Coolant leak test

**OlyS6** · 09-25-2019 09:12 PM

So, I can give 2 thumbs up for the ‘Abigail 28 piece coolant leak testing and filling system. One of the adapters is a perfect fit for our coolant expansion tank, and the quick connectors all work out perfectly. It has everything you need to vacuum fill your coolant system as well.

$118 on amazon. Mine passed the leak test, so now on to replacing the thermostat.

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**Dasquade** · 09-26-2019 01:59 AM

What happend with the thermostat if i may ask?

**Dasquade** · 09-26-2019 02:34 AM

Forgot to add..if you do end up replacing thermostat, please make a DIY guide of it or at least the harder parts you encountered (normally nothing too complex beside the fact the front needs to come off).
Did you check your wires/connection plug regarding corrosion?
*bit silumar case i suspect, thermostat throwing errors but mine is apperently working if we check temps....

**daytona rs7** · 09-26-2019 04:20 AM

not to threadjack, but i have the coolant vaccum/fill kit ECS tuning sells and it also works.

whether it be the one Olys6 has or the one ECS sells...these tools are a DIY mechanic "must have" for any coolant work. do you really need it? no. but it saves hours or time bleeding the system and also ensures you have no leaks.

just make sure you have an air compressor.

**Dasquade** · 09-26-2019 04:49 AM

Got mine from ebay afaik (but same case so china product). Mine had different seals, more like 3-4 slide-on seals, the rest is almost simular. Payed 30€ or something and does the job :).
*would need to look up a link in case

**Valpo A7** · 09-26-2019 06:22 AM

For those of us in the USA you might want to check Autozone in their rental tool section. You can "rent" tools from them and then return them when you are done for a full refund . . . even broken tools.

Most AZ's have the coolant pressure kit but I could not say if it has the correct adapter.

**OlyS6** · 09-26-2019 11:21 AM

I tried renting from AZ and O'Reilly's they only have super basic radiator adapters, sadly. The one I posted on above, although overkill because it has a ton of fittings, has one that actually makes an airtight seal by physically screwing in to out overflow tank. makes it super simple with no risk of spraying coolant everywhere, which I've done with the rubber 'plug' adapters that some other kits have.

Dasquade, I've been intermittently getting an 'open circuit or short' error for teminal 30 for coolant pump. 'B11D5' - there has been another post on here where the thermostat was the culprit for that error. I've been gettng periodic warnings on the dash of 'coolant too hot, pull over and let engine idle' on long drives.

**wwhan** · 09-26-2019 12:17 PM

I see the ABIGAIL A7881F Universal Radiator Pressure Tester and Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit on Amazon for $109.99 & FREE Shipping.

The ECS shows a Coolant Refill/Air Purge Tool Schwaben 003466SCH01 for 86.95 & Free Shipping, Manual; Coolant Refill / Air Purge Tool

The ECS Schwaben unit seems tailored to European cars, the ABIGAIL A7881F seems to be a universal vehicle kit.

Also apparently the ECS Schwaben unit does not allow pressurizing the system:

"Q: Can you pressurize the system to locate leaks?I understand it pulls a vacuum

A: Pressurizing for leak testing is not the proper use of this tool. Please see ES3106605 for the Schwaben Cooling System Pressure Tester Kit.
Radiator Pressure Tester
Posted By Product Support on 6/7/2017 "

**wwhan** · 09-26-2019 12:35 PM

There are several companies on Amazon selling kits similar to the "ABIGAIL A7881F Universal Radiator Pressure Tester and Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit". For example:

Honhill 28pcs Universal Radiator Pressure Tester and Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit, $92.99 & FREE Shipping

**OlyS6** · 09-26-2019 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by wwhan

I see the ABIGAIL A7881F Universal Radiator Pressure Tester and Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit on Amazon for $109.99 & FREE Shipping.

The ECS shows a Coolant Refill/Air Purge Tool Schwaben 003466SCH01 for 86.95 & Free Shipping, Manual; Coolant Refill / Air Purge Tool

The ECS Schwaben unit seems tailored to European cars, the ABIGAIL A7881F seems to be a universal vehicle kit.

Also apparently the ECS Schwaben unit does not allow pressurizing the system:

"Q: Can you pressurize the system to locate leaks?I understand it pulls a vacuum

A: Pressurizing for leak testing is not the proper use of this tool. Please see ES3106605 for the Schwaben Cooling System Pressure Tester Kit.
Radiator Pressure Tester
Posted By Product Support on 6/7/2017 "

Correct. I was primarily posting because I can at least verify that the Abigail kit definitely has an adapter that is perfect for the expansion tanks of C7 and C7.5 cars, has what we need to pressurize the system to check for leaks, and has what we need (minus an air compressor) to also vacuum fill our coolant systems to try to prevent having any air in the system. I’d rather have just bought a kit with the single adapter that I needed, but couldnt find one. The pressure gauges are of good construction on this kit, and all of the quick connect fittings are also nicely made.

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**daytona rs7** · 09-26-2019 01:11 PM

is there a benefit to pressuring the system to check for leaks, rather than pulling a vacuum? if it holds vacuum, doesnt that mean there are no leaks?

**wwhan** · 09-26-2019 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by daytona rs7

is there a benefit to pressuring the system to check for leaks, rather than pulling a vacuum? if it holds vacuum, doesnt that mean there are no leaks?

Maybe. The default operation for the cooling system is under pressure, so this closer emmulates operating conditions.

If there was a loose hose clamp, the vaccum might seal, but with the pressure, it might release.

**OlyS6** · 09-26-2019 04:42 PM

To my limited knowledge, adding pressure to the system both emulates real world conditions, but also makes leaks more noticeable by having coolant and/or air bubbling out, as opposed to having air sucked in. Especially if using a fluorescent dye, even small leaks should be visibly noticeable when placed under pressure.

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**Valpo A7** · 09-27-2019 06:47 AM

Vacuum or pressure will both give you results of yes or no on the leak. As oly said the pressure should help pinpoint the location by showing the seepage