Engine coolant can be checked for antifreeze density with a
hydrometer. The gauge on the hydrometer will tell you the freezing point
of the antifreeze. The more antifreeze the lower the freezing point. In
other words the more antifreeze the colder it has to get for the coolant
to freeze.
Use a radiator pressure tester to test for external and internal leaks. Its
really nothing more than a pump with a pressure gauge. Install the tester
to the neck of the radiator or the coolant reservoir. Check around the
engine, hoses, and radiator for leaks. Remember to check inside the
floor and console area for heater core leaks.
If the engine is started with the tester installed and the gauge quickly
increases past the recommended psi the engine has compression
leaking into the coolant jacket.
The tester can also be used to check the radiator cap. There are many
different types of adapters depending on the application. Install the cap
on the tester and pump to recommended psi. If the cap loses pressure
check for old cracked seals and spring pressure.
Hard to find coolant leaks can be diagnosed using dye penatrant. You
just add the dye to the coolant and heat the engine to operating
temperature. Using the black light go around the usual places looking
for a green fluorescent color.
hydrometer. The gauge on the hydrometer will tell you the freezing point
of the antifreeze. The more antifreeze the lower the freezing point. In
other words the more antifreeze the colder it has to get for the coolant
to freeze.
Use a radiator pressure tester to test for external and internal leaks. Its
really nothing more than a pump with a pressure gauge. Install the tester
to the neck of the radiator or the coolant reservoir. Check around the
engine, hoses, and radiator for leaks. Remember to check inside the
floor and console area for heater core leaks.
If the engine is started with the tester installed and the gauge quickly
increases past the recommended psi the engine has compression
leaking into the coolant jacket.
The tester can also be used to check the radiator cap. There are many
different types of adapters depending on the application. Install the cap
on the tester and pump to recommended psi. If the cap loses pressure
check for old cracked seals and spring pressure.
Hard to find coolant leaks can be diagnosed using dye penatrant. You
just add the dye to the coolant and heat the engine to operating
temperature. Using the black light go around the usual places looking
for a green fluorescent color.
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