Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: fredsmotorhome on February 14, 2014, 04:41:22 pm

Title: Radiator leak
Post by: fredsmotorhome on February 14, 2014, 04:41:22 pm
I have a 1997 Holiday Rambler diesel pusher 3126B caterpillar on Freighliner chassis (SOB) and have a slight radiator leak. Does anyone know where in the Merced,Ca.area that I could have the radiator changed if worse come to worse.
Thanks in advance Bill :( :(
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: John S on February 14, 2014, 06:33:25 pm
Would Bars Leak work.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: wolfe10 on February 14, 2014, 07:27:39 pm
It might, but it could also clog some of the smaller coolant passages.

Better to fix the problem-- unless this is a very small leak.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: prfleming on February 14, 2014, 07:57:32 pm
I have used Bars Leak and worked like a charm. Saved me $4000.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: John S on February 14, 2014, 08:11:33 pm
It might get him to someplace that can fix it that he knows.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: fkjohns6083 on February 14, 2014, 08:29:36 pm
Bars leak has worked well for me, I use it routinely and have not suffered any loss of cooling that is detectable.  At some point tho, you will have to pay the piper and get it fixed for real.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: Bill Willett on February 14, 2014, 08:31:22 pm
I have a 1997 Holiday Rambler diesel pusher 3126B caterpillar on Freighliner chassis (SOB) and have a slight radiator leak. Does anyone know where in the Las Vegas, Nv. area that I could have the radiator changed if worse come to worse.
Thanks in advance Bill :( :(

Have you checked all the hose clamps.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: fredsmotorhome on February 14, 2014, 08:53:07 pm
It is not leaking at any hose connections but on drivers side about half way down at about 2 inches from outside making spots on rear of coach and on toad shield.
Bill
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: fredsmotorhome on March 17, 2014, 07:03:45 pm
I have made an appointment at MOT for repair/replace radiator on 31 March.
Bill
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: fredsmotorhome on March 31, 2014, 11:47:51 am
 :) Parked at MOT awaiting a new radiator to arrive and be installed.
Bill
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: fredsmotorhome on April 09, 2014, 09:35:20 pm
Radiator had to be ordered, then it was a very difficult job, all is well after 10 days I am on my way home with no leaks.
Bill :) :)
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: John S on April 10, 2014, 06:06:48 am
Glad it is done.  I replaced mine in my 99 it took a long day to do it once it came in.
Title: Re: Radiator leak
Post by: nitehawk on April 10, 2014, 10:23:29 am
Back in the 70's, when auto mfrs went to hotter running engines the radiator solder had to be changed (less tin) due to thermal expansion and contraction of the radiators. Because of ignorance I ended up replacing the radiators in both our vehicles. Turned out the antifreeze "times itself out" after about three years due to higher engine operating temps. Since I now routinely change antifreeze every three years I have never had a problem with a radiator, heator core, or engine freeze plugs leaking of failing.
Hopefully newer antifreeze solutions and solders are much better. Also, I hope Brett can chime in with his expertise, along with others, and possibly prevent premature failures.