Ford — Cooling System Pressure Test
Testing & diagnosis
From a Ford service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- To prevent loss of coolant and the danger of being burned, let the engine cool before removing the radiator cap.
Procedure
- Shut the engine off and let it cool; remove the radiator cap slowly.
- Adjust coolant to one inch below the filler neck and wet the rubber sealing surface of the cap.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the engine temperature sending unit and remove the unit from the manifold.
- Install the adapter fitting from the Rotunda Pressure Tester 21-0012 into the cylinder block in place of the sending unit.
- Insert the free end of the overflow hose into a container of water.
- Attach the pressure pump and gauge and pressurize the cooling system to the cap LOWER LIMIT.
- Gradually increase pressure until a slight stream of bubbles appears (upper limit of the pressure cap).
- Pressurize the system and observe the gauge reading for approximately two minutes; pressure should not drop.
- Release pressure, remove the adapter and reinstall the temperature sending unit; check and replenish coolant.
Tools required
- Rotunda Pressure Tester 21-0012 Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Source: Ford service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.