Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Radiator: Testing and Inspection

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 damage 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.

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.

Always install plugs in the transmission oil cooler fittings before leak testing or cleaning radiator.