How Can I Check A Used Radiator

RTR · Nov 30, 2013

I have about 15 used radiators for Farmall Super A, 100, 130, and 140 tractors. Some are still on the parts tractors, and I have about 6 on a pallet that have been previously removed.

Has anyone bought something or built something homemade to pressure test them to make sure they don"t leak? I need a way to do a quick check myself without taking all of them to a radiator shop (we don"t even have one nearby).

Bob · Nov 30, 2013

Cut a section of bicycle or motorcycle inner tube (depending upon the size of the necks) with valvestem intact and stretch it over the inlet and outlet and hose clamp in place. that leaves the filler neck to seal, with a GOOD cap, or possibly an expanding rubber plumbing plug. Then, give it a couple pounds of air pressure through the valvestem on the inner tube and check for leaks.

Jim in Ma. · Nov 30, 2013

I do as Bob said but I also use the leak finder (like the tire repair shops use). I put in about 5-6 lbs. of air into the radiator and mist the whole thing. Some use dish soap & water but I find leak finder a lot better.

C W Hinton · Nov 30, 2013

I use bathtub/sink plugs to plug up radiator inlet/outlet connections.

RTR · Nov 30, 2013

(quoted from post at 15:54:34 11/30/13) Cut a section of bicycle or motorcycle inner tube (depending upon the size of the necks) with valvestem intact and stretch it over the inlet and outlet and hose clamp in place. that leaves the filler neck to seal, with a GOOD cap, or possibly an expanding rubber plumbing plug. Then, give it a couple pounds of air pressure through the valvestem on the inner tube and check for leaks.

That sounds like a good idea! I'm gonna have to go find a motorcycle innertube now! Probably have to go buy one.

So.....you are saying cut a "half circle" of innertube and connect it at the top and bottom, then use the valve stem to add air?? Are you putting any liquid in the radiator to see if it leaks, or just looking for air to escape by using dish soap and water? What size innertube am I looking for typically?

36 Coupe · Dec 10, 2013

In the radiator shop the radiator is pressurized and put under water.Had an elevator that lowered and raised big radiators.

How Can I Check A Used Radiator

RTR

Well-known Member

Bob

Well-known Member

Jim in Ma.

Well-known Member

C W Hinton

Member

RTR

Well-known Member

36 Coupe

Well-known Member

Similar threads