Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks

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Radiator tester

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Other Topics
Forum Name: Shops, Barns, Varmints, and Trucks
Forum Description: anything you want to talk about except politics
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=174716
Printed Date: 26 Jun 2025 at 11:31pm
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Topic: Radiator tester

Posted By: bobkyllo
Subject: Radiator tester
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 3:48pm

So I bought a radiator pressure tester from harbor freight. I thought it would be decent but I was wrong. Any ways the pressure pump broke.

I really like that I have all these different adapter caps for different applications. I hate to throw it all away.

What are your thoughts on using a pressure regulator from an air tool and creating some hoses together with the regulator on one end, a shut off valve to keep the air in the system with out having to keep the air hose hooked up, and then use the quick connector on the other end to hook up to my caps.

Can you guys see anything wrong with that?

I know most systems only run 14 to 18 psi. Hence the need for the regulator.

Replies:

Posted By: Boss Man
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 5:37pm

biggest problem I see with shop pressure is trying to keep the pressure low. Even with a regulator shop air will over pressurize in no time. Most regulators I've used dont lock up at a certain pressure, they only control when the air is flowing. Now if you were using a hand/ foot tire pump I think you would be in business

Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 6:42pm

I have done that with my shop air. As noted, be sure your regulator is good. What I did was set up a low pressure gauge with a tee and used a blow gun which has the dead man valve so I could regulate that way. Also have a test kit that I bought from O'Reilly's but only the universal adaptor fits the stuff I have

Posted By: SteveMaskey(MO)
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 8:05pm

You need one with a hand pump and gauge. I have a Stant that I got around 1970 and still using it and it is very handy

Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 9:08pm

The pump in the set I got from O'Reilly's is very similar to the Stant I've seen used by pros. Have had it several years.

Posted By: bobkyllo
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:31am

I've also got the stant model from the 80s. But it also seems to not want to hold pressure. Plus it only works on one type of radiator

Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 11:47am

Only pressurizing a small area/zone in the tank, volume from a regulator may not scale down fast enough. Easy enough buy just a replacement pump of some sort and fashion a hose for it.

Posted By: Brian Jasper co. Ia
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 1:04pm

I would discourage the shop air idea. Blow up one radiator and you just spent more than what a high quality pressure tester cost.

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"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him better take a closer look at the American Indian." Henry Ford

Posted By: jaybmiller
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 3:41pm

hmm... could you use a bicycle pump and 30PSI gauge ?

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Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)

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Posted By: plummerscarin
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 4:38pm

I don't see why not. We used them on residential gas pipe systems. More volume per stroke than the Stant. My point with shop air was for systems that were empty.

Posted By: Ted J
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2020 at 2:10pm

I've been going to do just that Jay. Figured I'd start with the HF one and go from there. All the caps are what are going to cost you. You can get a bicycle pump pretty cheap. You just need shutoffs....

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