Radiator Leak Test, Removed From the Vehicle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Never leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that copper/brass radiators are tested in. Flux and caustic cleaners may be present in the cleaning tank and they will damage aluminum radiators.

NOTE: Always install plugs in the transmission fluid cooler fittings before leak testing or cleaning any radiator.

NOTE: Clean the radiator before leak testing to avoid contamination of tank.

Leak-test the radiator in clean water with 138 kPa (20 psi) air pressure.