static pressure test (engine off)
For diagnosing:
Cooling system leaks
set-up & procedure:
1. Ensure the cooling system is cool and not pressurized.
Carefully remove the radiator or coolant bottle pressure
cap.
2. Check to see that the radiator or coolant bottle is filled to
the proper level, and check hoses for visual damage or
leaks. Fill and repair as necessary prior to testing.
3. Select the correct Cooling System Adapter for the applica-
tion. Refer to the Adapter Selection Guide included in the
kit.
4. Apply water or coolant to the rubber gasket and/or o-ring
on the adapter, and install the adapter in place of the
pressure cap.
5. Install the Pressure Pump onto the System Adapter using
the quick-connect. Make sure the quick-connect sleeve
snaps forward to lock the connection.
6. Operate the Pressure Pump until the needle on the
pressure gauge moves to the end of the colored band
indicating the appropriate pressure range of the cap (see
Chart A).
7. Watch the gauge for a short period of time. If the pressure
reading drops, a leak is present.
8. With the system still pressurized, perform a visual inspec-
tion of the entire cooling system. Check hoses and connec-
tions for seepage, which would indicate a leak. Return to
the gauge and check the reading once more.
9. Most leaks are external, and visible seepage occurs.
However, a drop in pressure with no visible leakage can
indicate a blown head gasket or cracked block, where fluid
leaks into the combustion chamber. Visually inspect oil
and transmission fluid for signs of coolant. Proceed to the
Dynamic Pressure Test
for better methods of diagnosing
internal leaks.
10. When testing is complete, release the pressure in the sys-
tem by pressing the Pressure Relief Valve located on the
pump hose near the quick-connect coupler (Fig. 5).
11. Repair leaks if necessary, and retest.
12. Disconnect components, clean and store them properly.
13. Refill the radiator or coolant bottle to the proper level, and
replace the cap.
Form 823094
Page Number - 5
chart a: cooling system cap pressure test ranges
Rated Pressure (PSI)
Pressure Test Range (PSI)
4
3 - 5
7
6 - 8
10
9 - 11
13 or 14
12 - 16
15 or 16
14 - 18
18
16 - 20
20
18 - 22
30
28 - 30
dynamic pressure test (engine on)
For diagnosing:
Cooling system leaks
Blown head gasket
Cylinder head damage
Cracked block
set-up & procedure:
1. Ensure the cooling system is cool and not pressurized. Carefully
remove the radiator or coolant bottle pressure cap.
2. Check to see that the radiator or coolant bottle is filled to the
proper level, and check hoses for visual damage or leaks. Fill
and repair as necessary prior to testing.
3. Select the correct Cooling System Adapter for the application.
Refer to the Adapter Selection Guide included in the kit.
4. Apply water or coolant to the rubber gasket and/or o-ring on the
adapter, and install the adapter in place of the pressure cap.
5. Install the Pressure Pump onto the System Adapter using the
quick-connect. Make sure the quick-connect sleeve snaps
forward to lock the connection.
6. Start the vehicle engine and monitor the pressure gauge.
An immediate and rapid pressure buildup is an indication of
a breach between a cylinder and the cooling system, most likely
due to a blown head gasket. Immediately turn off the engine and
release the pressure in the system by pressing the Pressure
Relief Valve located on pump hose near the quick-connect cou-
pler. Disconnect the test equipment and replace the head gasket.
If no immediate or rapid pressure buildup is indicated, operate
the pressure pump to bring the system to normal operating pres-
sure. If the needle on the pressure gauge vibrates rapidly, this is
an indication of a smaller compression or combustion leak into
the cooling system possibly caused by a damaged block or head.
Turn off the engine, carefully release the pressure in the system
by pressing the Pressure Relief Valve located on pump hose near
the quick-connect coupler. Disconnect the test equipment and
make necessary repairs.
7. If no abnormal pressure buildup is indicated, carefully release
the pressure in the system by pressing the Pressure Relief Valve
located on the pump hose near the quick-connect coupler. Let
the engine run until it reaches normal operating pressure and
temperature. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool with pres-
sure still applied. Check for leaks as the engine cools. A leak
caused by a slightly loose hose clamp or a stuck hose clamp that
gives a false sense of tightness, may only be noticeable during
cool down.
Caution
: This equipment is not designed to release pressure from
a hot engine. Do not press the pressure relief valve, or attempt
to disconnect the pump or adapter until the engine is completely
cool. Doing so will allow hot fluid to be released, possibly causing
severe personal injury.
8. When testing is complete and the engine is cool, release any
remaining pressure in the system by pressing the Pressure
Relief Valve located on pump hose near the quick-connect
coupler.
9. Repair leaks if necessary, and retest.
10. Disconnect components, clean and store them properly.
11. Refill the radiator or coolant bottle to the proper level, and
replace the cap.
To order call 1-800-548-1191 or visit www.partdeal.com - [email protected]