How to Perform a Coolant Pressure Test.
- Add Water If the Coolant Level Is Low.
- Remove the Radiator Cap.
- Connect an Adapter if Necessary.
- Tighten the Coolant Pressure Tester.
- Check the Radiator Cap for the System’s psi.
- Apply Pressure to the System without Exceeding the System’s psi by Pumping the Tester.
- Check the System for Leaks.
- Remove the Pressure Tester.
How do you perform a coolant system pressure check?
How to Use a Radiator Pressure Tester
- Ensure the engine is cold before attempting to check the pressure on the radiator. ...
- Look on the top of the radiator cap to discover what the exact psi pressure rating is for the vehicle.
- Make sure the radiator and coolant reservoir bottle are full of coolant to the maximum fill line. ...
How can I pressure test my cooling system?
Quick Tech | Cooling System Pressure Check
- Boiling Point. Boiling is the process in which molecules move from liquid state into vapor state. ...
- The Tester Kit. Cooling system pressure tester kits vary in price between $50 to $300. ...
- System Check. ...
- Pressure is ON. ...
- Visual Inspection. ...
- The Bottom Line. ...
How do you flush your coolant system?
Part 1 of 1: Flush the cooling system
- Cat litter
- Distilled water, about 3-5 gallons
- Drain pan
- Five gallon buckets with lids
- Floor jack
- Latex gloves
- Pair of pliers
- Pre-mixed coolant specific to your vehicle, about 1-2 gallons
- Rags
- Safety glasses
What causes high coolant pressure?
- Bad or leaky compressor valves
- Worn compressor piston rings
- Leaky oil separator return line
What pressure should a cooling system be tested to?
Typically on a modern vehicle this pressure is between 13 – 16 psi. Let the vehicle sit with this pressure for 20 – 30 minutes. Then inspect the entire cooling system for any leaks and check the gauge on the pressure tester for a change in pressure.
How is a pressure tester used to check a cooling system?
To carry out this test, we use a pressure tester to pump air through your vehicle's cooling system. If the pressure tester's gauge holds steady, the system won't have any leaks. If pressure fails during this test, it means there are leaks in your vehicle's cooling system.
How can I test my car cooling system?
You can do a quick check of the cooling system thermostat operation using your thermometer. Start the engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes, so the engine reaches operating temperature; or just before the temperature gauge reaches the red zone, if you think the engine is overheating.
Why is it important to pressure test a coolant system even if there is no leak present?
Since the system is pressurized, any leak in one of the hoses, radiator, or around the engine block could allow the coolant to boil causing overheating.
How do you perform a pressure test?
1:438:02How To Pressure Test Plumbing And Hydrostatic Test ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all you gotta do is simply put one on the hot. Side. And then we put one on the cold. Side. AndMoreSo all you gotta do is simply put one on the hot. Side. And then we put one on the cold. Side. And now all we got to do is just pump it up as if you're going to pump up a car tire.
What is normal coolant pressure?
A typical 15 psi. cap, will hold the water in the system up to about 257 degrees F. This does not mean there is no boiling in the engine up to this temperature, but it is the point, up to which the cap will contain the expansive nature of the vapor.
How much does it cost to pressure test a cooling system?
The average cost for cooling system pressure test is between $26 and $33. Labor costs are estimated between $26 and $33. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
How do I know if my water pump is circulating?
5:2710:50HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR WATER PUMP WORKS & CIRCULATES ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay just go to your heater. Turn it up full blast through all the vents or open. And see if heatsMoreOkay just go to your heater. Turn it up full blast through all the vents or open. And see if heats coming out got to be a lot of heat.
How do you tell if your cooling system is clogged?
5 Signs That Tell You Your Radiator Is CloggedLeaking coolant. Scroll to continue with content. ... Discolored and thicker coolant. You know your coolant's original color, don't you? ... Damaged water pump. ... Excessively high gauge temperature readings. ... Blocked, bent, or damaged radiator fins.
How long should a coolant system hold pressure?
The system should hold pressure for at least two minutes. If not, check for leaks in the system. To test the radiator cap with the hand pump, attach the cap to the pump using the proper adaptor and operate the pump until the cap starts to release pressure.
What happens if there is air in the cooling system?
The cooling system is one where air bubbles can be a significant concern. They can lead to hot spots in the engine, which can cause it to overheat and lead to all sorts of internal engine damage that will be costly to repair.
Why is my coolant disappearing with no leak?
Disappearing engine coolant could be the result of a slightly cracked hose, a tiny hole in your radiator, or a water pump issue. It's also possible for a coolant leak to develop inside your vehicle or to simply vaporize into mist via your defroster.
What is the purpose of pressure testing?
Pressure tests are performed to ensure the safety, reliability, and leak tightness of pressure systems. A pressure test is required for a new pressure system before use or an existing pressure system after repair or alteration.
How do you pressure test an engine?
0:454:36Testing engine pressures: Oil Pressure, Cylinder CompressionYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the compression gauge and have someone crank the car until the pressure stops. Building thisMoreIn the compression gauge and have someone crank the car until the pressure stops. Building this should only take a couple seconds. If it takes longer than that skip right to the leak down test.
