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method to detect radiator leaks?

SweetFeet

SweetFeet

Well-known Member
My husband is wondering if there is some colored liquid/type of dye that one can put into a radiator to better show where a leak is located. Trying to fix a used core (it is NOT that old deteriorating on that I posted a photo of.)
Thanks if you can help.
 
Auto repair shops have a dye that shows up with a black light. Not sure where you would get it though.

Donovan from Wisconsin
 
If you can find a bicycle innertube from a ballon tire bike, not a ten speed type, cut the tube opposite the valve stem and put it on the outlets. Put the rad cap on and pump a few psi of air in the tube. Then use soapy water to find the leak.
 
Thanks for the info. I had never heard of this stuff. It appears they have dyes to put in oil also. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Mastercool-Professional-UV-leak-detection-kit-includes-12-Volt-50-Watts-UV-light-1-oz-oil-ATF-gas-diesel-fluorescent-dye-1-oz-engine-coolant-dye-and-UV-safety-glasses/_/N-26fm?itemIdentifier=290041_0_0_
 
Don WI,

Thanks! I wondered about like fluorescent clothing dye - but never would have thought of a blacklight.

I'm guessing he may want to try Glennsters idea first as it won't cost anything.
 
The kits have dyes for oils and antifreeze. You use yellow glasses similar to shooters glasses and a blacklight to make the dye stand out lime green. It works well. Bugs on a radiator look lime green under the light as well.
 
Glennster,

Thanks - great idea! He is going to like this idea as it won't cost anything to try. Plus he already devised a method to close the bottom of the tubes by clamping a piece of thick rubber glued onto flatstrap across the bottom of the tubes to do non-pressurized testing.

So thinking he could make a similar piece that incorporates a bike tire valve stem... then fill each tube with soapy water. With both ends sealed, add a bit of pressure - there by being able to check each tube individually.
 
Stephen,
Thanks for the link. Will tell him, though I think he will like Glennster's idea - no purchase required.
 
ASEguy,

Thanks, for the additonal info on how the kits work.

Now I want to see a bug under a blacklight too. LOL.
 
Hello sweetfeet.

When you do pressurize the system, make sure that the pressure is only 10% above the cap's rated pressure. Also do the test when the engine is cold, or you maybe chasing a ghost. Some leaks won't show up becouse of thermal expansion would seal them.
Good hunting.....................Guido.
 
My son sent me some sea dye. That pilots use to mark their position.If they went down in the ocean. When he was in the Navy. Marine stores may have it. Or surplus stores.

I used it to find leaks. It turns a bright green. When exposed to water. Can be messy on the hands. But it works well.
 
You might also check with a local garage. See if they have a pressure tester. Might let you barrow it. The inner tube deal would work well also.
 
Guido,

Thanks. I will tell him only a small amount of pressure.

Engine temp will not be an issue - he has the radiator in his shop because he dismantled it to clean everything up and attempt some soldering repairs.
 
Billy,

Thanks for the info. The stuff you refer to in your first reply sounds similar to what ASE guy is talking about too.

Also if the soapy water does not work, maybe our auto mechanic would let him borrow a pressure tester over a weekend when their shop is not open. Good thought.
 
If you can still get this stuff I agree it is the best method of leak detection there is. Can be used in oil and I think even in AC systems.
 
Air in the radiator and then submerge it. A lot easier to find thesource of the leak.
a99126.jpg
 
When I had my welding business I did a lot of these and I can say that windex works MUCH better that soapy water and it's easier to find the leak than if it's under water. The inertube trick is a great idea too. With windex it will evaporate and clean up easier than soapy water for soldering and it will bubble on leaks that soapy water won't.
 
Jeff NWOH,
Thanks, will show him this. Not sure we would have anything large enough to submerge the core in (no livestock tanks anymore).
 
jon f,
You are saying to fill the tube with Windex, right?...not just seal the tube, put it under a little air pressure - then spray Windex on the outside?
 
no windex inside, just put in a bit of presure and spray it on. It's thinner so it finds holes better and evaporates faster ands leaves no soap film to interfear with welding or soldering.
 
It seemed that some posters were recommending putting the liquid (windex) inside the radiator. I always used it right out of the spray bottle on the outside, but only because I never thought of pouring it INTO the radiator. I've used the bike tube, and it's easy and it works! A new tube will air up 'til it's nearly as big as my leg (I'm skinny) without much PSI. Pressure cap SHOULD protect it anyhow. . . Good luck. I've soldered some that were a success and some that leaked worse when I got done, ha.

Paul
 
I don't look for them anymore. Just add a cup of ground black pepper to it and it will find and seal the leak almost indefanitly. I have a semi with 6 cups of black pepper in it and has run with seal gone on the pump for 3 years now and still holds.
 
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