Cooling System: Testing and Inspection

CHECKING COOLANT LEAK
1. Wait until the radiator is cool (less than 38°C, 100°F). Loosen the radiator cap.
2. Confirm that the coolant level is up to the filler neck.





3. Install a radiator cap tester to the radiator filler neck and apply 139.3 kPa (19.9 psi, 1.4 kg/cm2) pressure. Maintain pressure for two minutes while checking for leakage from the radiator, hoses or connections.

WARNING: Radiator coolant may be extremely hot. Do not open the system while it is hot, or scalding water can spray out causing personal injury. Make the vehicle cool down before servicing this system.

CAUTION: Be sure to completely clean away any moisture from the places checked. When the tester is removed, be careful not to spill any coolant from it. Be careful not to deform the filler neck of the radiator when installing and removing the tester and when testing.

4. If there is leakage, repair or replace the appropriate part.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST





1. Measure the specific gravity of the coolant with a hydrometer.
2. Measure the coolant temperature, and calculate the concentration from the table relating specific gravity and temperature. Use the following table for reference.

RELATION BETWEEN COOLANT CONCENTRATION AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY





THE TABLE IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE) COOLANT OF THE SPECIFIED HIGH QUALITY

Example
The safe operating temperature is -15°C (5°F) when the measured specific gravity is 1.058 at coolant temperature of 20°C (68°F)

CAUTION: If the concentration of the coolant is below 30%, the anticorrosion property will be adversely affected. In addition, if the concentration is above 60%, both the antifreeze and engine cooling properties will decrease, adversely affecting the engine. For these reasons, be sure to maintain the concentration level within the specified range. Do not mix a coolant with coolant from different brands.





RECOMMENDED COOLANT