Thread: Interesting V8 block tester

Cool I have never seen it done like that.
I know when I bought my last reco 3.5 I was told that it was pressure
tested with the block heated up to operating temperate simulate operating conditions.

I am building one tomorrow. I am about to ship a 4.6 block to the phillipines, and i dont really want to pay for a warranty return claim if i dont have to.

Adny

Here is what MotorCars said:

Originally Posted by GALLAGHER

These things are very cool. We had a demonstration for the sales group yesterday, and this thing works like a champ! Once installed all you have to do is fill the block, pressurize with about 40 psi and watch for the leaks. If it doesn't leak cold, place a heat lamp above the lifter gallery yo allow the block to warm up. Check after it has set overnight and if it doesn't leak the block should be okay.

Yesterday we had a sleeve start to leak almost instantly on number 4 cylinder and filled the hole with water after about 2 minutes. Very impressive demonstration.

I can't count the number of times that I could have used this tool, or the number of comebacks it could have saved us. Ask yourself how many times you have condemned bad head gaskets or incorrect torque on a repeated failure. I know that we have here in our shops.

I know this, there is no way I'll replace a set of head gaskets without checking the block first!

Built a set up yesterday, and the block tested ok this morning up to 70psi cold. I will be putting a heat lamp on it today and checking again this arvo. I didnt bother welding the water pump, i just blocked up the outlet hose with a plug and a few hose clamps.

I still dont think this is a 100% accurate way as you should be checking up to 170psi or what ever the preasure is in the cylinders during normal running. Its better than what i was doing previously though.

Andy

I'm not sure that running pressures much higher than, say, 40psi would be a good idea.

We aren't looking at the engine pressurising the coolant but for leaks the other way, from the water to the cylinder.

As it turns out, i couldnt get the block hot enough anyway. The cold test should be enough to give me piece of mind, the car didnt make any strange noises as it was, when warm. The 70 psi didnt worry it, although my first attempt of blocking the waterpump outlet sprayed 2 liters of water across the room.

Andy

Hi,

One way to be sure you don't (and won't) have a slipped liner problem is to fit a Chev.
cheers, DL

Originally Posted by 350RRC

Hi,

One way to be sure you don't (and won't) have a slipped liner problem is to fit a Chev.
cheers, DL

...Right on, and an ally one at that!!!!

JC