DavidW2009
Regular Contributor
Pressure Testing an OMC 2.3L Engine Long Block
The following is a description of tools and components used to pressure test a 2.3L block for leaks and freeze cracks.
Test Fixture:
Pressure gauge 1/4 NPT (0-100 PSI well water gauge) $8.00
¼ x ¼ x ¼ NPT Pipe Tee $2.00
¼ NPT to 3/16 or ¼ Barb Fitting $2.00
¼ NPT x 1 Pipe nipple $1.50
¼ x ¼ x ¼ NPT Pipe Tee $2.00
¼ NPT x 2 ½ Pipe Nipple $1.75
1/4 FNPT Gas Rated ¼ Turn Ball Valve (Brass) $8.00
¼ NPT to 3/16 or ¼ Barb Fitting $2.00
¼ NPT x 1 to 2 Long Pipe nipple $1.75
Sub Total $29.00
Components Used to Connect Test Fixture:
¾ PVC to ¾ NPT Adapter (Plastic), Ace Hrdwr #46361 $1.30
¾ to ¼ Bell Reducer (Iron), Ace Hrdwr #1591-365 $2.20
Sub Total $3.50
Components Used to Plug Water Hoses:
¾ to ¼ Bell Reducer (Iron), Ace Hrdwr #1591-365 $2.20
¼ NPT Plug (Iron) Ace Hrdwr #1591-472 $ .80
½ PVC Pipe (Plastic) x 3" $ .20
½ PVC Pipe Cap (Plastic) $ .30
Sub Total $3.50
Total All Components: $36.00
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Assemble the gauge components per photo attached, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble connection components, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble the test fixture to the connection, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble the ½ PVC pipe and cap using PVC bonding glue.
Assemble the ¼ NPT plug into the bell reducer, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Remove the power steering pump. Remove the thermostat housing.
Insert the test fixture/connector into the ‘U’ shaped hose that connects to the engine water distribution (1 ½" I.D.). Secure with two hose clamps. Use sealer if necessary. See photos.
Insert the ½ PVC pipe/cap plug into the water hose that goes to the base of the carb. Secure with a hose clamp.
Insert the bell reducer/1/4 NPT plug into the short water hose (1 ½" I.D.) that connects to the cylinder head elbow. Secure with hose clamp.
Check all other hose clamps for tightness.
Set air compressor regulator to 20 PSI or so. Connect air pressure line to test fixture. Open ball valve slightly and close when gauge reads 15 PSI.
Maximum for this test is 15 PSI.
If engine block will not hold pressure, locate source of leak. I have read the engine should hold pressure for 24 hours.
The following is a description of tools and components used to pressure test a 2.3L block for leaks and freeze cracks.
Test Fixture:
Pressure gauge 1/4 NPT (0-100 PSI well water gauge) $8.00
¼ x ¼ x ¼ NPT Pipe Tee $2.00
¼ NPT to 3/16 or ¼ Barb Fitting $2.00
¼ NPT x 1 Pipe nipple $1.50
¼ x ¼ x ¼ NPT Pipe Tee $2.00
¼ NPT x 2 ½ Pipe Nipple $1.75
1/4 FNPT Gas Rated ¼ Turn Ball Valve (Brass) $8.00
¼ NPT to 3/16 or ¼ Barb Fitting $2.00
¼ NPT x 1 to 2 Long Pipe nipple $1.75
Sub Total $29.00
Components Used to Connect Test Fixture:
¾ PVC to ¾ NPT Adapter (Plastic), Ace Hrdwr #46361 $1.30
¾ to ¼ Bell Reducer (Iron), Ace Hrdwr #1591-365 $2.20
Sub Total $3.50
Components Used to Plug Water Hoses:
¾ to ¼ Bell Reducer (Iron), Ace Hrdwr #1591-365 $2.20
¼ NPT Plug (Iron) Ace Hrdwr #1591-472 $ .80
½ PVC Pipe (Plastic) x 3" $ .20
½ PVC Pipe Cap (Plastic) $ .30
Sub Total $3.50
Total All Components: $36.00
****************************************************************************
Assemble the gauge components per photo attached, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble connection components, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble the test fixture to the connection, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Assemble the ½ PVC pipe and cap using PVC bonding glue.
Assemble the ¼ NPT plug into the bell reducer, using Teflon sealing tape or a gas rated thread sealant.
Remove the power steering pump. Remove the thermostat housing.
Insert the test fixture/connector into the ‘U’ shaped hose that connects to the engine water distribution (1 ½" I.D.). Secure with two hose clamps. Use sealer if necessary. See photos.
Insert the ½ PVC pipe/cap plug into the water hose that goes to the base of the carb. Secure with a hose clamp.
Insert the bell reducer/1/4 NPT plug into the short water hose (1 ½" I.D.) that connects to the cylinder head elbow. Secure with hose clamp.
Check all other hose clamps for tightness.
Set air compressor regulator to 20 PSI or so. Connect air pressure line to test fixture. Open ball valve slightly and close when gauge reads 15 PSI.
Maximum for this test is 15 PSI.
If engine block will not hold pressure, locate source of leak. I have read the engine should hold pressure for 24 hours.
Attachments
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