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Topic: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan (Read 580 times) previous topic - next topic

1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Does anyone know where to get a replacement plastic radiator fan or at least a part number for my U-280? I have a story to tell. The original plastic fan lost a blade. Replaced it with a used steel fan. The steel fan fell off the engine pulleys and all in Va. It ruined the radiator. The reason it fell off is the bracket that holds the fan to the block only had two bolts in it rather than four. The bolts sheared. Of course it happen on the longest grade about 7 miles on mile 1 to 7 on I77 Va. Shut it off at 250F on the gauge. Opened the bed and steam was everywhere. It is now at Lester's, Lambsburg VA. They have been great so far. Plugged us right in and got the radiator out and its is now at Piedmont Radiator Kinglsey VA. After it cooled down, I started the engine and it still ran nice and smooth. Mechanics have all said the Cat 3208 all cast iron can take a beating. We will see. Once it is back together I am going to drive it up that seven mile grade again and then pull over and lift the bed and look it all over at idle. If it holds together there I will drive it up to my summer house in Michigan. I will report what happens next.

The metal fan was bent. It is straightened but would like a new one if possible.

This is a great old coach. I have spared no expense. All new starter, alternator, fuel pump, -anything we thought could break. Put new shocks and air bags and ball joints along with all other maintenance items we could think of and was driving like a dream. If I have to, I will re-engine it. I cannot believe there is motor home that cruises any better or uses less fuel. It is so well made to start with (except for the two missing bolts) I believe it is well worth fully refurbishing the chassis.
J W Korth
1991 Grand Villa U-280

Re: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #1 –
See if the threads linked below are of any help.  Different engines, perhaps, but the fan application might be the same?

Replacing rear radiator fan on 91 U300 Grand Villa

Engine Fan on 91 GV

Replace my fiberglass fan with what?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #2 –
Your CAT 3208 is a parent bore engine, meaning it has no sleeves. 250 degrees should not phase it. Yes, it can take a beating. You won't have to do anything to it but drive it.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #3 –
That is great to hear! Thank you. We bought a new fan blade from Foretravel. It is plastic and identical to the fan that lost a blade at about 106,000. The coach shudders when I turn off the engine. I have learned that replacing the old motor mounts will reduce the shock on all parts during shut down. I suspect that this is the ultimate source of all the problems but of course I should have had four bolts and not two in the radiator fan mount to the engine. I am thinking this may have happened at Oshkosh 30 years ago and no one noticed since. You cannot see that bracket because the pulleys are in front of it. I would suggest anyone with a 3208 on an Oshkosh chassis have a mechanic or themselves get your fingers in there and see if there are four bolts. Somebody was cutting corners a long time ago and it created a huge problem for us. I am driving back 800 miles tomorrow or the next day. If the coach goes from mile 1 to mile 8 going north on I77 with temperature below 215 and when I stop and pull up the bed and hear no hissing I am heading home to my summer house in Michigan. The radiator rebuild was $3k. The fan from Foretravel $250 plus $150 fast shipping. Car rental will be about $1k for 2.5 weeks. The bill at the Lester's Truck for tearing it down and putting it back together is yet to be determined.
J W Korth
1991 Grand Villa U-280

Re: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #4 –
If you have a u280 that is not an Oshkosh chassis but a Foretravel chassis
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: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #5 –
Yup-- 4 air bags= Oshkosh ORED
8 air bags= Foretravel U280
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: 1991 U-280 Cat Engine Radiator Fan

Reply #6 –
My 3208 fan has 6 bolts.