Cooling System: Testing and Inspection

COOLANT LEAK CHECK





1. Wait until radiator is cool (less than 38°C, 100°F). Loosen radiator cap.
2. Confirm that the coolant level is up to the filler neck.
3. Install a radiator cap tester to the radiator filler neck and apply 139.3 kPa (119.9 psi, 1.4 kg/cm2) pressure. Maintain pressure for two minutes, while checking for leakage from the radiator, hoses or connections.

WARNING: Radiator coolant may be extremely hot. Do not open the system while it is hot, or scalding water could spray out causing personal injury. Allow vehicle to be cooled down before servicing this system.

CAUTION: Be sure to completely clean away any moisture from the places checked. When the tester is removed, be careful not to spill any coolant from it. Be careful, when installing and removing the tester and when testing, not to deform the filler neck of the radiator.

4. If there is leakage, repair or replace the appropriate part.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST





1. Measure the specific gravity of the coolant with a hydrometer.
2. Measure the coolant temperature, and calculate the concentration from the relation between the specific gravity and temperature. Use the table for reference.

RELATION BETWEEN COOLANT CONCENTRATION AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY





THE TABLE IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE SPECIFIED HIGH QUALITY ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE) COOLANT

Example
The safe operating temperature is -15°C (5°F) when the measured specific gravity is 1.058 at coolant temperature of 20°C (68°F)

CAUTION: If the concentration of the coolant is below 30%, the anticorrosion property will be adversely affected. In addition, if the concentration is above 60%, both the anti-freeze and engine cooling properties will decrease, adversely affecting the engine. For these reasons, be sure to maintain the concentration level within the specified range. Do not mix brands of coolant.





RECOMMENDED COOLANT