Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Radiator sight glass (Read 704 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator sight glass

Does anyone (Barry or Brett) know if the sight glass in an early u280 is threaded into the radiator? Or is it brazed in? Mine leaks some and I don't wanna break stuff trying to remove it the wrong way. Thanks!
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #1 –
On the oreds the sight glass was threaded in, do not remember about the u280, but believe it is threaded in also. You have to be careful when removing not to break the glass. I think that I have one at home, but am not there right now and will probably not be home for a while
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #2 –
Thanks. I'll go take a look and see what's what!
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #3 –
On my '91 it's threaded and has the hex shape for a socket.
Looks just like these: McMaster-Carr
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #4 –
What I have is a round sight glass that has to glass ears that you attempt to get a grip on without breaking anything. I replaced the o-ring, put some sealant on the threads, and reinstalled. We'll see how it goes next time I fire it up but I bet that's the end of that...
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #5 –
Jay, the sight glass that is round with the 2 ears is what our 84 had and is also like the one I have at home. I bet that the o ring and thread sealant will fix your leak.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #6 –
This is a truly great forum. I have every confidence that wben it comes time(tomorrkw, if I have any sense) to have the windsbield gaskets replaced, that someone here will know precisy how much it will cost and the nearest shop in the PNW to take it to...
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Radiator sight glass/Windshield gaskets

Reply #7 –
If It was me.... If I did not have major leaks around the WS gaskets I would wait til WS's needed replacement and do gaskets and glass at the same time.  Taking old glass out and replacing it can be a real crapshoot, probably no problem  but  the smallest chip on an edge or a chip that is waiting to spread will do it at the damnedest time.
FT has the gaskets and 4 years ago cost was about 150 bucks. Glass of course HAS to come from FT, no matter what The installer tells you.
Gary B

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #8 –
It's the glass that's scary. I will call FT one fine day and see what the pricetag is but I really, really don't wanna know!
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #9 –
Jay, 95 U280 GV WS's were right at 1100 bucks each shipped.  My insurance carrier paid for them.  They were 15 years old and had many many rock chips and sand blasting from use.  Insurance carrier did not hesitate to fix them. In my case Duncan Glass was the adjuster for Progressive.  Beware of Duncan, deal straight with your carrier and don't hesitate to call their claims MANAGER if you need help.
Gary B
 

Re: Radiator sight glass

Reply #10 –
Fantastic info. The glass is in perfect shape, they just leak a bit. Thought I had them sealed up but after the last drive they seem to have opened up some.
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292