Thank Richard! I called local Autozone and they have one available, will be borrowing it and testing this weekend.

-Mark

> On Sep 22, 2022, at 10:24 AM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
> 
> At Autozone, you can get a pressurizing kit for free; you "buy" it with your credit card, but then have 90 days to return it for full refund.  Yes, you just pump it up; spray soapy water here and there to find leaks.  Sure, they want to sell you parts; but this is a fantastic service.  Upon return of kit, I even bought a 10 mm socket!!!  Go figure.
> 
>    On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 08:29:17 AM PDT, Adam Grove <roverini@gmail.com> wrote:  
> 
> HI Mark,
> 
> I replaced all my coolant hoses last year and this summer found several
> small leaks and yes, you are right, those by the hot engine parts never
> leave a drop on the ground.  I am wondering how your mechanic determined
> there were no leaks.  You can pressurise the system and then see if it
> loses pressure over time.  Doing this when the engine is cold might show up
> those vaporizing leaks. Also, I have read that silicone hoses tend to seep
> if not tightened properly and some suggest using different clamps.  I used
> all rubber so I cannot speak to that personally.
> 
> Pressure testing at this point might be the best bet if your mechanic did
> not already do that.
> 
> Adam
> 91 Syncro Westy
> 
> On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 6:59 AM Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
> 
>> About a year ago I had my cooling system revamped with a new radiator,
>> water pump, stainless steel pipes to the radiator, and many new hoses.
>> Since then I can smell coolant outside the van after driving it.  I took it
>> back to the mechanic, said they pressurized the system and found no leaks.
>> There is no evidence to be found of any coolant dripping on the pavement
>> beneath the van, only the smell. On a recent 200 mile trip the van depleted
>> most of the coolant in the overflow tank. The rear heater core is bone dry,
>> that isn't the problem.
>> 
>> The coolant smell is strong on the right rear side so I've been looking at
>> the hoses and connections in that area. I suspect the leak may be at the
>> hose connection on the front of the right head. This connection is above
>> the exhaust outlet so any coolant that leaked would be vaporized and never
>> reach the ground. This connection is a new silicone hose with a new
>> screw-type hose clamp.
>> 
>> My question here is whether an ear clamp (Oetiker style) would be better
>> than a screw-type clamp for this application.
>> 
>> Also part of the revamp was a new aluminum coolant reservoir with a 16lb
>> pressure cap. I've also wondered if the cap might be defective, causing the
>> system to run at a higher than designed pressure.
>> 
>> I spent a lot of $$ so that the all important cooling system would be
>> robust and I wouldn't have to worry about it, very dismayed to have to keep
>> troubleshooting this. I appreciate any observations or comments.
>> 
>> Regards,
>> Mark
>> '87 syncro
>> 
>