How to test a radiator for leaks??

[thegamer36]

Is there a simple way to test a radiator for leaks?

Thanks.

[Kenjiwing]

Put water in it and see if it leaks.

[thegamer36]

Wouldn't you need some kind of pressure built up inside?

[Kenjiwing]

The only time radiators leak is when theres damage on the seal (at least to my knowledge).. most of the time when you have a rad leak its at the fittings.

Put two fittings you're going to use on the rad and connect it to a pump/res and see how it does.

[Tackleberry]

Plug + fitting, connect to tube. soak completely in water (bathtub) and blow as hard as you can :)
Also good to check lung capacitiy and ribcage power.
In case you get dizzy, stop immediately.:D

[NaeKuh]

plug one hole and then blow out the other.

If you notice air escaping, then yeah u got a hole.

if you notice u can hold pressure, then yes its sealed.


You need about 50-60PSI in blockage to rupture the tubes in a rad which is way beyond your lung capacity unless ur superman.

[Rubycon]

Definitely connect to a pump that's primed and block the (rad) exit port 95%. The backpressure should be close to 1 atmosphere (unless you're using a gorilla pump hehe!). Let it run overnight. If the box is completely dry you have no leaks. A tiny leak would never reveal itself with lung pressure.