Radiator Leak Test - Removed From Vehicle

RADIATOR LEAK TEST, (RADIATOR REMOVED FROM VEHICLE)
1. Clean the radiator before leak testing to prevent contaminating the test tank. Leak test the radiator in clean water with 138 kPa (20 psi) air pressure.

CAUTION: Do not leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that copper/brass radiators are tested in. Flux and caustic cleaners may be present in the cleaning tank and they will attack aluminum. A separate clean test tank is necessary for aluminum radiators. If conditions do not allow a separate tank for aluminum radiator leak testing, thoroughly clean the test tank each time before testing an aluminum radiator in the tank.

2. When a radiator tank is removed to service a tube-to-header leak, the core can be leak tested by clamping the radiator tank (with an O-ring gasket in place) to the core and leak testing with air under water. When service is completed, install the radiator tank.
3. Always install plugs in the transmission oil cooler fittings before leak testing or cleaning any radiator equipped with a transmission oil cooler.