![]() A properly operating cooling system will normally indicate seven to eight pounds of pressure on the gauge. Observe the pressure buildup on the gauge.Start the engine with zero pressure on the gauge.Remove the radiator cap and install the pressure tester. Continue pressure testing until the cooling system holds pressure.Īnother way to pressure test the radiator is performed by doing the following:.A sweet smell will indicate a leak on the heater cores. Turn on the heater fans and observe the air coming out of the vents.These are the common trouble spots susceptible to leaks. Check the radiator hoses, water pump and the heater core.Check for leaks on external surfaces when the gauge indicates a loss of pressure.Install the pressure gauge and pump ten pounds of pressure.Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Take precaution when removing the radiator cap on a hot engine, because the pressure buildup could cause serious burns and scalds. ![]() Radiator Pressure TestĪ cooling system pressure tester is used to perform this test and is installed in place of the radiator cap. This can be diagnosed by a radiator test or coolant pressure test. White smoke emitted from the tailpipe, brownish coolant in the reservoir, a change in color of the engine oil or a rise in level of oil could mean a head gasket failure or a faulty engine cooling system. Take precaution when checking hoses, especially in a hot engine. Remember that a hot engine will produce an extremely hot coolant in the radiator. Most leaks stem from cracked radiator hoses due to old age or faulty installation. External Coolant LeaksĬheck the engine bay for any leaks that may resemble the color of your engine coolant. ![]() An overheating engine could be caused by many factors such as low coolant level due to leaks, faulty thermostat or a blown head gasket. External coolant leaks are relatively easy to spot with no special tools required, but internal leaks are a different story altogether. When your car exhibits a rise in engine temperature as made evident by the temperature gauge in the console, a radiator test should be performed.
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