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Pressure Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn the engine off.
    2. WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to the cooling system or engine, or result in personal injury. To avoid having scalding coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, never remove the pressure relief cap from a hot Gades bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to remove the pressure relief cap.
  2. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
  3. Connect the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the Gades bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick connect fitting of the test adapter.
    4. NOTE: If the plunger of the pump is depressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.
  4. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
  5. If the pressure relief cap does not hold pressure, remove and wash the pressure relief cap in clean water to dislodge all foreign particles from the gaskets. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck.
  6. If the cooling system does not hold 120 kPa (17.4 psi) or if more than 150 kPa (21.7 psi) shows on gauge, determine the location of the leak. If it is the cap on the bottle, install a new pressure relief cap.
    7. CAUTION: If the pressure drops, check for leaks at the engine to heater core hoses, engine-to-radiator hoses, water valve hose (if applicable), oil cooler return tube gasket (6N789) oil cooler return tube gasket (6N789), radiator and heater core or other system components and connections. Any leaks which are found must be corrected and the system rechecked.
  7. Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4 (using a pressure relief cap that operates within the specified upper and lower pressure limits). Observe the gauge reading for approximately two minutes; refer to GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS . Pressure should not drop during this time.
  8. Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the engine coolant level and replenish, if necessary, with the correct engine coolant mixture; refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
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