Hardline Leak Advice

tornado · 2 Apr 2016 at 16:48

Hi All,

Posted a while back for some advice and it was brilliant, thank so much! Due to circumstances I'm only now getting round to actually testing the full rig. I've already done a lot of leak testing, identified and fixed a few issues (almost all missing washers!) but I am stumped at one problem. The output from my pump goes straight into my radiator but the connection at the radiator end is leaking quite profusely.

As it is leaking I haven't been able to get enough water in to actually complete the loop, so the pump runs dry quite quickly and the leak is definitely worse when the pump is pumping - however water still seems to leak out constantly as the water in the radiator drains back out. I'm baffled and have checked everything, washers are all in and correctly fitted, the collar (monsoon hardline fittings) is glued securely. Does anyone have any ideas or tips to check?

Huge thanks for any advice!

Undesirable · 2 Apr 2016 at 19:43

Is it leaking from both rad ports or just the side we can see?

tornado · 2 Apr 2016 at 19:48

Just the side we can see, but as it is leaking from there is isn't making it to the other end under any pressure

Undesirable · 2 Apr 2016 at 21:11

Have you tried a different fitting (of the same variety) on the leaking port?

tornado · 2 Apr 2016 at 21:59

Would have done but unfortunately now the collar is on I can't get the fitting off (it's set with UV cured glue) - I could try a different base, though, might try that tomorrow. Thanks!

red eye · 5 Apr 2016 at 17:09

tornado said:
Would have done but unfortunately now the collar is on I can't get the fitting off (it's set with UV cured glue) - I could try a different base, though, might try that tomorrow. Thanks!

I'v only tried this with superglue, but putting it in boiling water might make the glue brittle so you can twist the coller off possibly with no damage.

tyler_jrb · 5 Apr 2016 at 21:14

I would inspect the rad, fitting and hardline tube for cracks etc. Even a poorly seated fitting wont leak like what you have described. One way to test it all in one go is to take the hardline off. Blank the other fitting on the rad. Attach a piece of flexi pipe or bent acrylic to the rad with fitting. Blow into the rad and hold the pressure. Feel with your hand exactly where it is coming from. A lot easier than doing it while water is pouring out. Chances are if it can hold your own pressure. It will hold the pump's pressure aswell.

If it is the rad fitting, It might be worth to fit it with some ptfe tape and loctite thread sealer. Far better than glue.