radiator pressure tester

[Pedro86]

I learned the other day, that using someone else home made pressure tester, can exasperate or create- leaks in $800 radiators.

so, no more using someone else`s makeshift....

with that, what im looking for recommendations on- is a good, pressure tester that i can hook up to shop air, but the internals of the tester, prevent the radiator being pressurized beyond "normal levels" Im relatively sure such tools exist...

I work on 18 wheelers.

which brand do you use, or would you recommend?

I am of course aware of the old hand pump, but lets move to the modern era

im thinking http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1901&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog is either it, or similar... any suggestions? (p,s i do search for old topics, but i have a 3 page rule

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't know what is wrong with a good hand pump tester. I worked on farm tractors up to 13.5L dispalcement and it didn't take long to pressure test those. I would only look at an air pressure test that is in combo with a vac filler if I worked on stuff that was a pain to fill the cooling system. I think the company is called Air lift that makes the coolant test filler that the trucks rebadge, but I havn't seached it.

 

[kmkalf]

IMO i think you'll be better off with the old hand pump at both shops i've been to there were instances where i had to go in the yard to pressure test a system and by the time you get an airline and the such ready you can already have it pumped up but when you compare everything for air pressure testers they are all similar in pricing as far as i know but you at least can make payments with snap on

 

[GoBlue]

Another vote for hand pumper...it takes seconds

 

[rodm1]

Stant or Mityvac. Mityvac has a bleed of valve Stant leaks all over. I have a Stant and it works good never used the Mityvac setup but believe its better.

The Mityvac can be used engine running up to temp Stant you can't or shouldn't.

http://revlimiter.net/blog/2011/05/tool-review-coolant-pressure-tester/

http://www.lincolnindustrial.com/Catalogs/Uploaded/Catalog_87/MV4560 Flyer.pdf

 

[KNS Autosport]

I have a Snap-on (SVTS262C) and love it ! The adaptors are pricey tho

 

[Hank McMauser]

totally redneck, but the last time I needed one, I sacrificed an old bycycle innertube cut a section out and split it lengthwise to go over the lower hose opening,secured with a hose clamp. The top hose opening had a section that included the schraeder valve do not split this one leave it intact slipping the end over the opening,and also secured with aother hose clamp,the other end of the tube gets folded over/pinched/clamped between something. install the pressure cap pump up with a bicycle pump,spray with soapy water watch for leaks. net cost $0.00

 

[diesel research]

Another vote for hand pumper...it takes seconds

You haven't ever pumped up a 15L Detroit similar, with an air bubble in the system.

It can be quite the process if there is an airlock for some reason.

_______________________________

As far as makeshift, why didn't you use a simple pressure regulator/ball valve? At times, I have even had to resort to injecting the air through the overflow tube with rubber tipped blow gun. That is when an adapter is not available for a particular application. Even then, I still have multiple fail-safes. I can easily pull the tip away if things go awry, line pressure is regulated to desired pressure, and ball valve is easily closed.

Obviously I don't like standing there and holding a blow gun, so much rather use adapters when available. Set pressure, fill, CLOSE BALL VALVE, disconnect airline, and do whatever inspections you need to do.


A small bleeder is nice.

You are going to pay a lot of money for an air pressure regulator by buying such a kit, as that is all it is.

 

[jimexcursion]

The air pumps seem great until there is an internal problem in the tool and you overpressurize the cooling sytem and start destroying parts.