![]() This article reviews to steps for using a pressure tester in more detail. It is at normal pressure if the pressure doesn’t drop significantly after 30 minutes. If the system is holding pressure at the set pressure and there is no sound of leaking, check the gauge about every 5-10 minutes for 30 minutes and see how much the pressure has dropped. ![]() Watch the pressure gauge-the faster the gauge drops the bigger the leak. Pump up to set the pressure on the pressure gauge between 15-20 psi to reach the psi on the radiator cap. Place the pressure tester on like a radiator cap until it’s secure, and use an adaptor from the pressure tester kit if necessary Attach the Pressure Tester to the Radiator.With the vehicle cool, remove the radiator cap from the radiator Local parts stores may loan tools, and you can also buy a new one or have a mechanic pressurize the system.īefore looking for a coolant leak with a pressure tester, wait for the vehicle to cool down If you find no signs of leaking after checking the parts of the coolant system, you can test the system with a pressure tester. How to Find a Coolant Leak with a Pressure Tester A weak seal or spring will release more pressure faster than usual, making for a more pungent smell. This is usually not visible but it can smell sweet. If the cap’s spring or gasket/seal starts to fail, it can release steam. The caps have a spring and are supposed to release pressure. After a certain amount of years and mileage, the radiator cap can fail. With the system cool, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the radiator, which should be near the top. Check the Radiator Cap (with the System Cool) Check the RadiatorĬheck the hose connections to the radiator and the seams on the radiator for looseness or leaking. Inspect the ends of the hoses that lead to the firewall for signs of leaking. Examine the Heater Core Hosesįollow the heater hose that leads to the heater core in the firewall. Use a mirror and a flashlight to inspect the bottom of the water pump and the gasket for traces of fresh or dry coolant. Examine the Water PumpĬheck the water pump and the hose that connects to it for leaks. Check the gaskets on the thermostat housing where it connects to the engine block. If the thermostat housing has an air bleeder, check the O-ring for leaks. Inspect the Thermostat Housingįollow the radiator hose down to the thermostat housing. The hose should feel firm and soft but not collapsed or brittle. Inspect the Upper Radiator HoseĬheck along and at the ends of the upper radiator hose for leaking or crusting. If the level appears low, there is likely a leak. The coolant level in the coolant reservoir should be near the cold or hot marking if there are no leaks. The puddle’s location may help lead to the leak. Check for Coolant PuddlesĬheck under the vehicle for coolant leaks. Follow any hoses in the coolant system and inspect all of them for leaks or damage 1. ![]() Mechanic’s Tip: Different vehicles have different designs. How to Find a Coolant Leak Without a Pressure Tester If you smell a sweet smell coming from your car, these steps describe how to find a coolant leak. It can happen inside or outside the car and might mean there’s a coolant leak. Contaminated oil will quickly destroy an engine.Leaking coolant, also known as antifreeze, can smell sweet like maple syrup or burnt marshmallows. This will require an instant oil change – ethylene/propylene glycol in the coolant will affect the oil’s lubricating properties. Milky white oil on your dipstick is also a sign of an internal leak. This is because coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, where it burns and evaporates. However, white smoke coming from the tailpipe is a strong sign that the head gasket is behind the leak. It is difficult to check the condition of the head gasket under the bonnet. The head gasket may degrade over time and cause leaks because it is constantly exposed to high-pressure hot gases. This often means that the head gasket is leaking. Instead, you will normally find your coolant level dropping regularly, requiring frequent refills. Usually, internal leaks don’t lead to puddles of coolant beneath your car. ![]() If you have a coolant leak and can’t identify its source in the external system or radiator cap, you’re likely to be dealing with an internal leak. ![]()
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