Pressure Testing The Engine

[big-boss]

After my engine is all assembled waiting to be installed into my chariot of fire, What about pressure testing the engines's water system?

I could block off the waterpump block holes easy enough then block off the intake thermostat area, right? Then put some water in it and pressure it up, seeems easy enough?

Anybody do this? What pressure would I test it to?

[wtm442]

Originally Posted by big-boss

What pressure would I test it to?

Pressure it to a few psi higher than the radiator cap pressure rating. But you want to do this after all the water pump, plumbing, hoses etc are installed.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by wtm442

But you want to do this after all the water pump, plumbing, hoses etc are installed.

I agree. But you might want to break your engine in before you put it in your car. If you haven't already, that is....

[big-boss]

How much pressure do they use to check a block or heads?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by big-boss

How much pressure do they use to check a block or heads?

Cooling system pressure tests usually run from a low of about 17 lbs. to a max of the upper 20's, depending on the cooling system.