What tool can be used to locate small leaks in the cooling system?
A cooling system pressure tester is a vital piece of equipment to help you find this kind of leak. The tester hooks up to the radiator cap or coolant reservoir, and uses a hand pump or shop air to pressurize the system to its normal operating pressure.
How to test cooling system for leaks?
How to Pressure Test the Cooling System. Any time you open the cooling system and put it back together, you’ll want to pressure test the cooling system to check for any leaks. This is commonly the next step after performing a cooling system flush. The pressure test can also be done any time a leak is suspected.
What to do if there is less pressure on radiator?
If there is less pressure than before, then there is probably a leak. After attaching the pressure tester to the cooling system, you’ll also want to pressure test the radiator cap. There should be an adapter that comes with the set. You’ll apply the adapter to the tester, then the radiator cap to the adapter.
How much pressure does a radiator cap have?
Typically on a modern vehicle this pressure is between 13 – 16 psi.
Can you open the cooling system when the engine is hot?
Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. The coolant will burn you.
How to connect a coolant pressure tester to a radiator?
If you need an adapter and your coolant pressure tester kit has one, connect it to the radiator or the coolant reservoir. Tighten the Coolant Pressure Tester. Tighten the coolant pressure tester to the adapter or the radiator or coolant reservoir. Push down and twist the connector clockwise until you feel it click and it locks in place.
How to check coolant pressure after flush?
If you want to find a coolant leak or test the pressure of the cooling system after a coolant flush, you can perform a radiator pressure test, also known as a coolant pressure test. The test requires connecting the pressure tester to the coolant reservoir or the radiator and pumping ...
What to do if coolant is low?
If the coolant level is low, add water or coolant to raise it. If you plan on removing and fixing a part, add water to not waste coolant since the system will be drained and refilled. If applying the tester to the radiator, remove the radiator cap once the system is cool and depressurized.
How to tell if a pressure gauge is leaking?
The slower the gauge drops, the smaller the leak. If the system holds pressure at the set pressure on the gauge, check the gauge over a span of 30 minutes and see if the pressure has dropped. If the level drops significantly, there is a leak.
What to do if your engine water level drops?
If the level drops significantly, there is a leak. Inspect parts like the radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses and hose clamps, water pump, thermostat, heater core hoses /firewall, head gaskets, intake gaskets depending on the engine, and the interior carpet near the firewall for leaks. Remove the Pressure Tester.
What is a radiator pressure test?
A radiator or cooling system pressure test is useful when finding a radiator leak or a blown head gasket. This tool attaches to the top or the radiator or coolant reservoir and enables air pressure to be pumped into the system including the engine block, cylinder heads, coolant hoses, heater core and radiator. This pressure simulates the engine getting hot and expanding the coolant which in turn builds pressure in the system.
How to check if radiator is pressurized?
Before removing the radiator cap its best to see if the system is already pressurized. This can be done by simply squeezing the upper radiator hose to check for pressure in the system. Grasp the upper hose and push you thumb into the hose to check the resistance.
How to remove pressure tester?
Once the test is complete slowly remove the pressure tester by twisting the connector lock counterclockwise. You will hear a pressure release signaling the tester is ready to be removed. It will be normal for coolant or water to be expelled from the connector at this time. Clean and reinsert the tester back into its case and store it in a cool dry place until you need it again.
How to check if a head gasket is blown?
Grasp the pressure tester and pump the plunger rapidly to build pressure inside the system, much like you are pumping air into a tire. You will notice the needle on the pressure tester gauge start moving upward as it measures the pressure inside the system. At this point you may see coolant leaking from the engine, radiator or hose. This test is also good for checking a blown head gasket once all of the spark plugs have been removed.
What is the pressure of a radiator cap?
Avoid pressure above 18 pounds so you do not damage the cooling system by causing a rupture. 18 pounds is the pressure most radiator caps hold.
How to tell if a pressure tester is spring loaded?
The pressure tester connector will be spring loaded so push downward before you start twisting the connector and lock clockwise. You should feel a click as the tester secures itself to the adaptor or radiator.
How to check for a leak in a car?
If the cooling system is low or empty refill it with water before the test begins. Fill the system carefully as not to spill any water so it will be easier to detect the leak.
How Much Does It Cost?
Let's Get Started
- It's best to start with the engine cool and the car parked on dry ground so you can more easily see where the leak is coming from. If the cooling system is low or empty refill it with water before the test begins. Fill the system carefully as not to spill any water so it will be easier to detect the leak. You should also where gloves and protective eyewear. A video for this test is featured at the bott…
Watch The Video!
- Please watch this video of the job being done, then continue down the guide to glean additional helpful information. This is what it looks like when there is no adapter required to attach the pressure tester to the cooling system. Step 4. Pressure Test Cooling System Grasp the pressure tester and pump the plunger rapidly to build pressure inside th...
Questions?
- Our certified technicians are ready to answer pressure testing questions for free. We hope you saved money and learned from this guide. We are creating a full set of car repair guides. Please subscribe to our 2CarPros YouTubechannel and check back often for new videos which are uploaded regularly.