Pressure Tester - Questions, updates, progress - Coolant in the oil

[fairlaniac]

It was recommended to me to pressure test my coolant system in my 427 by GerryP. I'm sorting out the issue of finding a little coolant in the oil. So I scrounged some items from the garage and came up with this. I'll bolt it to the block at the water pump connections. I have a block off for the thermostat housing an I'll plug the fitting to the heater. We'll see what I come up with.

For some reason the picture won't load. Here is the link to my pressure-tester.
http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pressure-tester.jpg


http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pressure-tester-ends.jpg
Thanks,

[fairlaniac]

Yesterday I applied 25 psi of pressure to my cooling system via the homemade pressure tester shown. Today, 17 hours later. It appears that I've lost just over 1 psi. I would have assumed that if I found antifreeze in my oil that I'd find a leak somewhere. Obviously I've lost 1 psi but that could be some of my pressure testing connection points.

When I drained my oil which was precisely 7 qts. about 250 miles ago. About 11 oz. of extra fluid came out with it. That extra being antifreeze. So why am I not seeing more of a significant air leak?

I'd like to figure this out before I remove the rockers and spark plugs and check for leaks into the cylinders. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Anyone familiar with pressure testing the coolant system have any tips?

Picture of my connection points.

http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pt1.jpg

Gauge set to 25 psi.

http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pt2.jpg

Gauge 17 hours later.

http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pt3.jpg

On a side note, I cannot seem to post pictures with a URL. Anyone else having issues?

Thanks,

[jmlay]

[GerryP]

You had a soda can amount of coolant in the oil and you don't have a leak?  At 25PSI, it would have shown up.  A crack that opens up when the engine gets hot just leaks faster.  It never stops leaking when the engine is cold.  I don't think you are dealing with a crack.  For something like this, you recheck head bolt torque and make sure all bolts going into coolant have a thread sealer on them.

[Jb427]

could be leaking right into the lifter valley too i would think the intake would be a higher chance then a head gasket
i wonder if a head or intake has a pinhole some place 1psi loss is not much at all?

check this out 54.00min they find the leak a pinhole in a head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsvOE2vPUzw

[fairlaniac]

I had the intake off about 250 miles ago and there were no signs of coolant in the oil.

So I just pulled the rockers and let the valves close. I then removed each spark plug and after all are removed. The pressure in the coolant is holding steady at 24 psi. I even hand turned the engine a few revs to see if there would be a leak below the pistons and no change in the pressure?

Any other thoughts?

Updated gauge picture.
http://www.fairlanet.com/images/pt4.jpg

[fairlaniac]

I checked the head stud torque today and a few are around 95, 100 & 105. I just went 5 lb. increments. I recall when I installed my ARP head studs final torque was achieved in three steps to 110 ft./lb. I never went back and did a retorque at any time? Should have I? Is it possible when hot the coolant is working it's way into the oil system? Aluminum heads.

Thanks,