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Engine Cooling System: Radiator: Inspection

  1. Check for leaks.
    CAUTION:
    • The engine coolant is pressurized when it is hot. Wait until engine coolant cools down before proceeding the work.
    • If the engine coolant splashes, completely remove and clean it.
    1. Remove the radiator cap.
    2. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, and then install the radiator cap tester to the filler neck of radiator.
      CAUTION: Be careful not to deform the filler neck of radiator when installing and removing the radiator cap tester.
    G11253563Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  2. Apply a pressure of 112 kPa (1.14 kg/cm2 , 16 psi) to the radiator and check the following points:
    • Leakage from the flow path of the engine coolant or its vicinity
    • Significant pressure drop
    CAUTION: Be careful of engine coolant from spurting out when removing the radiator cap tester.
  3. Check that there is no deformation, cracks or other damages.
  4. Check the radiator fins for clogging.


  1. Check that there is no deformation, cracks or other damages.
  2. Check the opening pressure of the radiator cap.
    1. Remove the radiator cap.
      CAUTION:
      • The engine coolant is pressurized when it is hot. Wait until engine coolant cools down before proceeding the work.
      • If the engine coolant splashes, completely remove and clean it.
    2. Attach radiator cap tester.
      G10318795Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Increase pressure until the radiator cap tester gauge needle stops. Radiator cap is functioning properly if it holds the service limit pressure for 5-6 seconds. Replace the radiator cap if its valve opens at less than the service limit.
      CAUTION: Be sure to remove foreign matter and rust from the cap in advance. Otherwise, results of pressure test will be incorrect.

      Specification: 

      93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kg/cm2 , 14-18 psi)

      Service limit: 

      83 kPa (0.85 kg/cm2 , 12 psi)

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