Cooling system pressure tester

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
120,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DR.DRE
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I fit the cap on expansion tank (no radiator cap), the needle on tester gauge will not move. no pressure builds in tester.
Feb 25, 2018 at 10:58 AM
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HARRY P
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Be sure that the fitting is tightly on the reservoir and that it is sealed very well. Also, make sure that the reservoir is not leaking itself. If you have a really big leak anywhere in the system, that will keep it from building pressure.
Feb 25, 2018 at 6:42 PM
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DR.DRE
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Okay. The kit I have oddly enough, has no adapter for GM/Chevrolet but it has one that fits perfectly. I used the adapter for Ford on a Ford and it only got to 2psi.

Thanks for the response.
Feb 25, 2018 at 7:18 PM
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HARRY P
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Have you filled the cooling system?
Feb 26, 2018 at 3:26 AM
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DR.DRE
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I think that may be the issue. I filled it and it appeared to be holding full but did rescind a little. Should engine be running while filling? I had it shut off.
Feb 26, 2018 at 4:32 AM
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DR.DRE
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Sorry, the word I did not mean the water "rescinded" but it "receded". Thank you.
Feb 26, 2018 at 4:48 AM
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HARRY P
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Yeah running it while filling will get some of the air out of the system and get more water in there, and make it easier to pressure test it.
Feb 26, 2018 at 6:51 PM
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DR.DRE
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Okay, thanks again.
Feb 26, 2018 at 7:14 PM