Testing Radiator and Power Steering Leaks

[Chaduro]

Well my radiator is empty and my neighbor came over and looked at my car and told me to fill the radiator with water and see if it is a hose or the radiator to leak empty. I filled it with water and its not leaking anything.

This could be a really dumb question so bear with me; would the car have to be started for the water in the radiator to flow through the hoses or can I do that without starting the car in a while? If it will work with the car sitting for a while, why is it not leaking now, but was empty?

I checked the power steering dipstick and it is empty, how can I test that? Do I have to use power steering liquid or can I use water? Sorry if that was a dumb question as well. I am learning slowly.

 

[Explorer]

NOTHING in the power steering but power steering fluid,( auto tranny fluid is ok in some), no water! Engine may not show up any leaks till it gets up to temp and pressure builds. Good part is, no obvious leaks from cracked block.

 

[chad]

You seem like an intelligent fella (my definition is - some one who knows what they don't know). Many would add H2O to their power ster pump and suffer thru a repair.

To test some would mix 50/50 H2o and anti frez/anti boil - then add (about a gal of each.) (sure it's totally dry? how do U know?) Run for about 10 min to reach normal operating temp. This method may create an 'air bubble' in there (to B corrected later) but at least will prevent the motor from seizing - becoming a molten mass of hot metal- become destroyed. Do not remove the cap @ this point due to the pressure that's built up and fact the H2O is over 212*. U will B burned as it blasts outta there. Some caps have a pressure relief function to tap away the pressure. A hand pump can B used to keep pressure (motor does not hafta run) for several hrs or 1/2 a day. They have a gage to notice if pressure drops over this period, it shouldn't. Others R fortunate enuff to have an apparatus attached to their air compressor to do this. May help U diagnose why radiator is dry. Blown head gasket? (white smoke @ exhaust, stain running down block, steam escaping from weird places), hoses need replacing (again steam escaping from them)?

Power ster fluid is not as model specific as tranny fluid. Fill it w/PS fluid oz by lill oz. Too much in there will also come blasting out. (Notice how small the reserver is?). One oz, check stick, too low? only add 1 oz again. Look down in there, need more, just a tad (motor running is better 4 addin). When the wheel is turned - again pressure, so over fillin is easy (bubbles, again can get trapped) turn "lock to lock" (all the way in each direction) as U fill. When gettin to the full R or full L position it can throw out any extra fluid that's been incorrectly placed in there.

Have fun, be safe...

 

[Chaduro]

Yeah, it seems that if I want to diagnose where the leaks are, first I will have to get the Mustang running.

 

[chad]

running
Helps, no?
automobile is a system (prts relate 2 1 another) the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone, etc.
Yeah, I like that idea better than replacing body panels, reupholstering the seats etc.
Some usta say "If the body is good - go forward w/the rest", /or/ "if the motor is OK, go forward w/the rest" (both gone - 4 get it). I like the latter (motor) 8^) . U can use it if it's running - some immediate gratification (& utility).
Hang in there, I couldn't @ yer age. Any project vehicle I could afford was in bad shape. just overwhelming

Any Qs U got - let us know! Love to offer ideas/support. Some 1 in yer neighborhood (boots -on-the-ground) is good 2.

 

[Chaduro]

Wait, who is boots -on-the-ground? Thanks Chad for all the help, coming from a fellow Chad.

 

[chad]

All my life I got "He he, Chad & Jeremy, eh? Chad Everett, no?, etc" Not many my age w/the name but I hear more n more young-ins w/the name.

1 suggestions - keep on 1 "thread" w/all the Qs for some benefit. Kinda like a "build thread" folks will C ur progress, have some understanding, B able to assist better, & ck in on ur/the vehicle's development. (Your choice a course)...

Sorry, boots on the ground 2 me means local yokels, neighbors, non-cyber friends to aid the "project".
Unfortunately I only know another site to offer this kinda connection. I have several networks I use: internet sites that I go national to connect w/local people. For this U might use FTE (ford truck enthusiast). I've met people near me who come over and 'shoot the stuff' & offer on the ground assistance - expertise I don't have. They have a Chapter (state) system that can connect U to locals. May B U can request that here if you'd like. I forgot where U actually live - worth a try?

As David S sez "keep it coming"...

Edit: "Ah, plenty Az folks w/mustangs on here, just not sure on the time they have available or how close they might B."