No pressure in cooling system

[OR VietVet]

The fitting was defective? Are you talking about the adapter for the pressure tester where it attaches at the reservoir? You tried a different one and then it actually started to build pressure, you said it would not build pressure before, and then the reservoir bottle exploded? I knew there had to be a problem if it was not building pressure. That bottle should never do that unless it had a weak spot already and could very well be the source of coolant loss. Even that bottle can expand and contract under pressure and temps. If it was me, I would do a new reservoir bottle and cap and the hose from the reservoir to the radiator.

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You got coolant in your eyes and I am sorry about that but such is the life of a DIY'er. Congrats! You been baptised. Bring on the next problem.

 

[doylee4693]

Actually the adapter was defective so I used the universal adapter and it started to build pressure until it got to 15 psi and the universal adapter blew off and half the fluid in the expansion tank blew all over me and the truck LOL! Well went to the other parts store to borrow there kit, and of corse its the same one i just used. Lets hope it works this time!

 

[OR VietVet]

If the adapter blew off then that means the threads where it attaches are likely stripped or damaged and now the cap and a different adapter may never seal correctly. Watch out.

 

[doylee4693]

If the adapter blew off then that means the threads where it attaches are likely stripped or damaged and now the cap and a different adapter may never seal correctly. Watch out.

Actually it doesnt screw in, it goes in and expands and then locks in place.. didnt lock very well tho. Judging by the reviews of this kit online it’s happened to alot of people

 

[OR VietVet]

I had a kit like that at one time and it was shit. Talk about universal. 2-3 sizes fits all ********. If you want to do this right get the right cooling system pressure tester. Save time and headaches and coolant in the eyes.

 

[doylee4693]

im borrowing so I have to take what I can get. It’s 260.00 bucks I could buy more usable tools with. The universal adapter was a last resort.. plus, I was christened thanks to that shit tool, a sort of baptism of fire! Anyway the neighbor kids were outside to laugh when it happened.. At least I made someones day. Thanks for sticking with me today buddy.

 

[doylee4693]

Welp she held pressure. My question is, if I put uv dye into the coolant, will it show up in the exhaust water if the truck has a bad head gasket? Also if the cylinder head is cracked and coolant is making it’s way into the oil, will the uv light pick up the dye in the oil?

 

[Doubeleive]

water condensation out of the tail pipe is normal, you need to get a flashlight and get under the truck and look up, places to check are the heater hose area (along passenger firewall), radiator hoses and T, bottom of the water pump, bottom of radiator and sides of radiator, rear hvac unit (bottom right rear under the back bumper behind the wheel). IN ALL INSTANCES the coolant will flow down because you know.... Gravity. If you cant find a specific leak location get a big piece of cardboard and leave it under the engine area overnight and look at it in the morning.

 

[doylee4693]

water condensation out of the tail pipe is normal, you need to get a flashlight and get under the truck and look up, places to check are the heater hose area (along passenger firewall), radiator hoses and T, bottom of the water pump, bottom of radiator and sides of radiator, rear hvac unit (bottom right rear under the back bumper behind the wheel). IN ALL INSTANCES the coolant will flow down because you know.... Gravity. If you cant find a specific leak location get a big piece of cardboard and leave it under the engine area overnight and look at it in the morning.

Actually its holding pressure so if there is a leak I’m gonna say its internal. The only other thing i can think of is that maybe there was air in the system from when the hose clamp was repaired and when it cleared up it made it appear as if im losing coolant. If its the dang castech heads causing it im gonna have a friggin stroke. Trucks worth no more then 4 g’s as it sits. Its loosing way to much coolant to not either be air in the system or something internal.

 

[rjr]

I'm curious. Where is the heater core that serves the rear HVAC system?

 

[bradyjames]

I was losing coolant too. It turned out to be leaking from the thermostat housing. I didn’t have it bolted down tight enough and I couldn’t tell when the truck was running. The engine was too hot so the coolant was evaporating before I could see it drop, barely leaving a stain on the aluminum.

I had the pressure test done with the engine cold and saw the coolant spray out of the thermostat housing. Tightened the bolts ups, re tested, problem solved. I too, was also worried about cracked heads and bad head gaskets and my truck has never over heated either.

Now the truck is holding pressure and runs strong and steady at 175k miles.

 

[JeffL]

I tested it with a block tester and no issues there! The water keeps dripping tho, exhaust doesnt smell “off”. Call me paranoid but I really dont wanna taste that LOL

Dont taste it. E.C. is poison and causes organ damage. Now obviously a tip of your finger probably isn't going to make a difference. But it's still poison and a bad habbit.

 

[JeffL]

I tested it with a block tester and no issues there! The water keeps dripping tho, exhaust doesnt smell “off”. Call me paranoid but I really dont wanna taste that LOL

Dont taste it, that's reckless.
Look under the throttle body, there are two small coolant lines in and out that have a tendency to leak under pressure.

 

[89Suburban]

LMAO.

 

[Doubeleive]

I'm curious. Where is the heater core that serves the rear HVAC system?

the core is housed inside the vehicle behind the kick panel on the passenger rear side, it's small-just large enough for the hvac fan to push some heat out of it for the rear vents

 

[OR VietVet]

Just because it is now holding pressure does not mean there is no leak. It may only show when hot or cold. Cardboard is a great start to set under there and see what happens. Don't assume the worst yet.

 

[rockola1971]

Dont taste it. E.C. is poison and causes organ damage. Now obviously a tip of your finger probably isn't going to make a difference. But it's still poison and a bad habbit.

There is no safe amount of Ethylene Glycol for a human to ingest and once the damage is done (hours), it is irreversible and fatal.

 

[edward case]

Dont taste it, that's reckless.
Look under the throttle body, there are two small coolant lines in and out that have a tendency to leak under pressure.

thats probably why a yukon i have filled up with coolant in oil and up out of the intake. thanks gm