Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Topic: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome (Read 1045 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

January 08, 2019, 09:41:26 pm

Working on a radiator problem on our 1988 Foretravel Unihome. It is a 3600 URED with a 3208 Cat. My shop says the radiator core needs to be replaced which is pricey. The radiator is rear mounted.
Does anyone know of a source for a used radiator or a later replacement unit that would require minimal fabrication to fit our unit. Leads and ideas will be appreciated.
Many thanks
Caraddict
850-556-2045

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #1 – January 09, 2019, 06:52:52 am

Quote from: Caraddict – January 08, 2019, 09:41:26 pm

Does anyone know of a source for a used radiator or a later replacement unit that would require minimal fabrication to fit our unit. Leads and ideas will be appreciated.

Maybe these guys can help: You searched for radiator | Colaw RV Used Parts

Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #2 – January 09, 2019, 10:19:11 am

Call Ft. Worth, TX and talk to JOHN RUMMEL 817-223-3208 OR KAREN @ 817-503-3765. They were parting out a narrow body Foretravel with a CAT. The early engine door was too narrow for ours but they may still have most of the coach including the CAT and Allison.

Pierce

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #3 – January 09, 2019, 12:18:45 pm

Caraddict, if you are mechanically inclined at all, you should be able to remove & replace your radiator yourself with some help from a friend as it is heavy. Took me a under 4hrs to remove, with about 15 mins to lift it out of the back with my neighbors help, took it to a truck radiator repair shop, had it recored (think the cost was $1200) they use the same tanks and mounting brackets and about a week to get it back, about a 1/2hr with help from neighbors help to get it in place, and about another 3-4 hours to button it up.
If you go the used route there is no guarantee how long it will last, and you've gone through all that work to do it all over again!
Just some food for thought

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #4 – January 09, 2019, 12:55:11 pm

Thanks Travelray. Yes I removed the radiator and took it to the radiator shop. He will replace my core and use my tanks and mounting brackets as well. He quoted a minimum of $3200. I'm in Florida.
Where is you shop located?

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #5 – January 09, 2019, 01:04:55 pm

Agree with above a used one is going to be old and USED,cheapest route would be to get yours re cored,where are you located?,
would price one from Atlas in Corpus Christi,you will need your numbers off yours for a quote.

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #6 – January 09, 2019, 05:38:42 pm

Contact these guys, I had a radiator record a few years ago it was reasonable. Worth checking

C,G, & J Inc.

Used to be Brice Thomas Radiator

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #7 – January 09, 2019, 08:58:07 pm

Radiator was too large. Overcooled the cat. Factory blocked half the radiators so the motor could warm up properly. Plywood over half the surface. Was designed for the 6v92's heat

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #8 – January 09, 2019, 10:47:18 pm

Interesting Bob, I replaced the thermostats first thing when I got home thought they were stuck open and was only seeing 160 temps even in the high deserts at 100+ ambient. Cat offers a low leakage thermostat rated at 10 degrees higher. Engine has two thermostats on the same housing so maybe switching one to a low leakage can help this cold blooded cat. Went up cajon pass and temps almost got to 175. Normal range is 160 to 210 max. Takes a long time to get to 160.

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #9 – January 09, 2019, 11:30:03 pm

Caraddict, I'm in Michigan near Detroit. The shop was Tim's Radiator in Detroit, that was about 5yrs ago

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #10 – January 10, 2019, 12:13:45 am

Caraddict has it been flushed or properly cleaned, or just leaking? Seems like the new answer is replace as labor doesn't generate much profits. How bad are the fins?

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #11 – January 10, 2019, 09:04:42 am

Quote from: Caraddict – January 09, 2019, 12:55:11 pm

Thanks Travelray. Yes I removed the radiator and took it to the radiator shop. He will replace my core and use my tanks and mounting brackets as well. He quoted a minimum of $3200. I'm in Florida.
Where is you shop located?

Caraddict, Got a new radiator from Atlas in Corpus Christy in November mine is a side mount but I would check with them before I paid that much
My total with shipping was less than 2300.00 not a recore
Their Number is 361-882-5661. Talk to Bobby Jo, she can help you
Chris

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #12 – January 10, 2019, 10:03:35 am

Andy is headed to Camp Verde and then Q in his U300. He had his core replaced a few months ago and would be a good source for approx. price. He is very savvy and I'm sure got a pretty good price.

Pierce

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #13 – January 10, 2019, 12:44:37 pm

Quote from: Old phart phred – January 10, 2019, 12:13:45 am

Caraddict has it been flushed or properly cleaned, or just leaking? Seems like the new answer is replace as labor doesn't generate much profits. How bad are the fins?

The radiator has 3 or 4 significant leaks. It will leak down in a few minutes. Three local radiator shops have tested it and all three say the core is rotten. It must be replaced.
Thanks

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #14 – January 10, 2019, 01:56:30 pm

Start ordering and gathering all hoses and such to replace when you do the radiator,try silicone hoses .com.

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #15 – January 10, 2019, 06:35:45 pm

And while your at it replace the theromstat, trust me on that one😁

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #16 – January 11, 2019, 02:03:51 am

That estimate seems high. I had my radiator recored for 2k. You might take it to a a shop that deals with semis rather than RV's for this job. A small hint on reinstalling... I cheated and cut the fill tube off, flared a bead on the ends, and reinstalled it with a section of radiator hose and a pair of T-band clamps. This was easier for me than trying to get that big dern radiator back up in there with that fill tube in the way.

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #17 – January 11, 2019, 08:55:39 am

Thanks Two Bus,
Yes I agree my quote is too high. The response to my thread has been awesome and gracious. Members of the Forum have provided a number of sources that should result in a more reasonably priced quality alternative.
And yes I cut the filler neck before it was removed. That sure does simplify the process.
Many thanks,
Caraddict

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #18 – January 11, 2019, 01:03:54 pm

Our radiators lasted 30 years. Once you're done, enjoy the fact that unless you get another coach, you won't have to do that job again...

Re: Radiator Failure 1988 Unihome

Reply #19 – January 12, 2019, 08:00:04 am

Quote from: twobus – January 11, 2019, 01:03:54 pm

Our radiators lasted 30 years. Once you're done, enjoy the fact that unless you get another coach, you won't have to do that job again...

Yep and you cannot buy a newer coach for what it's going to cost you to replace the radiator for just pennies a day! Dang I sound like Sally Struthers....For just pennies a day , YOU can give this grand old coach a new life...sniff...Please call 1-800-NEW- Radiator..

Affiliate Notice