Radiator: Testing and Inspection

LEAK TEST
1. Clean the radiator before leak testing to prevent contaminating the test tank. Leak test the radiator in clean water at 145 kPa (21 psi) air pressure.

CAUTION: Do not leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that is used to leak test copper/brass radiators. Flux and caustic cleaners may be present in the tank and they will attack aluminum.

2. A separate, clean test tank is recommended for aluminum radiators. If a separate tank is not available for aluminum radiator testing, thoroughly clean the test tank each time before testing an aluminum radiator.

NOTE: When a plastic tank is removed to service a tube-to-header leak, the core can be tested by clamping the tank to the core.