I built some tools for pressure testing blocks and heads a while back to assist in checking them out for rebuilding. Saves time if you spot a problem block before working on it. If it's a rare block, I then know what the problems are and repair them. If not, I just start with a better one. We have checked out and junked a bunch of parts that could have caused real headaches later. I am now testing every one we work on.
Erik
Nice, what is your test pressure?
We are using 40 PSI. Enough to really stress test any possible weakness and way less than the water jacket will be subjected to in use.
Erik
Eric,I think you meant "way more"?
Jack,
Correct, I meant way more. Thanks.
Erik
Erik
Just curious - are you using the water mains pressure to achieve the 40 PSI or do you fill with water and air pressurize ?
Judging from the schrader valve on the top of the rear pipe I would assume the latter
I made somewhat the same setup. I used air and water. Put it together and filled the block/head with water then put in about 10 Lb of air pressure. Let it sit for about 24 hours and only lost about 1 or 2 Lb and did not find any water leaks.
Using shop air pressure. The oversized fittings on the top of the setup provides an air dome to act as a cushion and provide a reserve of pressure so it can sit for some time to watch for leaks.
Erik
Good idea to test now and save money and time later.
I think you should put a photo of that set up on e-bay and advertise a very rare air operated T engine.
Erik,
Just be careful. I did the same thing just about a month back. Filled the block with water, put air in on top, and promptly blew one of the freeze plugs half way down the neighborhood!!!!!
Only found one leak, the big round one on the side of the block.
Kevin
I made up something similar.
You can use these to keep the engine cool for shop testing. They help clean out water jacket as well.
Or use plugs & gauge to pressure test.
Erik,
Thanks for the pressure specification you use. If the guy that rebuilt my engine had done this it would save me many headaches.
JD, on the fixture that mounts on the head, what is the long thin rod with the knob on top? Is that a valve? Mike
Looks like a thermometer.