I haven't had the car that long... it looks like the previous owner installed a new radiator (w/ cap). I had an overheating problem and want to pressure check the cap... how do I do that? It says 14lbs. on it. Also, how do I check the A/C condensor to make sure there isn't anything blocking airflow to the radiator?

-Thanks

 

to pressure test the sysytem you have to buy a pressure tester.. haha.
no really you dont test the cap you test your system for leaks...

you take the cap off and screw the end of the tester onto where the cap goes then you pump it till it reaches around 14lbs of pressure then look to see if coolant squirts anywhere.. if it does then thats your leak... if you dont see it it may be leaking into the cylinder... you can tell that because when you start the car white smoke will come out... and if your heter core is bad you will see a puddle on the passenger side floor

dont know about checking the a/c condensor

 

Not a tech ...
Check the hoses for softness. If they are easy to squeeze or cracking then replace them. Might as well replace the thermostate, if the previous owner was working on the cooling then there may be rust forming on it and it may freeze shut (if not fail safe model)

Thing to look for ...
*Coolent dripping ...
*Eletrical fan ... going on when temp reach 200ish + temp, if not search board for this problem
*Manual Fan ... spinning realitively fast, slow means fan clutch may be going ( happen to me).


As far as the A/C ...
There is a pressure test ($65 to $100+) that checks for R-12 or R-134 levels. If your system is clogging then you are more than likely have to take it in and have the system vacuumed and or have some parts replaced.

 

Originally posted by Chuck Haynes.
I haven't had the car that long... it looks like the previous owner installed a new radiator (w/ cap). I had an overheating problem and want to pressure check the cap... how do I do that? It says 14lbs. on it.
They do have cap testers, the one I've used was also the pressure tester for the cooling system. Basicly it put pressure on the cap, when the cap released the pressure it should be at around 14lbs on the guage. Most of the time if the cap is questionable, just replace it.

Also, how do I check the A/C condensor to make sure there isn't anything blocking airflow to the radiator?
Get under the car and look at it, it's right in front of the radiator.