B16 Coolant system pressure test: what to expect?
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From: Tucson
B16 Coolant system pressure test: what to expect?
hey all.
I drive a 99 hatch with a recent B16a swap and a recent head gasket replacement.
Wanting to make sure everything was good, I rented a coolant system pressure tester a la autozone. The kit looks honestly brand new and unused, so I’m going to go ahead and trust it.
The reults: pumped it up to 16 psi (1.1 bar) and let sit 10 minutes. After 10 minutes it had dropped a half psi, less than .1 bar. Can’t really see any leaks, but you know how hard to access some of those little hoses are under and behind the manifold of the b series.
is this acceptable? I can’t really find any definite answer online, just a lot of argument.
whaddaya think?
Seth
I drive a 99 hatch with a recent B16a swap and a recent head gasket replacement.
Wanting to make sure everything was good, I rented a coolant system pressure tester a la autozone. The kit looks honestly brand new and unused, so I’m going to go ahead and trust it.
The reults: pumped it up to 16 psi (1.1 bar) and let sit 10 minutes. After 10 minutes it had dropped a half psi, less than .1 bar. Can’t really see any leaks, but you know how hard to access some of those little hoses are under and behind the manifold of the b series.
is this acceptable? I can’t really find any definite answer online, just a lot of argument.
whaddaya think?
Seth
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 230
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Re: B16 Coolant system pressure test: what to expect?
I don't have much luck with those universal (fitment) pressure testers as it's rare that the kit will have cap/adapter that seals 100%. Also, many times those rentals are worn out and the pump seals are leaking. You may have to purchase a specific Honda (correct generation) radiator adapter.
Prssure can drop via an external or internal (headgasket breach, cracked cylinder head or block) coolant leak. A severe enough internal coolant leak getting into the cylinder may cause wet spark plugs or a coolant smell inside the cylinder.
Prssure can drop via an external or internal (headgasket breach, cracked cylinder head or block) coolant leak. A severe enough internal coolant leak getting into the cylinder may cause wet spark plugs or a coolant smell inside the cylinder.
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