Coolant pressure tester

[Mr.Nutcase]

I need a coolant pressure tester. I always used the shops where I work but it ***** or I barrow my co workers. Rec me a good one

 

[Fedwrench]

Many to choose from. Stant probably the most common but, adapters can add up fast.

I googled coolant pressure tester looking for pictures to share and stumbled on this article.
https://www.carbibles.com/radiator-pressure-tester/

Never heard of the site and I'm not sure if I agree with some of their picks like the OTC model but, it will give some reference info on what's available.

 

[Htscheg]

Stant or snap on

 

[Bogie1632]

Stant or Astro Pneumatic. I ended up with an Astro 78585. Reasonably priced getting a kit with pump, multiple adapters and a vacuum fill tool. Not sure what you work on but it's been handy to have in the garage helping family with a variety of vehicle types. My only knock on Stant is the adapters tend to run pricey and that adds up if you need multiple but they are nice if you don't mind buy once, cry once. If I only worked on a few types in my garage I'd likely just have Stant.

V/R
Bogie

 

[demarpaint]

I have a Stant coolant pressure tester, I have no complaints with it.

 

[Djosbun]

I have the Stant and at least 10 of their different adapters. It's been well used for the last 6-7 years and never lets me down. Mityvac also makes one but their adapters are plastic and more expensive than the Stant.

-- Dave

 

[Chevy-SS]

I've had the same Stant for 30+ years. It still works good and looks like new. Awesome piece of kit.

 

[65ranchero]

Stant or snap on

Snap-on probably markets Stant

How much work are you doing ? Maybe a quick Google search can net you a nice home owner with multi adaptors in a complete kit

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Get the Astro kit. You will need 4 add-ons. 3 are additional caps for late-model euro and ford? The final is a pressure testing device which connect shop air to the caps. Set the regulator, have it blast out, and find the leak. No more pumping.

 

[bob15]

Stant.

 

[95exlightning]

Snap on / blue point

 

[signcrafter]

I have a stant and about 10 adapters that cover most of what I run into.

I have been thinking about picking up the astro kit as a back up and to cover anything that I don't already have adapters for. But I already have a vacuum filler and my stant and adapters so not sure it would be worth it over just buying any additional adapters I run into. But if I was starting fresh I would most likely be going with that complete astro kit.

 

[AJHD]

I can't make any guarantees, so take this with a grain of salt, plus I've not had a need to use it yet, but... I bought the newer Maddox tester from HF awhile back. I also bought the adapter kit. I can't see any physical differences between the Snap On, Stant, Redline, OTC, CTA, OEM Tools, etc...

They all seem to be made by the same company. I don't know who the OEM manufacture is or if they all just copied a specific design, but this is one case where I don't recommend Snap On. I've owned the Snap On design version, and I just don't see the point.

I'd only recommend Snap On if you have a truck that stops by your shop on a regular basis, you're concerned with warranty due to heavy/daily use, and you're ok with the price tag.

 

[WhataTool]

The AP one is Taiwan, the adapters all feel like high quality fiber nylon. I bought a set that was around 60% the cost first that looked the same. Box said made in China which is whatever, but you pump it up and 5 mins later there's no vacuum whether the vehicle has a leak or not - so I ate it on that one as the seller would not take it back.

If anyone wants it I'll make them a good deal, lol

 

[theoldwizard1]

The Stant pressure tester is re-sold under multiple brand names (not Astro).

Older Stant pumps are limited to around 15 psi and you need at least 18 psi for newer systems. Stant does sell an upgrade kit (30 psi).

 

[Wrench97]

The Stant is probably the best, the adapters are the most costliest part.
NAPA does have a pretty decent kit for less than $200 > https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_...ank=12&keywordInput=radiator+pressure+testeer

If you use it all the time bite the bullet and buy the stant with adapter kit you need for occasional use the NAPA kit would be fine.

 

[jimsahm]

I use the Astro Pneumatic 78585 and MAC sells it too (rebranded I think), BUT it's great... No issues. Solid quality and good adapter coverage.

I did a review of it here:

Hope this helps!
-Jim

 

[Jeepster04]

You can rent them from an autoparts store.

I recently bought one from HF and it works fine. It would be nice to have some sort of bleeder with a hose so it doesnt blow antifreeze everywhere when you take it off.

 

[Wrench97]

You can rent them from an autoparts store.

I recently bought one from HF and it works fine. It would be nice to have some sort of bleeder with a hose so it doesnt blow antifreeze everywhere when you take it off.

Loosen slowly