bypassing radiator on my 02 S

[adsach]

Yesterday I smashed the passenger front of my 02S. :drive: :cursing: I tore off the bumper cover, cracked the headlight and created a small radiator leak while crumpling the fender back against the wheel well. The car drives fine. Until I stopped there was no indication of damage from the driver's seat except for the sound of escaping coolant.

My question is, can I safely bypass the passenger front radiator and drive the car while waiting for the bodywork to be scheduled?

[Rouser]

Why do I sense that bypassing ANY of the radiators for that purpose would be HIGHLY NOT recommended?

Park it, get a rental, and save yourself possible engine overheat damage and the costs THAT might incur.

[adsach]

Why do I sense that bypassing ANY of the radiators for that purpose would be HIGHLY NOT recommended?

Park it, get a rental, and save yourself possible engine overheat damage and the costs THAT might incur.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It has been ranging between 5-35 degrees outside. This car has 4 or 5 radiators with 3 of them for cooling and has never show any tendency to overheat including a trackday at 102 degrees. Pictures of a 3rd radiator kit make it look like the hose coupling would be simple.

I plan to replace/repair the radiator as soon as possible, but under the circumstances I think it is a reasonable question.

BTW: 8-10 weeks waiting to schedule a body shop is a lot longer than I want to spend in a rental car.