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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SVT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1166 (Engine Cooling System) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Engine Cooling >> Component Tests >> Pressure Test
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Pressure Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn the engine off.
    2. WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, (with a cloth) remove the pressure relief cap.
  2. Check the engine coolant level. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
  3. Connect the Radiator Heater Core Pressure Tester to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick-connect fitting of the test adapter.
    4. NOTE: If the plunger of the pump is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.
  4. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
  5. If the pressure relief cap does not hold pressure, remove and wash the pressure relief cap in clean water to dislodge all foreign material from the gaskets. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck.
  6. If 8-9 kPa (13 psi) cannot be reached, install a new pressure relief cap. If more than 12 kPa (18 psi) shows on gauge, install a new pressure relief cap.
    7. CAUTION: If the pressure drops, check for leaks at the engine to heater core hoses, engine-to-radiator hoses, coolant valve hose (if applicable), radiator and heater core or other system components and connections. Any leaks which are found must be corrected and the system rechecked.
  7. Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step  4 (using a pressure relief cap that operates within the specified upper and lower pressure limits). Observe the gauge reading for approximately 2 minutes. For additional information, refer to GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS . Pressure should not drop during this time.
  8. Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the engine coolant level and replenish, if necessary, with the correct engine coolant mixture. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
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