Yesterday I brought Rambo to the shop for a couple jobs I intended to do. First was the radiator. Rambo had made a mess on the floor where I parked him last fall... coolant was everywhere. I got the radiator from the pile of parts known as either #10 or "Pyle". Condition unknown, so I decided to test it. Here's how I did it.
The test base is a simple particle board base bolted on over 3 shop cut gaskets to provide clearance for the tube ends.
I applied just a few ounces of air pressure using this rig made from odd ends lsying around the shop. The regulator is in addition to the one feeding the air hose, and the double gauges are further assurance that the pressure doesn't get too high. It's enough to turn up the regulator just enough to see the gauge move.
A windex bottle filled with soapy water is a handy leak detector, tire mounting lubricator, carburetor leak detector and is kept handy. I found and repaired only one very small leak.
Here's the payoff... I added a full gallon of coolant to Rambo's radiator, and today it's dry as a bone so I may not change the radiator at all!
Now I can concentrate on rebuilding the TC block and adding it while the hood is off.
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How To Test a Radiator
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How To Test a Radiator
Last edited by Barnyard on Tue Jul 12, 2022 11:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Add missing images
Reason: Add missing images
George Willer
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The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. Ambrose Bierce
http://gwill.net
The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. Ambrose Bierce
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Good deal George
Just to clarify one point you made Do Not Use more that 3 or 4 psi or you will be looking for a new radiatior whether you needed one before or not. That is all the pressure you need to find a leak I came up with the 3-4psi as the is the rating of the cap the IH dealer gave me. To help find a leak faster you can pressureise it and put it in a tank of water too.
Billy
Just to clarify one point you made Do Not Use more that 3 or 4 psi or you will be looking for a new radiatior whether you needed one before or not. That is all the pressure you need to find a leak I came up with the 3-4psi as the is the rating of the cap the IH dealer gave me. To help find a leak faster you can pressureise it and put it in a tank of water too.
Billy
Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. 1964 cub. Farmall 100 and 130.
"Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the ones who are doing it.”
"Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the ones who are doing it.”
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Cowboy wrote::wink: Good deal George
Just to clarify one point you made Do Not Use more that 3 or 4 psi or you will be looking for a new radiatior whether you needed one before or not. That is all the pressure you need to find a leak I came up with the 3-4psi as the is the rating of the cap the IH dealer gave me. To help find a leak faster you can pressureise it and put it in a tank of water too.
Billy
Billy,
I'm sure you're right. I doubt I used as much as a pound of pressure... just enongh to make the guage needle move any at all. I recommend not using any more than the bare minimum. The soapy water (a lot of soap in the water) will make a mass of bubbles wherever there is a leak, and has the advantage of having the radiator easily readily available for whatever repair may be necessary. Also easier to rig than a proper tank like the radiator shops have.
George Willer
http://gwill.net
The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. Ambrose Bierce
http://gwill.net
The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. Ambrose Bierce
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