Recommendation for a cooling system pressure tester?

"VincentMalamute-Kim" (VincentMalamute-Kim)
11/03/2020 at 20:12 • Filed to: None

Normally, for a tool I’d use once every few years, if that, I’d buy the Harbor Freight version. I want to order the cheap Amazon equivalent as I don’t feel like driving 30 minutes to HF.

Related: the Transit forum recommends this vacuum fill device as it’s difficult getting air out of the complicated Transit hoses when changing coolant .

You can use it to check for leaks by seeing if it holds vacuum but a pressure system may identify the location of a leak such as a particular hose .

DISCUSSION (12)

onlytwowheels > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/03/2020 at 20:27

The only one I have used in recent years.

http://www.stant.com/files/3514/0979/5293/Pressure_Tester_Adapters.pdf

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=225702

MUSASHI66 > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/03/2020 at 20:31

If you’re not going to use it often, they are free to borrow at autozone or similar. You pay the full price and they refund it when you bring it back.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/03/2020 at 20:46

I’m sorry, I've only used the HF kit. Its worked great on a miata, my mini and my Vette

barnie > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/03/2020 at 21:48

Don’t buy Amazon! Go to the nearest ( small) franchise and get theirs . Might cost a couple more bucks but you’ll have it now, support the local guys, and any return/warranty will be easier to handle. And you get to talk to real people where you just might learn something new.

jminer > barnie
11/04/2020 at 00:34

I try to do this when I can, but auto parts is one of those things where the non-chains got killed a decade ago.

VincentMalamute-Kim > barnie
11/04/2020 at 10:25

I know. I agree with you about Amazon. HF isn’t a local store. I don’t know where else to look. Amazon is SO convenient.

VincentMalamute-Kim > MUSASHI66
11/04/2020 at 10:26

Maybe I should. This would be something I’ ll use very rarely. I like the feeling of pretending I’m a real mechanic by having ALL of the tools.

VincentMalamute-Kim > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
11/04/2020 at 10:28

HF and Amazon often have stuff that are identical. I may just look for the same photo.

VincentMalamute-Kim > onlytwowheels
11/04/2020 at 10:28

Thanks!

MUSASHI66 > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/04/2020 at 11:00

I love having tools so I understand the desire. But, I needed this tool once in my 40 years on this earth, and I don’t like storing shit I never use. Hence, Autozone ftw.

VincentMalamute-Kim > MUSASHI66
11/04/2020 at 11:11

yeah, you’re probably right about me using it once in the next 40 years.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > VincentMalamute-Kim
11/04/2020 at 14:59

Makes sense!