Rad/cooling problem.

bjl95mustang

Founding Member

Jan 18, 2000

1,495

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36

Austin,TX

May 2, 2005

#1

• May 2, 2005

• #1

OK, my car has been wanting to run on the hot side and I pressure tested it this afternoon and I got this.

Pumping the system up to 20psi it loses about 5 psi after 5-10 min. And with no psi on the system and the car running it only gets to about 5psi on the gauge. While running I pump it to 17-20 psi and it slowly drops. I don't see any signs of water in the oil so I'm thinking head gasket. With the engine running the psi should rise right if everything was in order?

 

sociopath5.0

New Member

Jul 7, 2004

155

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0

somewhere near Louisville, KY

May 2, 2005

#2

• May 2, 2005

• #2

Check the radiator cap, and maybe have it pressure tested, or buy a replacement. It could be a HG, but when mine started to go, it pressurized the cooling system, instead of showing pressure loss. I would check the cap first and move on from there if it's not the problem.

 

bjl95mustang

Founding Member

Jan 18, 2000

1,495

0

36

Austin,TX

May 2, 2005

#3

• May 2, 2005

• #3

I dont have the cap on when the gauge is installed.

 

sociopath5.0

New Member

Jul 7, 2004

155

0

0

somewhere near Louisville, KY

May 2, 2005

#4

• May 2, 2005

• #4

Well I guess I must have taken a double dose of ignorant pills this morning. I dont know what I was thinking. HG seems likely, but like I said with my experience, the opposite happened to me. I still have alot to learn, so its definitely possible. No leaks anywhere else? I hate to say it but it sounds like the head gasket. Good luck.

 

bjl95mustang

Founding Member

Jan 18, 2000

1,495

0

36

Austin,TX

May 2, 2005

#5

• May 2, 2005

• #5

My main question is how much should the pressure fluctuate with the cap on? Should it hold at 16 lb at operating temp? or will it go from 10-16 depending rpm's? This is something I have no idea on.