cooling system pressure test

[jmoorepghpa]

Anybody ever done a cooling system pressure test on a raw water cooling system? I have a used motor that is new to me which I have to do some head work on. Just to check I would like to block off the water outlets, fill the system with water and some fluorescent dye, rig up a fitting and a guage and put some pressure on it just to check the block. There is no water in the oil but I haven't been able to run it for more than 4-5 min at a time. Just want to check for problems. I would hate to get the heads back on and find out I have a problem with the block or manifold. Its a merc 888.

 

[Coors]

Re: cooling system pressure test

air alone will work, you can hear a leak.

 

[Don S]

Re: cooling system pressure test

With the engine apart, I doubt you could find a way to block off all the ports. There are many passages between the head and block that would have to be plugged, including the head bolts (I think Ford head bolts go thru to the water passages like GM).
If you want to check for cracks, clean the block of all oil and dirt and have compeletely dry. Then get a red dye penetrant kit to check for cracks.
You paint on the red dye, allow it to penetrate for 15 minutes, then wash off. Allow to dry and spray on the white developer. The cracks will bleed red in the white backround.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=CRACKTEST

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: cooling system pressure test

Thanks for the red dye test advice - I had completely forgotten about it. I should clarify that I don't have the motor apart yet. I wanted to test it before I took it apart. The air is a good idea since it would be hard to look around for that fluorescent dye in the engine compartment. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cooling system pressure test

If it's Not torn down yet,......

You can Pressurize the Block pretty easily by blocking the hoses.....

To Pressure Test the Manifolds,... You have to pull the Risers,+ Block it off there....

 

[Don S]

Re: cooling system pressure test

I would hate to get the heads back on and find out I have a problem with the block or manifold. Its a merc 888.

After reading that, I thought you already had it apart.
I agree with bondo. Block of the hoses and pressurize the engine. If it holds pressure, you're good.

 

[Coors]

Re: cooling system pressure test

ahh, so I beat y'all to the correct answer

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: cooling system pressure test

ahh, so I beat y'all to the correct answer