Is this possible? I heard it was possible to read the pressure with a tool?

Please help! Thanks!

 

plug all but one of the coolant passages on the OUTSIDE of the engine up, rig up a pressure gauge with a valve and plug and an air compressor and pressurize the coolant passages to either 14 or 20 PSI, depending on the weakest radiator cap you have, 0.9 BAR or 1.3 BAR respectively. Now here's where the gauge comes in, close the valve and let the engine sit for a prolonged amount of time, at least 5 mins, preferably more than 30 and see if it holds pressure. If you hear hissing, diagnose and fix, and once you get the whole thing sealed on the outside, pull the spark plugs top it back up with air, and let it sit for an hour or so.

Engine <---Pressure gauge<----Valve<----Air Compressor

thats the order things should be in.

 

Try this...

http://www.pineappleracing.com/cooli...estercspt.aspx

 

I have used the Pineapple tester. Just make sure you plug everything up.

 

Thanks a lot guys! I'll try what asianguy02 suggested, otherwise I'll buy the Pineapple Racing tool.

 

also If you hear hissing spray soapy watter on the block (Dawn or other dish soap) and look for bubbling.

 

The Pineapple tester helps, but it ain't perfect. I built an engine once, used the Pineapple tester, pressurized it, perfect. Ran the engine, constantly fouling out one rotor, obvious coolant loss.

Took the engine apart, one coolant seal "jumped the track" and was squished causing the problem. This was also with the aftermarket coolant seals, the Mazda seals (which I put on at that point) work fine and don't "jump" as easily.

But, one other test I did - fill the engine with coolant then pressurize and leave overnight. When returning in the morning I looked through the exhaust ports and there was a lake of coolant in one rotor housing. Bingo.

Dale