Cooling System Pressure Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford RV Cutaway, 2009 Ford Econoline, 2009 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2009 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
- Turn the engine OFF.
- Check the engine coolant level. Adjust the coolant level as necessary.
- Attach the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester from the Pressure Test Kit to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick-connect fitting of the test adapter.
- Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained. If the pressure reading exceeds the maximum cap pressure listed in the specifications table, install a new pressure relief cap.
- If the system does not hold pressure, remove the pressure relief cap and wash in clean water to dislodge all the foreign material from the gasket. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck of the degas bottle for nicks or cuts. Install the pressure relief cap.
- Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4 above. Observe the gauge reading for approximately 2 minutes. Pressure should not drop during this time. If the pressure drops within this time, inspect for leaks and repair as necessary.
- If no leaks are found and the pressure drops. the pressure relief cap may be leaking. Install a new pressure relief cap and retest the system.
- If no leaks are found after a new pressure relief cap is installed, and the pressure drops, the leak may be internal to the radiator transmission cooler. Inspect the coolant for transmission fluid and the transmission fluid for coolant. Repair as necessary.
- If there is no contamination of the coolant or transmission fluid, the leak may be internal to the engine. Inspect the coolant for engine oil and the engine oil for coolant. Refer to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article to diagnose the engine.
- Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the coolant level and adjust as necessary.
NOTE:
Do not pressurize the cooling system beyond the maximum pressure listed in the specifications table or cooling system components can be damaged.
NOTE:
If the plunger of the pressure tester is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.