How do you guys to check for leaks on tractor radiators

[Dave Westlund]

Wondering how you test radiators for leaks? The kits I see on the net don't have the correct sizes for 75 year old tractors. What's your method?

Dave

 

[showcrop]

I got a kit from HF. It has a lot of adapters and so far I have been able to find the correct one.

 

[gmccool]

I put my radiator pressure tester on it. I think it is made by Stant.

 

[560Dennis]

Can rent a tester at local auto parts loan a tool .

 

[Mark-Ia]

A bicycle tube over the inlet and outlet, short hose with a bolt for a plug for the overflow, a little air pressure.

 

[Phill Tibbetts]

Dye penetrate for external leaks.

 

[Watthour]

Or gravity:

 

[Fixingfarmer]

On the non pressurized tractors it’s start it and run it often with just water till it works right no leaks (it’s still cold enough up here that can be a mistake so the only time I do straight water is testing) see if you can get lucky

Reseal the tanks and check again unless it’s super obvious.

If it’s pressurized a new cap will usually have the pressure to set tester stamped and most caps are common enough size at least my tester has fit most for testing in tractor. Except of course unstyled John Deere’s that are not pressurized so when you say it doesn’t fit it leads me maybe to think unpressurized system…

Radiator shop usually will leave the cap on and apply pressure at the inlets with adapter hoses and pipes. Then throwing it in the water tank and see where it bubbles.

I don’t usually do it that way but if you wanted to it would be hose barb of correct size with cap and a hole drilled in it then threaded to accept pressure gauge on one end and the other cap would have the air fitting

Turn regulators down low and get the hang of it before putting it on your tractor

 

[Ray,IN]

Can rent a tester at local auto parts loan a tool .

AutoZone doesn't charge to loan any tool. You give them your CC# and if the tool isn't returned by a certain day. you buy it.

 

[560Dennis]

https://www.oreillyauto.com/store-services/rental-tools?_gl=1*1axok89*_ga*ODc4ODI1MjM0LjE3NzQ3OTc2Mjk.*_ga_TV3LS85R98*czE3NzQ3OTc2MjgkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQ3OTc2MzckajYwJGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*NjQ3NzQ1ODc2LjE3NzQ3OTc2Mjk.#air-conditioning-and-cooling

 

[drsportster]

Cap one side with inner tube and blow with mouth using soapy water

 

[Southern Ray]

Do it with the engine cold.
A pressure gauge and some fittings on the overflow line to pump up with a hand pump.
Pump up to working pressure and let it sit.

For non pressurized systems it should be obvious where the leak is.

 

[PJH]

A bicycle tube over the inlet and outlet, short hose with a bolt for a plug for the overflow, a little air pressure.

You can blow up a bicycle innertube until it's as big around as your leg without hurting the radiator.

 

[rustred]

Wondering how you test radiators for leaks? The kits I see on the net don't have the correct sizes for 75 year old tractors. What's your method?

Dave

just like a tire. plug the outlets, and give it a bit of air while submerged in a tub.

 

[Ray,IN]

FWIW, I discovered the expensive way not to use radiator sealer after the leak is found. Having it re-cored was expensive, but a new old stock radiator was even more.