Pressure test Cooling System
DRW1000
03-28-2006, 05:28 PM
Someone mentioned testing the cooling system and I started thinking about it a bit but I felt it deserved its own thread.
I am wondering how I can rig up something to pressure test my cooling system. My first thought would be to somehow attach my regulated compressor output to the rad cap (missing on my Windstar however). This of course would be destructive to the rad cap so I would have to buy one for my "tool" which of course would not test my cap. I would then apply the presuure to the system and look for leaks.
Am I thinking about this the right way? Does anyone have any ideas? How do the pros pressure test a cooling system? Since the Windstar does not have a radiator cap is there a better way or place to introduce pressure?
I am wondering how I can rig up something to pressure test my cooling system. My first thought would be to somehow attach my regulated compressor output to the rad cap (missing on my Windstar however). This of course would be destructive to the rad cap so I would have to buy one for my "tool" which of course would not test my cap. I would then apply the presuure to the system and look for leaks.
Am I thinking about this the right way? Does anyone have any ideas? How do the pros pressure test a cooling system? Since the Windstar does not have a radiator cap is there a better way or place to introduce pressure?
12Ounce
03-28-2006, 07:02 PM
Your model Windstar doesn't have a radiator cap or a reservoir ... it has a "pressure relief cap" and a "degas bottle". Hoorah for jargon!
The shop manual shows unhooking the smallest hose that goes to the top of the degas bottle and installing a test (tee) adaptor. To this adaptor, you attach what looks like a bicycle tire pump with gauge. You pump up the pressure until the pressure cap relieves. You're suppose to get at least 13 psi but no more than 18 psi.
After this, you watch the gauge for a long period, hoping it will hold at the relief pressure ... indicating no leaks.
BTW, my year-long coolant leaks are no secret ... they are at the front cover, and I'm finally about to jump in and replace the cover gasket in the next few days.
The shop manual shows unhooking the smallest hose that goes to the top of the degas bottle and installing a test (tee) adaptor. To this adaptor, you attach what looks like a bicycle tire pump with gauge. You pump up the pressure until the pressure cap relieves. You're suppose to get at least 13 psi but no more than 18 psi.
After this, you watch the gauge for a long period, hoping it will hold at the relief pressure ... indicating no leaks.
BTW, my year-long coolant leaks are no secret ... they are at the front cover, and I'm finally about to jump in and replace the cover gasket in the next few days.
wiswind
03-28-2006, 07:31 PM
Can you take pictures and post them when you do the timing cover?
Take them...and we will figure out a way to get them posted for other's to view.
LouisNC has a site that you should be able to post them directly to.......
Alldata lists the FORD standard repair time for the timing cover gasket at 13.5 hours.
So be prepared for a lot of work.
I plan to replace my lower intake manifold gaskets.....just bought them today.....
I plan to take pictures of that and post them......hopefully it works out.....
Take them...and we will figure out a way to get them posted for other's to view.
LouisNC has a site that you should be able to post them directly to.......
Alldata lists the FORD standard repair time for the timing cover gasket at 13.5 hours.
So be prepared for a lot of work.
I plan to replace my lower intake manifold gaskets.....just bought them today.....
I plan to take pictures of that and post them......hopefully it works out.....
LeSabre97mint
03-28-2006, 11:39 PM
Sence cooling system is the topic....I've got a thought...
You know on a boat it has an alarm for no oil psi or over heat....
What do you guys think about a psi sensor on the cooling system? Is the system looses psi, you can shut it down before an overheat.
Thoughts?
Regards
Dan
You know on a boat it has an alarm for no oil psi or over heat....
What do you guys think about a psi sensor on the cooling system? Is the system looses psi, you can shut it down before an overheat.
Thoughts?
Regards
Dan
12Ounce
03-29-2006, 11:07 AM
Wiswind,
Yes, I will take pictures and they will be available for whomever to post (I still don't have this skill). BTW, I intend to try a "new way" of getting access to the front cover ... it involves "swinging" the subframe. The reason is ... I also need some extra access to the tranny for some internal seal replacements (I think the Mercon has finally gotten to me!).
LeSabre,
I think sensing excessive high temperature is the way to go, because the coolant will continue to boil-off until the last drop. This will keep the pressure "up" until the engine is scorched ... but the pressure won't appear as "high pressure" because the relief cap is steadily dumping at 18psi.
Yes, I will take pictures and they will be available for whomever to post (I still don't have this skill). BTW, I intend to try a "new way" of getting access to the front cover ... it involves "swinging" the subframe. The reason is ... I also need some extra access to the tranny for some internal seal replacements (I think the Mercon has finally gotten to me!).
LeSabre,
I think sensing excessive high temperature is the way to go, because the coolant will continue to boil-off until the last drop. This will keep the pressure "up" until the engine is scorched ... but the pressure won't appear as "high pressure" because the relief cap is steadily dumping at 18psi.
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