Radiator leak test

The reasons for frequent topping up of coolant may be:

• improper operation of the radiator cap valves. Check the opening pressure of the exhaust valve, which should be (0,5±0,05) kgf/cm²;
• insufficient tightness of the gasket of the radiator cap. In this case, replace the plug;
• leak in the radiator. Check the radiator for leaks. To do this, close the filler neck and radiator pipes, place it in a bath of water and supply compressed air to the radiator at a pressure of 1 kgf / cm². For a time of at least 30 s, there should be no air etching. The tightness of the radiator can be checked without removing it from the car, for which plug the radiator pipes and fill it with water, create a pressure of up to 1 kgf/cm². There should be no water leakage. Fix small leaks with soft soldering (soldering at the car factory was carried out with POSSu 30-2 solder).

Damaged upper and lower radiator tanks are repaired by applying overlays:

• cut brass plates 0.8-1.5 mm thick and 10 mm larger than the damaged area;
• clean and tin the pad and the damaged area, then solder the pad to the damaged area;
• muffle the damaged cooling tubes of the radiator by soldering the upper and lower ends. It is allowed to jam no more than three radiator tubes;
• weld breaks and cracks on the radiator mounting plates by gas welding.

Eliminate fluid leaks in the hose connections by tightening the clamps or replacing damaged parts.