I'm about to test my VW Routan. I had an issue while camping in 2021. My fiancé cobbled a tester with a bike pump and rags- that was a doozy! I just bought a Maddox kit. Appreciate the video, let's see what happens!
On the vast majority of VWs from the last 25 years, I find the easiest way is to apply pressure to the small return pipe to the reservior. That way you don't need all the adaptors and also are testing the cap.
This seems to be somewhat of a common issue, even with quality adapters. When I was a technician, one of my favorite cooling system pressure tools was a bladder type. This one typically avoided issues like what you're describing.
It's always hard to get time together to make videos throughout the Fall and Spring semester. Scope the cooling system? This would be interesting to compare a good engine vs one with a failing head gasket.
Cool to see to you test an E39 V8 :) How long is the 15 psi pressure supposed to hold? I'm testing cold my X5 2002 3.0 M54, and the pressure drops from 20psi to 15 psi in 10 minutes, and from 15 psi to 10 psi in another 10 minutes. Not seeing any leaks.
Typically, you will see a ~2 PSI loss in the first 5 minutes or so depending on the vehicle. I attribute this to expansion of rubber hoses. Any further loss should be a concern since it may indicate an external or internal leak. For an M54, has it ever been overheated? They often crack the cylinder head near a valve seat when that occurs.
Hi Adam. Thanks for the video. 5:20 are all of those colored adapters anozied aluminum or some metal? The ones on Amazon look like plastic and copies of originals. I've read a lot of not so good and conflicting reviews of those products, such as not fitting the radiator or expansion tank, and leaky adapters. Just curious to find the one that's worth dropping some money on, with Vacuum Lift and Pressure Tester.
Thanks for watching! All the kits, including Snap-On, have a mix of anodized aluminum and plastic adapters. In most cases, they work just fine. Depending on the scope of vehicles you plan to work on, it may be better to buy the pressure test kit and vacuum lift separately.
A lil unreliable in some cases considering the system being pressurized by the tool yet apply physical pressure helped use to confirm the leak. Once you let go the line it stopped spewing so the tool appears to be limited with certain leak. Otherwise well done and very informative
Thanks for watching. It's not always easy to find a live example when filming, so this kind of worked out.. even if I had to flex it. The trail of residue told a better story.
Hi Adam, I have a coolant leak that I'm trying to troubleshoot on my VW crafter, but I'm struggling to find a pressure tester kit with the suitable adapter for the expansion tank. Any idea where I could find one?
Making your own is an option. There were some expansion tanks where I would use vise grips to pinch the vent hose because my adapter did not seal fully.
When performed at the proper pressure, this test cannot cause any harm. The goal is to replicate the operating pressure specified by the radiator or expansion tank cap. On electric vehicles, it is important to review the operating pressure. Many EV cooling systems operate at low levels such as 3-5 psi.
@@AdamsAnalysis ah ok so flows but just under small pressure until the thermostat is open, i’m losing coolant but when I do the pressure test it’s completely solid so I was thinking possibly because thermostat was closed. Any suggestions?
@@thelegand1 The thermostat is just a valve to regulate when coolant flows through the radiator for full cooling. When the engine is below the thermostat's opening temperature, it is able to circulate in the engine block and heater core. The pressure in the system is created by the expansion of coolant while it increases in temperature. I would make sure you are testing at the rated pressure of the cap, usually around 15 psi. Have tried this with both a cold and hot engine? Be extra mindful if you conduct the test while things are hot. If you do not see any external leaks, it is possible a head gasket leak is occurring. Also, don't forget to check inside the vehicle to verify the heater core is not leaking. What make, model and engine is the vehicle?
@@AdamsAnalysis i’ve tested at the operating pressure but only when cold. But wouldn’t head gasket or heater matrix still show up on the gauge when the pressure drops? This is the issue as it doesn’t drop after leaving it on for even 15 minutes
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I'm attending RUclips university to try to train myself to be more than a parts-changer. This sort of video on the basics is a great help. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm about to test my VW Routan. I had an issue while camping in 2021. My fiancé cobbled a tester with a bike pump and rags- that was a doozy! I just bought a Maddox kit. Appreciate the video, let's see what happens!
On the vast majority of VWs from the last 25 years, I find the easiest way is to apply pressure to the small return pipe to the reservior. That way you don't need all the adaptors and also are testing the cap.
Thanks for sharing, video is easy to follow.
Excellent brother. Please make more videos
Thanks for watching!
I have a 2001 Ford ranger my expansion tanks just got a pop on cap how do you pressure test for something like that
Thank you for the demonstration.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent straight forward video!! 👍🇨🇦
Thanks for watching!
Tool Pro? Also sold as Pittsburgh brand at Harbor Freight in the USA.
very nice! should of included a short section on using adapters to test the radiator cap.
Thanks! Great suggestion, the cap operation is equally important.
