|
Register | FAQ | Forum Rules | My Replies | My Threads | Mark Forums Read | Auto Escrow | Advertise |
Duramax First Generation: 2001-2004 (LB7) Discuss the first generation (2001-2004 LB7) of the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine & associated components. Engine related discussion ONLY. |
![]() |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
![]() |
#1 (permalink) |
Diesel Boss
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Safford, Arizona
Posts: 1,106
iTrader Score: 3 reviews
|
How to:Homemade IC pressure tester
Since my truck was experencing boost codes and low boost I figured it was time to check my intercooler tubes for the famous rub hole. Here is a very simply tool I made to pressurize the intercooler and tubes. After a very difficult session on a creeper and using flashlight and mirrors, I was still not convinced I could check it accuratly. So I devised a plan to be able to cheaply and without a doubt see if I had a boost leak. I searched for some timed to see if this has been done before and came up empty handed. Hopefully, you find this easy to do. Total build time was approx. 30min. and I was lucky because I didnt have to make a run to the hardware store...I had everything laying around the shop.
Things you'll need: 2-1 1/2" PVC ball valves. 2-1 1/2" PVC caps. 1-pressure gauge. 1-valve stem from a truck rim. Plumbers primer and cement. 11mm deep socket and ratchet. I used the ball valves because the trucks blue intercooler hoses from the turbo fit tightly and snug. Plus, I had them laying around. I am sure there are other options, but you get the idea. Next, I drilled a hole in one of the caps and tapped it for my pressure gauge. I only had a 100psi gauge, but it worked ok. I only pressurized the system to 15psi, just enough to see if the needle would drop. I will eventually replace the gauge with a 0-20psi soon. You also want to use some sealant on the gauge threads. I then glued this cap to one end on one of the ball valves. One side is done. Then, take the the other ball valve and drill a hole in it to install your valve stem. I used a step bit and kept trying it until it popped in very tightly, just like in a car rim. I didnt use any sealant because it was a perfect fit...just a little spit to help it pop in. Then glue the cap on one end of the other valve. Next, undo the clamps at the turbo and install the valves like in the pictures. You must get the clamps tight, so you dont get a ball valve missle in your forehead. Plus, most importantly, you dont need a lot of air pressure. 10-15psi is plenty. Use extreem caution here and dont get carried away. I am not responsible for you loosing an eye, or denting your hood. Pretend you are airing up a little bicycle tire and use small, short burst of air. I cant stress this enough. After I aired mine up to 15psi. I let it sit for 20-30 min. and used soap and water in a spray bottle to check for leaks and watch the gauge to see if it drops any. Works great! Hopefully someone can use this to easily find a leak in their IC or tubes. Common places are on the drivers side by the power steering hoses. But take time to check the corners of the IC itself. If someones already done this, then disregard this post. If not, then maybe the mods would like to put it in the "do it yourself" section. Have fun, and let me know if you have any questions.
__________________
2006 K3500 Crew cab, LB, SRW, LBZ, Allison auto, TransGoJr., straight exhaust, FASS Lift pump, Nicktane CAT fuel filter adapter, EGR plate w/ finger stick, 285-75-16, PPE Tuner, Torsion leveler keys, and a dab of JB weld on the Transfer case for now. 1996 K3500 Crew cab, LB, SRW, Vin F, 141 casting, NV4500 w/fast coolers, CKO HX40WII turbo w/man boost controller, FTB mod W/E8153 14psi Lift pump, CAT fuel filter, ditched FFM, Quadstar performance tune, Dorman PMD Remote mount kit w/#9, Diamond eye 4", Boost, Pyro, trans gauge, Level keys w/285's, 4:10 gears, 2/0 Battery cables w/dual red tops, Lube Specialist cooler lines w/Leroy diesel cooler adapters. SOLD 5-18 1994 GMC SLE K1500 Z71, Ext.Cab SB, 6.5TD, 4L80E, 6lug 9.5 w/3:73's, 141 block, FTB mod, LP relay mod, Remote PMD, vin S intake to F specs, EGR blocked, S&B Intake, 3" turbo back straight pipe, Quadstar Tow Tune & adjustable VSSB, 2/0 battery cables, optima red tops. |
Offline |
![]() ![]() |
Sponsored Links | |||
Advertisement |
|
![]() |
#2 (permalink) |
Diesel Fanatic
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern Manitoba
Posts: 139
iTrader Score: 0 reviews
|
Gm has a fancy kit with all of the fancy adaptors to do exactly what you did except it cost $X000s more than yours. I will add the GM spec for this is to apply 30 psi and then the psi drop should not drop more than 5 psi in 15 sec. I watched them use it when they found the defective weld on my 04's intercooler.
__________________
2007 GMC Sierra 3500 Classic Dually Loaded SLE Crewcab LBZ Line-X liner Rear DVD Sunroof All on headlights Wife's 2001 Blazer LT 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4X4 Duramax Allison Crewcab No mods. Traded!!!!! I feel for the next owner ![]() |
Offline |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#3 (permalink) | |
Diesel Pro
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Posts: 2,148
iTrader Score: 3 reviews
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
04.5 K2500 GMC Black C/C S/B SLT D/A 05 K3500 Chevy C/C Dually LS D/A Greene's Performance Diesel Building winners since 2005 Home of: ~B & B Pulling Team ~2008 SFTP Street Diesel Champion- BLACKBALLED ~2008 SFTP Outlaw Diesel champion- FREIGHTTRAIN ~2009 FATC Street Diesel Champion- CODE RED ~2009 FATC Outlaw Diesel Champion- BLACKBALLED www.floridatruckpullers.com |
|
Offline |
![]() ![]() |
Sponsored Links | |||
Advertisement |
|
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
pop tester? | Davediesel3 | 6.5L Diesel Engine | 4 | 10-02-2011 09:22 PM |
pop tester | jrsavoie | Off Topic | 7 | 01-20-2009 09:12 AM |
Fuel Pressure Tester no compatible with diesel?? | mgray1982 | Maintenance & Fluids | 13 | 07-30-2008 06:31 AM |
Can I use a vacuum & pressure tester kit ? | cooperhauling | Interior | 0 | 12-01-2007 11:25 PM |