I used this tool to find an hard to find coolant leak on a Ford vehicle with rear passenger side HVAC unit (second evaporator and heater core units). These are common on many full size pickup trucks and large SUV’s. In my case, the rear heater core was leaking slowly simply because the 2 hose clamps rusted out and could no longer provide a leak-proof seal at the hoses. The small puddle of coolant was first misdiagnosed as water condensation from rear evaporator core (summer time repair).
This tool gave me just enough pressure / 15 psi with shop air to slowly follow every single engine cooling components with a flashlight and find my smoking gun! Being able to concentrate my attention without constantly pumping up pressure was a real benefit. For those of you who have internal water pumps on Ford 3.5 V6, this is a great fast way to find out where your small coolant losses are coming from. It’s too easy to point out and condemn the water pump when it’s not the real issue.
Tool itself feels solid. The gauge is precise and protected by some rubber on the outside. The only thing i would like to see improved is the ball valve. It feels flimsy. I don’t believe it’s worth removing a star for that.
| Manufacturer | Astro Pneumatic Tool Company |
|---|---|
| Place of Business | MT. AIRY, NC, 27030 US |
| Part Number | 7856 |
| Product Dimensions | 19.69 x 18.21 x 7.62 cm; 660 g |
| Item model number | 7856 |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Included Components | Universal Air Powered Cooling System Pressure Tester |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 660 g |
| Country of origin | China |
