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Topic: Coolant Leak (Read 816 times) previous topic - next topic

Coolant Leak

I was sitting in a chair admiring the view when a small red puddle under the rig caught my eye. At first I thought it was transmission fluid. Anyhow, I guess it's coolant (they're both red) as it appears to be seeping from the radiator very near the petcock. We're near Flagstaff so I guess I'll be looking for a truck repair shop Monday. Anyone experience a similar leak? Any recommendations for repair in Flag? Thanks.
jor
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Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #1 –
Quote from: jor –
I was sitting in a chair admiring the view when a small red puddle under the rig caught my eye. At first I thought it was transmission fluid. Anyhow, I guess it's coolant (they're both red) as it appears to be seeping from the radiator very near the petcock. We're near Flagstaff so I guess I'll be looking for a truck repair shop Monday. Anyone experience a similar leak? Any recommendations for repair in Flag? Thanks.
jor


Here is where I had my radiator replaced. Radiator Replaced on a 2003 U320 Cummins M-11
It is 700 miles north of you but if you don't find anything local I can highly recommend them.
They did a great job. They had Denver Radiator build it overnight so I could get to my destination.
Trans West Truck
7550 E I-25 Frontage Road
Frederick, CO 80516
800-909-7071
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #2 –
Would try to snug up the bolts around the radiator where the tank bolyd to the core, just snug up firmly, as it appears to me, the leak is between the two at the gasket.

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #3 –
Ditto.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #4 –
Agreed, snug up all the seam bolts.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #5 –
For a temporary fix until you can get it repaired, there is always the good o'l can of "barsleak".  I'm not aware of your type of radiator mount that has pressure up against it, but I have had cases where that drain valve solder area starts to leak after some years.  Leaks are always a big pain!  ----  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #6 –
Barry, thanks for the reference. We're heading west but I'll make a note.

Dave, Brett & Brett, any idea re torque. I put a half inch wrench on a couple of them last night and they seemed tight. I could try with a 3/8th ratchet but I don't want to put too much on them.

Anyone else use the BarrsLeak. I used some years ago in a gas engine with a cracked block and it worked but I have read that it should be a last resort.

Finally, how exactly are these radiators assembled? Thanks to all.
jor
93 225
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99 320

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #7 –
Quote from: jor –

Anyone else use the BarrsLeak. I used some years ago in a gas engine with a cracked block and it worked but I have read that it should be a last resort.

jor

James Triana told me to use 4 bottles of Barrs Leak back in 2005 on the Alaskan Motorcade when the technician saw a small leak. It stopped the leak for years.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Barry Beam –
James Triana told me to use 4 bottles of Barrs Leak back in 2005 on the Alaskan Motorcade when the technician saw a small leak. It stopped the leak for years.

"Flavor" C16 of Bars Leak, IIRC.  That's what FOT used in ours in 2009.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #9 –
I was losing a quart a day on trips - two 16 oz bottles of Bar's leak and not a drop since. This was 3 or more years ago. Lower the coolant level in the reservoir (not the overflow tank). Add Bars leak to reservoir and refill. Take a long drive.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #10 –
Thanks to all. I'm going to tighten those bottom bolts a bit and find some Bars.
jor
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Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #11 –
Actually, I would verify that all side-tank bolts are tight while you are there.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #12 –
Read through this thread:

Radiator leak

Leaks may appear to come from lower bolts, but remember, water flows downhill.  Check the upper bolts.  That's where my major leak was.  Simply tightening the upper bolts has stopped my leak, plus I added some Bars.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow
 

Re: Coolant Leak

Reply #13 –
UPDATE
Tightened the bolts, not too tight and gave it the Bar Leak treatment. (Sorry, Judy. I owe you a new top for spilling that red coolant on you). C-16 has been discontinued and replaced by 1196 according to Fred Mannix at Bars Products. Ran it up to operating temp at fast idle and drove it the following day. So far, so good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I don't know how you guys get to all those bolts without removing the radiator. I could get to the nut side but couldn't get a wrench on the bolt head.
jor
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