Ever wanted to pressure test your coolant system, but could find a adapter?

How are you testing the cap? The caps are trash and have destroyed quite a few motors but no one ever tests them.

A proper adaptor is not expensive.

 

How do you test the cap Brian?

Doesn't a proper pressure tester connect to the system via the cap location? Ie , the cap is removed?

 

Put the cap on the tester.

 

I really would love to buy an adapter. I even have a booklet with all the adapters to order. Problem is, I cannot figure out which one fits the 355 tank. What size threads is that?

 

Snap On TA18B and TA26-06

 

How does that test the cap, Brian? Does it install between the tank and OEM cap?
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http://store.snapon.com/Cooling-System-Tester-Accessories-Adaptor-Radiator-Cap-for-SVTS262-SVTS262A-SVTS262B--P641752.aspx

I believe Brain meant this. TA 26a. Note in the description that is says it is paired with TA18B.
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Yes, he sated both. I just don't understand how they work....been a long day

 

Here's the Snap On Kit. I would say the cap screws onto the TA26A which gets connected to one of the adaptors in the box which then gets connected to the part affixed to the end of the hose and you pump it up and check if the cap leaks.

The other adaptor, TA18b, goes on the neck of the tank and then you connect that as above and pump the system up.
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OK. So if I understand you correctly, Bob - you check the cap independently of the system? That's what I did not understand - I was assuming it was only one test.

 

Yes, that is correct. Cap is tested off the car by the tester device.

 

So we are getting paranoid about radiator caps now?

 

Brian brought it up. Good enough for me!

 

How are they destroying motors? It's basically a pressure relief valve. If the car has the correct coolant level in it, doesn't overheat, and it's not blowing coolant out the over flow when hot it most likely fine. If it doesn't opening at the right pressure (i.e. too high) you could blow a hose off or split a radiator, but that would only happen if there were some other serious problem causing the over pressure situation in the first place (over heating, blown head gasket...). And you can test it until your heart's content. That doesn't mean it will open at the correct pressure, if necessary, on your next drive. Does that mean we should start installing coolant pressure gages because we can not trust the radiator caps?

 

Well. I hope he responds as to how. Why does snap on make that cap adaptor if it isn't necessary?

 

Wrong . The tool attaches to the rad in place of the cap , those adapters are to adapt the tool to different style radiators . A as far as the cap , i dont think ive even seen a tool to test it , i dont think we have one , its a cheap part . Just buy a new one if in doubt


" serenity now "

 

I don't know. Perhaps because some guy come into the shop complaining that his car is pissing coolant and the shop wants to check the cap to see if it's opening at too low a pressure before they look for a more serious problem? On the other hand, a more knowledgeable car owner might spend $10 on a new radiator cap to see if that was the problem.

I know, some one can start another useless pole. Have you ever had a serious engine problem in you car (any car) that was traced to a bad radiator cap?

I more than happy to hear what Brain has to say. But I'll still looking at this with jaundiced eyes.

 

Those two adaptors are a pair as per snap on description.

The tank has a male connector on it so the female adaptor goes on there, right?

What is the male adaptor for then?

 

If the cap is not allowing the system to pressurize the car can overheat , the cooling system is kept under pressure to raise the point at which the coolant will boil.


" serenity now "

 

I was going to point that out myself but figured, WTF, everyone was having so much fun worrying about their caps. Now you have gone and ruined it for all of us.

 

Oh well , i'm todays party pooper . Lol . This is a perfect time to stress , if unsure , please take the car to s qualified mechanic before f ing it up . I have knives in My kitchen but it doesnt mean i can perform open heart surgery on myself
Im kinda hoping this turns into another thread like the f1 thread . Lol

" serenity now "

 

Please answer my question before we go off on a I know more than you derail.

What is the purpose of the male threaded adaptor that snap on makes that fits our cars?