Cooling system pressure tester adapters

[AugustneverEnds]

Hello everyone, need help as usual. I just picked up Harbor Freight's cooling system pressure tester.http://www.harborfreight.com/radiator-pressure-tester-kit-69258.html and it seems none of the adapters will fit. Some background, I have a new DMCH radiator and I still have an old style plastic header bottle. Does anyone know of an adapter that will fit and where to find it? As always thank you for your help :) - Nick

[Spittybug]

The one that O'Reilly auto lends out for free fits on just right with no adapter. Replace that plastic bottle ASAP!

[AugustneverEnds]

The one that O'Reilly auto lends out for free fits on just right with no adapter. Replace that plastic bottle ASAP!

Thanks. Unfortunately, no O'Reilly's to be found in this part of the world :thumbdown:

[Ron]

Odd. The factory cap is a very common type, was used for years on some GM cars (even same AC part number IIRC).
I think Spitty is saying the correct one doesn't fit because your tank has deformed over the years...a time bomb in any case.

[DeLorean03]

Yeah, the Craftsman one I bought didn't work two nights ago either. Had to go to Autozone and get one, and yeah - they're not getting it back :P.


For reference, here is the one I "bought"; it works 100% perfectly - no issues or add-ons:

17729

17730

Don't worry about the blue adaptor in the pic. You don't need it; just take the unit, clamp it on your coolant bottle and Boom-shakka-lakka!

[AugustneverEnds]

Yeah, the Craftsman one I bought didn't work two nights ago either. Had to go to Autozone and get one, and yeah - they're not getting it back :P.


For reference, here is the one I "bought"; it works 100% perfectly - no issues or add-ons:

17729

17730

Fantastic! Thanks DeLorean03, I guess I'll return the one I have and pick up one of these instead.

[Ron]

+1

I have that same kit.
(Been looking for an adapter for the screw on type to go with it.)

[jmettee]

The one from AutoZone (pictured above) does in fact work.

The one you rent from Advance Auto is the same exact one shown from Harbor Freight & if I remember correctly, I could not get any of those adapters to work.

[David T]

I have a professional one from NAPA. I have noticed that it leaks where it connects to the header tank. Looks like the system is leaking but it is just the tester itself. The plastic tank had a piece of metal embedded in the neck to keep it from deforming but over time it still deforms. Your tester and adapter is probably correct, it is the neck on the plastic tank that is the problem. In any case you should replace the plastic tank ASAP before it cracks or splits. Harbor Freight is not what it used to be. All they sell now is Chinese stuff and it is not of the highest quality (putting it politely).
David Teitelbaum

[DeLorean03]

Harbor Freight is not what it used to be. All they sell now is Chinese stuff and it is not of the highest quality (putting it politely).
David Teitelbaum

:freddy: Careful, David. HF has good stuff - you just can't use and abuse it. Some of their hand tools do suck some serious butt, but some of their goodies (tool chests/Chicago Electric Power Tools/workbenches) have all been outstanding for me.

You're right about their open ended wrenches - no doubt - I've seen them strip nearly in one sitting, but HF does have some good stuff.

[DeLorean03]

Fantastic! Thanks DeLorean03, I guess I'll return the one I have and pick up one of these instead.

No problem bud :thumbup: ! Paid nearly exactly $80 for mine - well worth it!

[Sammy]

I've used the AutoZone tester as well and can confirm it works great. If by some chance your coolant tank cap is bad you can get a replacement at AutoZine as well. Part #7616 at the zone.

[AugustneverEnds]

:freddy: Careful, David. HF has good stuff - you just can't use and abuse it. Some of their hand tools do suck some serious butt, but some of their goodies (tool chests/Chicago Electric Power Tools/workbenches) have all been outstanding for me.

You're right about their open ended wrenches - no doubt - I've seen them strip nearly in one sitting, but HF does have some good stuff.

+1 My rule of thumb when shopping there is not to buy anything that plugs in, power tools or air tools. But for simple stuff like C-clamps or wire wheels I can't find anywhere to beat their price.

[AugustneverEnds]

I've used the AutoZone tester as well and can confirm it works great. If by some chance your coolant tank cap is bad you can get a replacement at AutoZine as well. Part #7616 at the zone.

"Rented" the tester, check. By rented I mean as in keeping for a very extended period of time. :giggle:

[Sammy]

"Rented" the tester, check. By rented I mean as in keeping for a very extended period of time. :giggle:


Did anyone explain how the free tool rental program works?

[Nicholas R]

Did anyone explain how the free tool rental program works?

You pay retail price to rent the tool, when you bring it back you get a full refund. In the end the rental was free. Technically you give a deposit on the tool, but the deposit is full price of a new tool.

