[Mgs] Radiator Pressure Testing

[don at napanet.net]

Bert,

There is a tool available to pressure test automobile cooling systems.  If you
have cars and do your own repairs, it's worth owning such a tool.  You pump up
pressure manually with this device.  Stant, among others, makes the tool, and
you can find 'em on eBay used.  That's where I bought mine.  With such a tool,
you can pressurize a cooling system slowly and carefully.

Another possible route is to add Barsleak to your cooling system.  It sounds too
good to be true, but it worked in my Miata with a heater core leak.  No adverse
effects, and the leak was sealed.  I don't normally believe in miracles, but
sometimes they do happen.

Don Scott
Napa Valley CA USA
1973 MGB GT (for sale)
1991 Miata BRG
1962 MGA Mk II
1962 TR4 (seeking)


Quoting Bert Palte <palte at gmx.net>:

> Dear fellow listers,
> 
> I have a leak somewhere in the heater radiator 
> or the heater valve of one of my other cars, a 1972 Sunbeam Sceptre.
> 
> Were it an MGB, I would, of course, order new parts and exchange them,
> [mandatory MG content] but for this car it is almost impossible to get new
> parts and I have to resort to used items that I have had laying around for
> many, many years... 
> 
> Fitting these under the dash, however, is a PITA so I would like to pressure
> test them before fitting.
> 
> Question: What pressure can I safely apply for radiator testing?
> I have compressed air @ 6 bar (~70 psi) at my disposal 
> but I'm afraid that that will blow the radiator apart.
> 
> Any recommendations anyone?
> 
> 
> Bert
> Holland, Europe