Great video
Thanks!
KNOWLEDGEABLE Adam 's Analysis
Tutorial great video brilliant thank you
Adam 's Analysis
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧
I tried it on my car but all it does is bubbles in my coolant reservoir. Why is that ?
Is this a good test to run If I suspect a possible intake leak? I’m getting coolant into my oil.
Would you recommend the mastercool kit ?
I nought a un expensive test kit when i went to use it on 2008 acadia air was coming out of overflow canister not letting get pressure
This seems to be somewhat of a common issue, even with quality adapters. When I was a technician, one of my favorite cooling system pressure tools was a bladder type. This one typically avoided issues like what you're describing.
Yo Adam, where have you been bro? Now you got to put a scope on the radiator and show the waveform with a pulse sensor.
It's always hard to get time together to make videos throughout the Fall and Spring semester. Scope the cooling system? This would be interesting to compare a good engine vs one with a failing head gasket.
@@AdamsAnalysis yup that's what I'm thinking.
Hey can it be pump to 25psi?
Cool to see to you test an E39 V8 :)
How long is the 15 psi pressure supposed to hold?
I'm testing cold my X5 2002 3.0 M54, and the pressure drops from 20psi to 15 psi in 10 minutes, and from 15 psi to 10 psi in another 10 minutes.
Not seeing any leaks.
Typically, you will see a ~2 PSI loss in the first 5 minutes or so depending on the vehicle. I attribute this to expansion of rubber hoses. Any further loss should be a concern since it may indicate an external or internal leak. For an M54, has it ever been overheated? They often crack the cylinder head near a valve seat when that occurs.
Does this pressure test works on other leaks such as at hoses, joints, heater core, thermostat?
Yes, it pressurizes the whole system and will help identify any leak.
Hi Adam. Thanks for the video. 5:20 are all of those colored adapters anozied aluminum or some metal? The ones on Amazon look like plastic and copies of originals. I've read a lot of not so good and conflicting reviews of those products, such as not fitting the radiator or expansion tank, and leaky adapters. Just curious to find the one that's worth dropping some money on, with Vacuum Lift and Pressure Tester.
Thanks for watching! All the kits, including Snap-On, have a mix of anodized aluminum and plastic adapters. In most cases, they work just fine. Depending on the scope of vehicles you plan to work on, it may be better to buy the pressure test kit and vacuum lift separately.
A lil unreliable in some cases considering the system being pressurized by the tool yet apply physical pressure helped use to confirm the leak. Once you let go the line it stopped spewing so the tool appears to be limited with certain leak. Otherwise well done and very informative
Thanks for watching. It's not always easy to find a live example when filming, so this kind of worked out.. even if I had to flex it. The trail of residue told a better story.
Some soapy water on potential leak points should bubble up. I agree with OP though, great vid @@AdamsAnalysis
Hi Adam, I have a coolant leak that I'm trying to troubleshoot on my VW crafter, but I'm struggling to find a pressure tester kit with the suitable adapter for the expansion tank. Any idea where I could find one?
Make your own and run it off the expansion hose
Making your own is an option. There were some expansion tanks where I would use vise grips to pinch the vent hose because my adapter did not seal fully.
Can this show if you have a leaking head gasket?
That’s my question that he didn’t answer
Yes
The only car with an actual leak is, of course, a BMW. I can attest as an owner of one. That is the biggest, most persistent problem on them.
Would a pressure test cause more harm than good?
When performed at the proper pressure, this test cannot cause any harm. The goal is to replicate the operating pressure specified by the radiator or expansion tank cap. On electric vehicles, it is important to review the operating pressure. Many EV cooling systems operate at low levels such as 3-5 psi.
Wouldn’t you only be testing half the system since the thermostat is cold/closed?
The thermostat is in place on one side of the system, there is still a path for the pressure to reach all components.
@@AdamsAnalysis ah ok so flows but just under small pressure until the thermostat is open, i’m losing coolant but when I do the pressure test it’s completely solid so I was thinking possibly because thermostat was closed. Any suggestions?
@@thelegand1 The thermostat is just a valve to regulate when coolant flows through the radiator for full cooling. When the engine is below the thermostat's opening temperature, it is able to circulate in the engine block and heater core. The pressure in the system is created by the expansion of coolant while it increases in temperature. I would make sure you are testing at the rated pressure of the cap, usually around 15 psi. Have tried this with both a cold and hot engine? Be extra mindful if you conduct the test while things are hot. If you do not see any external leaks, it is possible a head gasket leak is occurring. Also, don't forget to check inside the vehicle to verify the heater core is not leaking. What make, model and engine is the vehicle?
@@AdamsAnalysis i’ve tested at the operating pressure but only when cold. But wouldn’t head gasket or heater matrix still show up on the gauge when the pressure drops? This is the issue as it doesn’t drop after leaving it on for even 15 minutes
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