Bambusiero
SILVER Star
As a follow-on diagnostic to an ongoing engine coolant overheating problem, coolant system pressure has been a question.
So, I've finally gotten around to rigging up a radiator / coolant system pressure gauge that can be monitored while driving around at speed, rather than just guessing and interpreting other signs.
The suspicion is a head gasket combustion gas leak into the coolant system, causing load dependent overheating.
Or, maybe it's something else.
The radiator cap is rated at 85 kPa = 0.85 bar = 12.3 psi (but it says 0.9 bar, rounded up).
So, if I see pressure rise up to 12-13 psi and hold, that must mean it's being pressure regulated by the pressure relief cap, and coolant is in the process of overflowing into the tank, right?
If I see that, I'll pull over and check it!
Let's just see about that!
Tapped into the #3 coolant bypass tube at the radiator nipple.
It's easy to tap in there.
Coolant System Pressure Gauge - equipment list :
0-30psi multi-purpose gauge, steel case, 2" dial, panel mount back, 1/8 MPT - McMaster-Carr
1/8" hose push fit to 1/8 MPT adapter - McMaster-Carr
1/8" nylon hose - McMaster-Carr
1/8 FPT-FPT coupler - Ace Hardware
5/16" barb Tee - Ace Hardware
5/16" barb to 1/8 MPT - O'Reilly Autoparts
Custom fab gauge to windshield wiper mount bracket
No data yet - TBD.
So, I've finally gotten around to rigging up a radiator / coolant system pressure gauge that can be monitored while driving around at speed, rather than just guessing and interpreting other signs.
The suspicion is a head gasket combustion gas leak into the coolant system, causing load dependent overheating.
Or, maybe it's something else.
The radiator cap is rated at 85 kPa = 0.85 bar = 12.3 psi (but it says 0.9 bar, rounded up).
So, if I see pressure rise up to 12-13 psi and hold, that must mean it's being pressure regulated by the pressure relief cap, and coolant is in the process of overflowing into the tank, right?
If I see that, I'll pull over and check it!
Let's just see about that!
Tapped into the #3 coolant bypass tube at the radiator nipple.
It's easy to tap in there.
Coolant System Pressure Gauge - equipment list :
0-30psi multi-purpose gauge, steel case, 2" dial, panel mount back, 1/8 MPT - McMaster-Carr
1/8" hose push fit to 1/8 MPT adapter - McMaster-Carr
1/8" nylon hose - McMaster-Carr
1/8 FPT-FPT coupler - Ace Hardware
5/16" barb Tee - Ace Hardware
5/16" barb to 1/8 MPT - O'Reilly Autoparts
Custom fab gauge to windshield wiper mount bracket
No data yet - TBD.
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