Catch is, some of the tools are nice and in good shape... maybe you will want to keep it. As far as they're concerned they just sold the tool outright. Other times the tool is beat to hell and only half preforms its function. Personally I've run into this far more often. I've rented several different pullers, oil pump primers, seal drivers, piston ring compressors, and a bunch of other random tools, and I've never been compelled to keep one. I just must not be very lucky, or I'm renting from the wrong place lol :wink:

[DeLorean03]

With my pressure tester, it still had the bubble wrap around the gauge. That was enough for me to keep it - PLUS it worked! $80 for that vs $119 for a Craftsman tester that was DOA.

[DeLorean03]

+1 My rule of thumb when shopping there is not to buy anything that plugs in, power tools or air tools. But for simple stuff like C-clamps or wire wheels I can't find anywhere to beat their price.


Honestly, give their Chicago Electric brand a try. I have been amazed how well their stuff has worked - wheel cutter and wheel grinder have both been outstanding for me!

[DMCMW Dave]

Honestly, give their Chicago Electric brand a try. I have been amazed how well their stuff has worked - wheel cutter and wheel grinder have both been outstanding for me!

The fun one is the Chicago Electric heat gun. I had one that turned into a very dramatic spark/flame thrower after a few minutes use. It did provide at least $9 (it's cost) worth of entertainment value.

I've broken their c-clamps and pullers just by tightening them. And there pickle-fork balljoint separators are so soft they spread open as you hit them.

[David T]

As I said, HF used to have good stuff but for the past several years (at least) the stuff is actually dangerous. No professional mechanic would buy and use this stuff anymore. Cheap tools are actually a danger to use but because the price is so tempting people keep buying it. Besides being dangerous it just doesn't last. Especially if you have to be rough with it. As much as I don't like Sears Craftsman, even that stuff is better. If you can afford it Mac or Snap-On is the way to go. If you can't, Craftsman is OK and it does have a lifetime guarantee as does Mac and Snap-On. Be especially picky when it comes to personal safety such as jacks, jackstands, chains, hoists, lifts, etc. The HF stuff is outright unsafe to use period. The metal is too thin, the welds crack, etc. No surprise it all comes from China. There is a reason you pay more for good tools!
David Teitelbaum

[Rich]

I consider a good cooling system pressure tester an essential D preventive maintenance tool.

Invest $90 and keep it as long as you own the car. Borrow a tester if you must, but use it regularly.

Mine's about 15 years old now. I run a pressure check at least yearly. It will also test the cap independently for relief pressure as well as leaks below rated pressure. This one fits the D. fine.

http://www.stant.com/repository/documents/12270.pdf

[Jeff K]

I have and used the harbor fright one.

You have to use the 'clip' with a threaded insert that seals itself on the overflow bottle where the cap goes. You have to crank down the insert to get a good seal against the tank.
see pic!
17755

I had a leak in the valley y-pipe. One quarter turn of a hose clamp and hours of work getting to it. The pressure tester was invaluable.

[jawn101]

Yeah, the Craftsman one I bought didn't work two nights ago either. Had to go to Autozone and get one, and yeah - they're not getting it back :P.


For reference, here is the one I "bought"; it works 100% perfectly - no issues or add-ons:

17729

17730

Don't worry about the blue adaptor in the pic. You don't need it; just take the unit, clamp it on your coolant bottle and Boom-shakka-lakka!

Same one I "bought" from Autozone. It's great.

[Dangermouse]

Looks like I'll be visiting AZ for one of their Best "Sellers"

I should start doing this every year.

[AugustneverEnds]

Honestly, give their Chicago Electric brand a try. I have been amazed how well their stuff has worked - wheel cutter and wheel grinder have both been outstanding for me!

Maybe I'll give this a shot then. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/rotary-tools/variable-speed-rotary-tool-kit-68696.html

Already I can think of several jobs for this baby.

[DeLorean03]

DO NOT get anything by Drillmaster. I was using a heatgun last night for the first time- started smoking and I got that "electrical burning" smell. Never used it once time - in 10 seconds = poof.

Will be getting one from Home Depot today -____-....

[SS Spoiler]

But think of the entertainment value!

[AugustneverEnds]

Picked up a Chicago 1/2" impact wrench the other day. Feels like it has something substantial in there. Two year warranty so we will have to see how it holds up...

[AugustneverEnds]

I have and used the harbor fright one.

You have to use the 'clip' with a threaded insert that seals itself on the overflow bottle where the cap goes. You have to crank down the insert to get a good seal against the tank.
see pic!
17755

I had a leak in the valley y-pipe. One quarter turn of a hose clamp and hours of work getting to it. The pressure tester was invaluable.

Maybe I picked up a crappy one because the insert did not seem to want to screw securely into the clip. Actually had it fall off into the coolant bottle and had to fish it out! I like this kit since the attachments work on my 1988 BMW. Could be worth another shot..