radiator pressure tester - Land Rovers Only

me.guevara · 10-31-2009, 12:15 AM

Given our trucks' propensity to leak and blow gaskets, for my peace of mind, I'm considering getting a pressure tester.

I'm adding about a cup of coolant per week, and suspect the hoses to/fm the throttle body, but it must be coming out warm enough and slowly enough to evaporate before it accumulates or drips, because I don't get any puddles. I can smell it though...

I know to suspect a blown head gasket, and am alert to any of the typical warning signs. I drive it only what I must (it's our only vehicle).

My approach with my Disco's has always been to use my repair budget on tools and HD parts (Vs. handing it over to a mechanic), thus my question:

Most of the testers I'm finding on eBay are Stant, but I can't find any info on adapters - I'd hate to have the device but not have it hook up to my expansion tank for lack of the proper fitting.

Anyone use one of these?

Cheers,

hafaday · 10-31-2009, 08:28 AM

just recently a person posted this one, and he said it worked fine for him. i myself don't have 1 yet. haven't had a need for it.... knock on wood

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

me.guevara · 10-31-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hafaday

just recently a person posted this one, and he said it worked fine for him. i myself don't have 1 yet. haven't had a need for it.... knock on wood

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Nice! Thanks Hafaday!

Disco Mike · 10-31-2009, 09:32 AM

For the most part, they are a waste of money for anyone who knows there truck, is mechanically inclined and does his own work.
I do recommend to a number of non mechanical owners to have theirs tested, but nor for most of the seasoned owners.

me.guevara · 10-31-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

For the most part, they are a waste of money for anyone who knows there truck, is mechanically inclined and does his own work.
I do recommend to a number of non mechanical owners to have theirs tested, but nor for most of the seasoned owners.

I hear you, Mike, but without a pressure tester, how do I rule out a head gasket leak?

I consider myself mechanically competent...

Cheers,

Disco Mike · 10-31-2009, 01:10 PM

Pressure tester only shows coolant leaks, not oil leaks from head gaskets. I would keep your engine power scrubbed, cold water only, no degreaser, and if you ever see coolant down either side of the block, the rear and 50% of the front, you have a coolant leak.

me.guevara · 11-06-2009, 04:32 PM

Why buy when you can borrow, right?

Advance "lent" me their tester (a nice one with lots of adapters), but it turned out to be faulty (the gauge had a slow leak).

Fortunately, it did hold enough pressure to test the radiator cap, and a sort-of pressure test on the cooling system. It didn't hold well enough to do the leak down.

The cap holds up to it's 140 rating (metric units kg/cm? - right around 20 psi) and I only was able to go up to the same on the pressure test, but couldn't hold it for more than a few seconds, so it's only marginally useful.

I did try the leak down and the pressure build up from the system wasn't faster than the leak from the gauge, so it never left 0.

Would a HG leak into the cooling system build up pretty fast? I've never seen this test performed on a known faulty HG, so I don't know really what to expect.

Cheers,

amschnellsten · 11-06-2009, 09:03 PM

you can also use an old bicycle tire and an air pressure gauge