Auto Radiator Pressure Verify Tools

Kits
Tool kits incorporate a pressure pump, hose and push-button thumb-controlled pressure relief valve, in addition to adapters for most domestic and foreign-made automobiles, a universal adapter, an adapter wrench, a relief valve along with a custom molded case in plastic or aluminum. Kits will also come with a user's manual. Additional adapters may be purchased separately if required.

Universal Tester
A fantastic pressure tester makes checking quick with incredibly tiny loss of coolant and no hand-pumping expected. Temperature dial gauges (a lot of are color-coded) test pressure ranges from zero to 35 pounds.

Loss of Coolant
Internal or external coolant loss, pouring white smoke, expansion tank water with brownish color, loss of oil, oil changing color and rising engine temperatures are all symptoms of head gasket or coolant system failure. A leak-down test and/or a coolant pressure test will determine this.

How to Pressure Test
A pressure release bar, turned clockwise, releases pressure build-up before removing the head from the neck of the radiator. Test the cooling system when the engine is cold with no pressure registering on the gauge. Remove the radiator cap and install the pressure tester gauge. Pump it to 10 pounds, then look for leaks in the heads, hoses, pump and rear heater core if there is any loss of pressure. Never remove the radiator cap from an engine that has been running, even if only for a short time. If there is a "sweet smell" when turning on the heater fans, coolant may be leaking at one of the heater cores, or the O-ring on the rear heater valve may be leaking. Keep in mind that leaks may occur in more than one place, so keep testing until the gauge is showing that the pressure is holding.

Hydraulic Lock
If pressure builds quickly to around 15 pounds during testing (it should hold steady at about seven [-7-] pounds), pressure is coming out through the inner head gasket. If the cylinder fills with coolant and will not turn over, this is known as hydraulic lock. Pull the spark plugs out and try to turn the engine again. This allows water to escape from the plug holes. More information click /a>.