Intercooler Pressure Test
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Joined: Mar 2016
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Intercooler Pressure Test
I picked up an all aluminum intercooler and want to pressure test it before install. Any recommendations for plugging it off and what pressure I should test it at? Just go 15lbs or so and check for leaks or run it up to 40?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Salt Lake City, utah
Run to the local hardware store and get some PVC plugs/caps that will fit inside the CAC boots. Drill and tap one of them and install an air fitting. Hook air up to a regulator to limit to a couple PSI as you don’t want to shoot the plugs across the shop and squirt with soap and water.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Salt Lake City, utah
I use a ball valve so I can limit the air going in. Shouldn’t need more than 1 psi to show a leak if you spray it with soap and water. And I wasn’t kidding about shooting the plugs across the shop been there done that.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
Have you tried the Fernco Caps? They are a rubber pipe fitting
https://www.fernco.com/plumbing/resi...bing/qwik-caps
The nice thing about them is that they are rubber and will conform
to the ports of the system and give a good seal. Then you can get
them to conform to the fittings so seal better.
One thing to do would be to get a snug fitting so the caps don't blow off.
That sure give other mechanics a major pucker factor if they do b;ow off.
https://www.fernco.com/plumbing/resi...bing/qwik-caps
The nice thing about them is that they are rubber and will conform
to the ports of the system and give a good seal. Then you can get
them to conform to the fittings so seal better.
One thing to do would be to get a snug fitting so the caps don't blow off.
That sure give other mechanics a major pucker factor if they do b;ow off.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Upper Left Coast
I probably wouldn't run it up to 40 psi but I have seen 25psi on my boost gage.....
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I've seen 30+. I guess if it holds air at 15lbs it should hold it at 30. Just want to check for leaks before I install it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
For checking for leaks when I was in school this how we did it.
We used the plugs that HT32BSX115 showed .
Then there was a regulator and a threaded connection to get the air in.
The regulator was set under 5PSI. We used spray soap or a dunk tank.
We used the plugs that HT32BSX115 showed .
Then there was a regulator and a threaded connection to get the air in.
The regulator was set under 5PSI. We used spray soap or a dunk tank.
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That's most likely my route with the spray soap and lower pressure.
