Pressure Testing Coolant System: Fusion 1.5L

[cls1989]

2015 Ford Fusion, 1.5L eco boost

Vehicle has been losing a little bit of coolant after just 2-3 days of driving. Photo below shows current amount, I topped it off on Thursday and now it’s below the max line.

I borrowed a coolant pressure testing kit from an auto part store. I picked the only fitting that properly threads onto the coolant reservoir, but I can’t build up any pressure when I go to pump air into the system. Fitting is threaded on all the way / seated. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. Any advice would be helpful.

 

[Hall]

You probably should research "coolant intrusion ford ecoboost". Not sure what years and specific engines it affected but it's not good. I think there's one or two specific cylinders you can check the spark plug from for signs of coolant.

 

[JRay’07]

Can you hear where the air is escaping from? Applying some soapy water with a spray bottle can help you locate leaks on various connections before testing the engine itself.

 

[cls1989]

Can you hear where the air is escaping from? Applying some soapy water with a spray bottle can help you locate leaks on various connections before testing the engine itself.

I tried that and I can’t hear the leak or see any bubbling after spraying soapy water

 

[JRay’07]

Can you try a different pressure testing kit?

 

[cls1989]

You probably should research "coolant intrusion ford ecoboost". Not sure what years and specific engines it affected but it's not good. I think there's one or two specific cylinders you can check the spark plug from for signs of coolant.

I am familiar with this. Wanted to pressure test the coolant system before considering this as this as the cause of the problem.

 

[cls1989]

Can you try a different pressure testing kit?

I would need to return the current kit back to the store and rent from a different location. It’s an option just will take some time.

 

[JRay’07]

Does your shop air supply have a regulator? You can try to make something to tee into the cooling system someplace else with the reservoir cap in place and remove that tester from the equation. Apply about 10 psi or so and allow the engine to sit for a long time. Look for external leaks first and if none are found remove the spark plugs and look inside of the cylinders for signs of coolant intrusion.

 

[cls1989]

Does your shop air supply have a regulator? You can try to make something to tee into the cooling system someplace else with the reservoir cap in place and remove that tester from the equation. Apply about 10 psi or so and allow the engine to sit for a long time. Look for external leaks first and if none are found remove the spark plugs and look inside of the cylinders for signs of coolant intrusion.

Unfortunately I don’t have this type of setup.

Does anyone have the link to a coolant pressure testing kit that matches the 2015 ford fusion 1.5L?

 

[wtd]

Make sure that there is not a bleed hole on that coolant reservoir that is not allowing you to build pressure.

I discovered that my fiancé's 2017 F150 had one on its reservoir when I was trying to use a coolant vaccum refiller on it and it wouldn't build a vacuum. You could see hers if you looked down into the fill hole. It was near the top of the reservoir.

I have a Mac coolant pressure tester that I bought new on Ebay but they are kind of pricey.

 

[Nukeman7]

I would need to return the current kit back to the store and rent from a different location. It’s an option just will take some time.

I think the loaner tool pressure test kit pump might be defective. Before you return it to AutoZone, take a look at the pressure relief valve and re-seat it if possible. I can't tell for certain, but it should be the spring loaded plunger behind the gauge in your bottom photo.

 

[cls1989]

Yes.

Make sure that there is not a bleed hole on that coolant reservoir that is not allowing you to build pressure.

I discovered that my fiancé's 2017 F150 had one on its reservoir when I was trying to use a coolant vaccum refiller on it and it wouldn't build a vacuum. You could see hers if you looked down into the fill hole. It was near the top of the reservoir.

I have a Mac coolant pressure tester that I bought new on Ebay but they are kind of pricey.

Yes. There is a hole in the tank. See photo. Is there a specialized fitting for this type of tank?

 

[JRay’07]

Does your pressure tester's seal cover that hole when it is fully seated?

 

[mattd]

Possible turbo or head gasket if no visible leaks.

Is there excessive cooling system pressure when running?

I’d pull each spark plug and pressure test the cooling system. Dye is also helpful in this situation

As far as not being able to build pressure. The tank is vented near the cap, you need an adapter that goes down into the bottle and seals off the hole.

 

[cls1989]

Does your pressure tester's seal cover that hole when it is fully seated?

I would say no. I fitting for the pressure tester threads on all the way, but unlike the cap for reservoir it doesn’t stop at a hard stop. If I keep turning the fitting for the pressure tester it skips over and becomes loose if that makes sense.

 

[cls1989]

Possible turbo or head gasket if no visible leaks.

Is there excessive cooling system pressure when running?

I’d pull each spark plug and pressure test the cooling system. Dye is also helpful in this situation

As far as not being able to build pressure. The tank is vented near the cap, you need an adapter that goes down into the bottle and seals off the hole.

I considered getting some dye to help with visibility

I plan on pulling the spark plugs and checking the threads

The kit comes with universal fittings. Basically a cone that expands and creates a tight fit when you turn the knob. The universal fitting will allow me to build up pressure into the system. I can get it to 10-15 psi but it will only stay in place for a few minutes before the pressure causes it to shoot back out of the bottle. It’s in there as good as can be. Guessing it’s not a secure enough fit.

 

[mattd]

I considered getting some dye to help with visibility

I plan on pulling the spark plugs and checking the threads

The kit comes with universal fittings. Basically a cone that expands and creates a tight fit when you turn the knob. The universal fitting will allow me to build up pressure into the system. I can get it to 10-15 psi but it will only stay in place for a few minutes before the pressure causes it to shoot back out of the bottle. It’s in there as good as can be. Guessing it’s not a secure enough fit.

Are you certain the tool is not the source of the pressure loss? A leak that large would be visible quickly.

And there wouldn’t be dye on the threads. It would be in the cylinder, or possibly on the spark plug electrode

 

[cls1989]

Are you certain the tool is not the source of the pressure loss? A leak that large would be visible quickly.

And there wouldn’t be dye on the threads. It would be in the cylinder, or possibly on the spark plug electrode

I think the issue is not having the correct fitting for the pressure test.

I found an adaptor on Amazon. I think this will work, just won’t know for sure until I try it.

https://a.co/d/hYFTtNI

 

[wtd]

I think the issue is not having the correct fitting for the pressure test.

I found an adaptor on Amazon. I think this will work, just won’t know for sure until I try it.

https://a.co/d/hYFTtNI

This looks very much like the MAC adapter that says works on your vehicle. That vent inside that tank is definitely your problem if you don't use the correct adapter that will seal it.
https://www.mactools.com/products/ra10052

 

[slomo]

Get on the youtube Forddrivingmeloco channel. Guy is a master Ford mechanic. He has several videos on these terrible engines. Ford put less metal around the cylinders causing head gasket leaks. Not even worth fixing. Will happen again. The Ford fix is getting a later year engine.

Get a USB bore scope. Look down into each cylinder. You will find coolant on top of one or more pistons. If you see a super clean cylinder, she's done. Pressure test while looking.

South Main Auto which is the best of it's type on youtube, has numerous videos as well.