630 Radiator Check

[zilla24]

Im into a 630 project pretty far where I've done manifolds, complete power steering system rebuild among other things. Having the tractor this far stripped down a thought ran through my head to pressure test the radiator incase it needs to be recored. My local radiator shop just closed so taking it somewhere is not really a local option.

Question is for those that have pressure tested just the radiator, how did you go about it? plug the main two hose ports, pump it up to mfg spec and see if it leaks down or springs a leak? Seems pretty simple, I'm just looking for advise from those that have done it before.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Often when I check them it otr trucks I do it in the chassis I wouldn’t see why this would have to be different.

I install the tool it comes with a couple different adaptors

TURN THE REGULATOR DOWN AT THE SHOP WALL to 25 or so no reason for it to be full pressure for this helps prevent a whoops

Set the regulator on the tool itself to 0 and then creep it up to the pressure rating on your radiator cap.

Look for leaks.

Yesterday the c13 in the truck I just put a waterpump in had a Pinhole in a hose that I flexed while putting a thermostat in (one of 2 hoses I didn’t replace as it was an easy one to reach) and this process found that issue without having to heat the truck or have it running.

I am often doing it to help find a leak I know exists. If it’s not leaking and not overheating…it’s up to you but those old radiators are sometimes better left I disturbed until you need to do something.

Some of the older 2 cylinders that I’m around more those cast water pipes don’t like to survive removal of the hoses and removal from the radiator itself either so I would contemplate pressure testing it just exactly as it sits if you are dead set on doing it. And tearing into it only if you need to.

It’s not difficult to test you can make your own adapter if you need to with an old radiator cap with a good seal.

 

[PJH]

Im into a 630 project pretty far where I've done manifolds, complete power steering system rebuild among other things. Having the tractor this far stripped down a thought ran through my head to pressure test the radiator incase it needs to be recored. My local radiator shop just closed so taking it somewhere is not really a local option.

Question is for those that have pressure tested just the radiator, how did you go about it? plug the main two hose ports, pump it up to mfg spec and see if it leaks down or springs a leak? Seems pretty simple, I'm just looking for advise from those that have done it before.

I always use a bicycle innertube. Cut it in two. Clamp the cut ends on the upper and lower radiator hose points. You can air it up as big as your leg, then spray soap/water solution with no danger of busting something from over pressuring.

 

[zilla24]

I am often doing it to help find a leak I know exists. If it’s not leaking and not overheating…it’s up to you but those old radiators are sometimes better left I disturbed until you need to do something.

Some of the older 2 cylinders that I’m around more those cast water pipes don’t like to survive removal of the hoses and removal from the radiator itself either so I would contemplate pressure testing it just exactly as it sits if you are dead set on doing it. And tearing into it only if you need to.

It’s not difficult to test you can make your own adapter if you need to with an old radiator cap with a good seal.

This is pretty much my concern, my power steering rebuild started as a simple pump re-seal and turned into a complete system teardown, I've had it in my head if I start this project its going to be a complete re-do. I like the idea of leak checking things before putting everything back together.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions, both are very helpful!

Any suggestions on a radiator leak kit to buy? I also have a 520 that is without doubt in need of a re-core, I replaced the water pump and now that things are circulating the bottom of the core has blown out.... A leak kit will be beneficial when putting it back together.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Harbor freight has one it’s more expensive than I remember if you are an ITC member it’s 60 bucks otherwise 100

I had thought my Mac kit was 150 but that was 10 years ago times are changing

The harbor freight one has pictures on it you can see if your cap matches an adapter. These are hand pump ones but it doesn’t sound like you will be using it weekly

 

[old bones]

If you decide to pull the radiator at some point in the future, when you put it back in, DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts that come up through the frame and into the bottom of the radiator. I've got a 630 that I bought as a basket case. Parts were on pallets and in boxes. It was a "something-to-do" project. The previous person that worked on it overtightened those bolts and cracked the bottom tank. I ended putting in a new top tank, a new core, and a different bottom tank- basically a new radiator. I use it regularly, but it's still a work in progress.

as an edit, I also think I'd leave it alone unless I absolutely had to remove it.

 

[NY 986]

If you decide to pull the radiator at some point in the future, when you put it back in, DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the bolts that come up through the frame and into the bottom of the radiator. I've got a 630 that I bought as a basket case. Parts were on pallets and in boxes. It was a "something-to-do" project. The previous person that worked on it overtightened those bolts and cracked the bottom tank. I ended putting in a new top tank, a new core, and a different bottom tank- basically a new radiator. I use it regularly, but it's still a work in progress.

as an edit, I also think I'd leave it alone unless I absolutely had to remove it.

Any pictures of your project 630?

 

[zilla24]

I think they are all projects aren't they?

I take one tonight.

 

[old bones]

Any pictures of your project 630?

A few. I'll try to attach a few from working on it. Various stages. Paint is next, after a few more small fixes, if I go that far. Sorry about poor quality. Pics were on my phone, so sent them to my laptop, then here. Too many moves I guess. If I knew how to delete them from here, I'd just post them from my phone.

 

[zilla24]

Mine is in a similar state. Haven’t had any shop time in a few days, need to pickup a radiator pressure kit from HF one day this week.