Bench testing a radiator

[Peter Laidler]

On the other hand Taff........ You could test your rad at 14-15psi. Then put it back and fill the system with waterless coolant. Safe in the knowledge that if it ain't leaking at 14-15psi, then it certainly ain't going to leak at 0-psi. Just my take on things with waterless in a 40 year old rad

[InnoCooperExport]

The radiator specialists I use bung up the radiator, then pressurize it with air and drop it in a big bath. If they see bubbles it leaks. Bob's your uncle. Nice proper old school shop where they know Rads inside out.

As far as Evans Waterless Coolant goes I've read mixed reviews over the years, some negative saying it doesn't have the heat capacity of water. So where it may not boil it won't cool as strongly either. Then there's heat pockets if you do get any residual water in the system that can turn to vapour. And if you get the waterless coolant mixed with some water in the system (say you forget to open the heater tap when changing coolants) the coolant ages prematurely leading to costly replacement.

But then it doesn't boil or pressurise the system which is nice. It's not something I use, but I can see why people would. I'm not trying to rubbish it, but I do think it's important people understand that it's not all sunshine and roses.

[mab01uk]

I use an old bicycle inner tube...cut it about 15 inches on either side of the valve....clamp one end to the top outlet and the other to the bottom outlet....fill with water...replace the cap and then pump in a few pounds of air....seems to work well.

I found this thread on a quick search for rad testing ideas....tried the bicycle inner tube test suggested by 360gts, simple and easy to do and after a few pumps it proved this rad leaks...see drips along the top edge.