red zone however warning light of check coolent level came on. So once I stopped I could see more coolent pouring out, which tells me that I didnt run the system empty. So the dealer called and said they breifly started the car after they put some coolent in , and it was smoking out of both tail pipes. I suspect that during the tow process the car was on a 45 degree angle and may have sloched some oil in places it shouldnt be. Thoughts? If I cooked the engine I believe my ins will cover it however it may be a total loss? car is a 04 with 18k
Thanks

 

I'm curious why the dealer told you this without having an answer ready for you...

If the smoke was white, it's coolant, if it was blue, it's oil. If he's going to tell you there is smoke, he should tell you what colour it is. Since the dealer has the car, he should be able to verify if anything hit the engine. If nothing actually hit the engine, it is unlikely it would have suffered any internal damage. The coolant warning simply indicated the car computer realized that the coolant level was down once the radiator was gone.

I would suggest starting it up and leaving it at idle to see how it runs. If it runs smooth and display's no warning lights, let it run a while and see if the smoke stops. If there is smoke - take note of the colour. Ripping off a radiator while driving should not make the car burn oil or coolant.

 

They are still waiting for parts to check it out. No damage under the car it seems. They only told me about the smoke to alert the ins adjuster that it could turn into an expensive repair. I asked what color the smoke was and they said it was hard to tell because it was only running for a sec. has anyone experienced smoke after having the car on the flatbed during a tow? I would guess all fluids would shift being on a severe angle?

 

You are right about the fluids shifting, but this is taken into account as part of the engineering design phase & tested before selling the vehicle.

 

not really sure, I guess to see if it would turn over?>