cooling system tester

[ALX5]

Hi everyone
My brother-in-law has an old BMW 3 series (don't know the exact model and year) with leaking collant. He bought a colling system tester adapter to test on his car. Unfortunately, he could not do it because for some reasons. He wants to borrow my X5 to test to see is the tester working or not? How does this work? and is it safe to let him use my X5 to test the equipment? Thanks everyone

ALX5

[motordavid]

Usually a pressure tester which fits tightly into rad/coolant tank fill hole; then a hand pump process, like a low press. bicycle pump, which pressurizes the system to about 2 times ambient psi, eg up to 30 psi. Some have a gauge to show psi...then, one hunts for the leak(s).

Part of the downside is that when motor and cooling sys are cold, (which it needs to be to apply), it is Not the same as when the system is fully warmed and those suspect parts may be leaking; thus, detection is not always obvious.

No Xpert here, but the plethora of cheapazz plastic parts that are used in the X's cooling system would tend to make me suggest to you bro-n-law that he try it on someone's beater, lol!
My 2Cts.
GL,md

[vinuneuro]

I'm with MD. Cooling system seals and hoses are one of the X5s weak points. No reason to risk it.

[ALX5]

No Xpert here, but the plethora of cheapazz plastic parts that are used in the X's cooling system would tend to make me suggest to you bro-n-law that he try it on someone's beater, lol!

Will that tester fit on other cars or only with BMW?

Thanks MD.

ALX5

[motordavid]

Most of the testers I've seen come with a few adaptors which allow fitting on most cars.
Tell your bro'n'law to practice his "technique" on some beater, lol!
GL,md