Pressure tester

Tiny
ROBYN REID ANDREOLI
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 GMC SIERRA
  • 6.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,000 MILES
Hi, I am trying to find an anti freeze leak in my truck but I can seem to get the pressure tester gauge to rise at all. I even did it backwards. Left the tester on while letting temp rise to normal running temperature. Obviously I'm not a mechanic or I wouldn't be asking. Lol I'm a mom trying to save a few bucks. I made sure the fitting going into plunger was right. I also re-tighten the adapter to make sure it was seated and tight enough. Need any advice you can give. Thanks in advance.
Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 5:19 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
A common problem on GM engines is a leaking intake manifold where the coolant passes through passages in it. Those leaks usually occur in places where you can't really see it. In this case it might be leaking fast enough to prevent your tester from building pressure.

An alternative is to add a small bottle of dark purple dye to the coolant, then check a day later with a black light. The dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source. Auto parts stores will have the correct dye for the fluid being tested, and those that rent or borrow tools should have a black light. Typically you pay for the tool, then you get a full refund when you take it back. If you decide to keep a tool, you still take it back, then they order you a brand new one.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
ROBYN REID ANDREOLI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Silly question, lol. Is the dye going to fly all over the place them rendering it useless?Because I will have that dye everywhere not being able to actually find the source. I say that because there is a leak around the radiator and I can see where it's dripping from. I fill the reservoir a few times a week trying to minimize any damage.
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 3:56 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
If you see where it's leaking from, the diagnosis is already done. If you only see where it drips from after it runs down there, that is the exact purpose of using dye. A pressure tester won't help because that just gives you more of what you already have, meaning leakage. Once the liquid evaporates or boils off, the dye is left behind. While looking at it with the black light, it's that bright yellow stain that you follow back to the source to see where it originated from. Remember that liquid always runs down, so look for the highest place you find the dye.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
ROBYN REID ANDREOLI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I got it now. Sorry about that. For some reason I wasn't picturing it that way. Lol. Okay, I got it. Thanks a bunch. I have more questions for you. I will start a new question. It is for a different car.
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Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
If I can jump in here. this guide shows how to use a pressure tester and to find a coolant leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 AT 7:23 PM

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