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Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

April 02, 2015, 10:37:39 pm

I have read a number of threads on this subject but I can't figure out where these bolts are that can be tightened. Can someone clue in? Does something have to be removed to access these bolts?

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #1 – April 02, 2015, 11:02:36 pm

The inner row of bolts can be seen from the rear. Look just above the lower radiator hose; see attached photo. The outer row are another matter. Apparently they can be reached after opening the curb side rear grill. Jim McNeece wrote this up; also attached. Good luck.
Dick

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #2 – April 03, 2015, 07:44:29 am

Royce, just remember what comes after too tight!!  TOO LOOSE!!

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #3 – April 03, 2015, 07:53:58 am

Norm, wow.. L O L

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #4 – April 03, 2015, 09:50:03 am

The thing about those bolts is they pass through and have nuts on the other side. If you tighten the bolt without holding the nut the entire assembly turns. You'll likely end up with a looser fit than when you started. I tightened mine. I found it difficult and time consuming. Used a flashlight, 3/8ths ratchet, various extensions, a wiggle and a couple of wrenches. Also, my neck was sore for awhile! So... it's a pain to do but, at least in my case, it stops the leak. Good luck.
jor

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #5 – April 03, 2015, 06:02:36 pm

I had a coolant leak at the unions from the main heater hoses running to the front (Cat 3176B)...The left side lines branch to the coolant filter while the right side (main lines) run to the main heater (front).

Tuff to get at, but with a lot a twisting and neck straining I got them tight.

On the 95 U300 they are located on the left side of the coach behind the house batteries tucked up neatly under the floor.

Hans

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Re: Tightening bolts to fix coolant leak

Reply #6 – March 11, 2017, 08:35:35 pm

Old thread, current probable solution.

I have a minor seep from bottom rear of 2003 U320 side radiator, so I did a site search for coolant leak.  Have been using (losing) 1/8 or less of coolant tank on day long drives.

Found this thread, went out in the dark with a flashlight, and second from the bottom bolt/backing nut loose enough to spin when attempting to tighten and looks wet.  Bolt above and below tightened with 1/8 turn.

Due to location I could not get a wrench on the backing nut, with limited space and light,  and it started to rain.  Tomorrow, if no rain,  I will try and get a wrench on the backing nut, and if not use needle nose vice grips to hold it while I tighten the bolt.  75% or better chance this will solve all or most of the seepage. 

Park is pretty full due to spring break, so I will wait until next week when it empties out again for fast idle to check it out as to solution.  I may also do a half dose of Barrs if needed.

See top photo in this original thread, and the PDF from the thread: http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=24500.0;attach=31125 

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