I got a Block Tester at Auto Zone today - a little tube that holds blue fluid that will turn yellow when exposed to exhaust gas. I opened the expansion cap, started the motor, placed the block tester's rubber cone sealed against the opening of the expansion tank, and began pulling air through the little tube with the bulb. I tried for several minutes. Fluid stayed blue. I checked on the temperature gauge, engine still coming up to temp. I tried again to pull air from the expansion tank through the blue fluid in the little tube. Fluid stayed blue. Engine is starting to warm up now. I noticed that the level in the expansion tank has risen a little. I try again with the block tester. Fluid stays blue. I notice the level rising in the expansion tank, and go to shut off the engine. Too late. Thermostat must have opened. The expansion tank overflowed and steam billowed out of the back. Doubting the block tester, I replaced the expansion cap and restarted the engine. I held the block tester near the tailpipe and pull air through it. Fluid turns yellow. I'm feeling pretty good that exhaust gas may not be in my cooling system, and the head gaskets are probably still doing their job. Tomorrow I'm going to go over the engine and cooling hoses once again and look for signs of leaks that could be allowing air into the cooling system. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a pressure tester that fits the threads on the expansion tank to help me out. Does anyone know if any chain auto parts stores or car dealerships sell an adaptor that fits? Do any other makes share the same threads? Thanks to all who have offered their help. Travis Newhouse Encintas, CA |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.