Pressure testing radiator

[liberty2701]

I just started getting that sweet smell of antifreeze from the radiator area of my kioti dk50. There are no visible leaks and I checked all hose clamps. The rad is full and the overflow seems to stay at the same level. I would like to get a pressure test kit. Ebay has them for about 60 bucks. Any idea if these kits will work on a kioti radiator? Cap looks similar to my Toyota but they do not interchange. Any recommendation on a kit?

 

[/pine]

JMO...

If there are no physical signs of leakage...
I would replace the cap (or check the relief valve on the cap) before I would bother pressure testing...
If the cap is not holding the correct pressure it will release the "smell"...

 

[skyhook]

Take a look around your water pump also.

 

[liberty2701]

JMO...

If there are no physical signs of leakage...
I would replace the cap (or check the relief valve on the cap) before I would bother pressure testing...
If the cap is not holding the correct pressure it will release the "smell"...

I like the cap idea. Everyhing is !00% dry including the water pump. I guess I should mention it has only 110 hrs on it. Not worth transporting to the dealer to have the cap checked under warranty. I wonder if Napa would have a new cap that interchanges?

 

[jimmysisson]

If its under warranty, maybe the dealer will send you a new cap to try. I agree at those hours you shouldn't have any leaks.
Jim

 

[oldtimer 66]

A little advice on using a cooling system pressure tester. Start the engine and then hook up the pressure tester. While the engine is running check for leaks. Dis-connect the pressure tester and then shut off the engine. From experience if you do not have any idea where the leak is and it happens to be an internal leak that is into a cylinder, AKA head gasket that is leaking into cylinder and or intake gasket, you can hydraulic the engine if you leave the tester connected with pressure applied and you shut off the engine for even a short period of time. If the coolant leaked into a cylinder and you re-start the engine more than likely you will break the starter and kiss a rod good by. If it is an almost know leak such as an intake gasket that leaks externally and you just want to verify, then using the pressure tester will probably make the leak that much worst and or make it so you need to fix it right then. Just some info. Later.

 

[liberty2701]

I hydro-locked an engine once when I was a kid. Drove through a large puddle and bent two rods.. The smell is def coming from the fan area. I can get my head right in there with the hood up and smell it. I need to keep an eye on the overflow to see if keeps getting lower indicating a leak. Any idea what pressure test kit will fit the Kioti radiator?

A little advice on using a cooling system pressure tester. Start the engine and then hook up the pressure tester. While the engine is running check for leaks. Dis-connect the pressure tester and then shut off the engine. From experience if you do not have any idea where the leak is and it happens to be an internal leak that is into a cylinder, AKA head gasket that is leaking into cylinder and or intake gasket, you can hydraulic the engine if you leave the tester connected with pressure applied and you shut off the engine for even a short period of time. If the coolant leaked into a cylinder and you re-start the engine more than likely you will break the starter and kiss a rod good by. If it is an almost know leak such as an intake gasket that leaks externally and you just want to verify, then using the pressure tester will probably make the leak that much worst and or make it so you need to fix it right then. Just some info. Later.

 

[oldtimer 66]

One other thing I forgot to mention. You do not need to pump up the system to operating pressure. AKA 10/ 14 PSI. Generally you can detect the leak at much lower pressures say 2 to 7 psi. Later

 

[Dave M7040]

Use a clean piece of approx 3/8" hose to extend your nose. It is safer than getting your face too close to moving parts and it will allow you to be more specific about where the smell is coming from. Sort of like a stethoscope for your nose.
Dave m7040

 

[arlen4720]

I hydro-locked an engine once when I was a kid. Drove through a large puddle and bent two rods.. The smell is def coming from the fan area. I can get my head right in there with the hood up and smell it. I need to keep an eye on the overflow to see if keeps getting lower indicating a leak. Any idea what pressure test kit will fit the Kioti radiator?

I have a Stant pressure test kit. Take a look at their website, the have many adapters available, and I have always been able to buy what I needed, for ATV, tractors, and what not.
It sometimes takes some work to find the right adapter. I try to find a stant part number for the cap replacement, then work from there.

 

[liberty2701]

I have a Stant pressure test kit. Take a look at their website, the have many adapters available, and I have always been able to buy what I needed, for ATV, tractors, and what not.
It sometimes takes some work to find the right adapter. I try to find a stant part number for the cap replacement, then work from there.

Of course Stant does not list Kioti.

 

[liberty2701]

I did some more precise sniffing around. It seems that the smell is at the cap . I still do not get as to how you can smell the antifreeze but no liquid comes out. I guess it comes down to molecule size. I will try to get a new cap through Kioti or Napa.

 

[Mace Canute]

I did some more precise sniffing around. It seems that the smell is at the cap . I still do not get as to how you can smell the antifreeze but no liquid comes out. I guess it comes down to molecule size. I will try to get a new cap through Kioti or Napa.

Works the same way for farts...usually.

 

[liberty2701]

Works the same way for farts...usually.

Never thought of it that way. Makes perfect sense.

 

[davesl708]

If you have an Advance Auto, O'Reilly's, Auto Zone etc. they usually have tools you can borrow. First take the cap with you and test it there. This will confirm the cap is ok and they have the adapter to fit it.

 

[skyhook]

Works the same way for farts...usually.

LOL, exactly, or bad breath...lol

 

[liberty2701]

If you have an Advance Auto, O'Reilly's, Auto Zone etc. they usually have tools you can borrow. First take the cap with you and test it there. This will confirm the cap is ok and they have the adapter to fit it.

Went to all three. They were useless. Not one of them had the adapters to test the cap or even knew they could test a cap. Off to the dealer.

 

[liberty2701]

Well I finally got a test adaptor to fit the radiator. I pumped it up to 13 psi which is spec. I pumped it to 13 and then it dropped to 10 psi after 24 hrs and seemed to hold. What is considered adequate time for a test? What about doing a hot test.? I would warm up the engine, relieve the pressure and then hook up the tester and pressurize. I figure a hot test might show a leak being things expand at diff rates. With the cold test I did not see any leaks. I still have the sweet smell when running. I just also ordered a new cap to try it out. Any input?

 

[liberty2701]

I just did another cold test. It is down to 10 psi after 7 hrs.

 

[skyhook]

You may loose a little pressure when the thermostat opens after its warm.