testing radiator.....

[FlatBlackBurb]

ok so i just got a "new" radiator from the pick n pull yesterday. i want to test it and see if it holds pressure before i pour all the coolant in it (i spent my last $$ on it so money is tight). i want to just pour water in it first and see what happens when i drive around the block a couple times. but how do i drain the system of the water before i put the coolant in? just disconnect the bottom hoses? i want to be sure before i do anything stupid. and i dont wanna put all my coolant in there and find out theres a fat leak. also im too cheap to get one of those pressure testers from autozone. thanks

 

[pauly383]

Theres a petcock on the bottom drivers side .

 

[dremu]

also im too cheap to get one of those pressure testers from autozone.

They're free to rent, can't be too cheap to do that.

-- A

 

[dyeager535]

Just watch your temp gauge. You might check around with radiator shops in your area, they may test it for free. I know my local 'yard that fixes radiators will flow/pressure test for free if I bring it in, plus I can stand there and watch to make sure they aren't trying to rip me off.

Made the mistake of putting a used, un-tested radiator up against a new motor, break in was not fun.

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

im just gonna put it in, put water in it, drive it around the block a couple times, and see if it leaks at all. hopefully it doesnt. i got it out of a pretty nice 86 suburban that looked like it was in great shape, so we shall see.... wish me luck

 

[romeolimagolf]

A quick way to test a radiator if it is out of a vehicle is to get a bicycle inner tube and cut it. Clamp one end over the inlet of the radiator and the other end over the outlet. Now, using the valve core of the inner tube, put in a little air pressure. You can now dip the radiator in a tub of water and check for bubbles or use a garden hose and run it over the radiator to check for bubbles. Theoretically, if you had an air pressure gauge, you could stick it on the valve stem to see if it holds pressure. Of course, you would have to put the cap on the radiator and plug any other holes, such as a outlet for an overflow tube, in order for this method to work.

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

hmm thats a good idea. it didnt take me too much time to get the old radiator out so i think im just gonna stick this one in, put water in it, run it to and from town and see if it leaks. then if it doesn't im gonna drain the water and put coolant in it.

quick question tho... do i need to add any tranny fluid to the new radiator? or will the fluid just automatically refill as soon as the pump starts going?