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Topic: Radiator removal in a GV (Read 428 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator removal in a GV

I've been reading up on the task of removing the radiator in a GV,  looking for advice.

After our recent trip to Montana, I've noticed a small leak (drip) in the lower rear corner of the radiator in our U280. It appears to be where the core is attached to the side bucket.
 
I would like to remove the radiator myself and take it to a local radiator repair shop. If anyone has tackled this on a  GV Unihome..... I'm all ears..... 🤷‍♂️

It looks to be quite a project to tackle.


Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #1 –
Justin,  when the side radiator was dropped out of my 2001, the air bags were at full height and blocked.  The rear axle was jacked up another few inches to clear the raidator and the mount it is in.

You may want to put the rear wheels on a 6 inch set of ramps while it is driveable.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #2 –
Justin.
 Not really answering your question but, I removed our air cooler and that part was not a big thing.    3 of the 4 mounting tabs were broke so it was being held in place by the shroud.  I think I would tackle the job if necessary. 
  Obviously pics and transmission jack. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #3 –
I know the purists here will have a stroke: but I added some expensive stop leak a year ago. Works as designed

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #4 –
You may try tightening the header (where the tank meets the core), and adding some Barr's Leak. Did mine 8 years ago no leaks.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #5 –
I used JB Weld to successfully patch a small leak in my 1981 Foretravel's rear radiator.   
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #6 –
Quote from: erniee –
I know the purists here will have a stroke: but I added some expensive stop leak a year ago. Works as designed

What effect does the Barr's stop leak have on the coolant filter?
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #7 –
Quote from: erniee –
I know the purists here will have a stroke: but I added some expensive stop leak a year ago. Works as designed
Purists like to have a bank balance. Stop leak in medium cases, dose of cayenne pepper in small leaks and JB Weld to fix major damage.

A good sealer works wonders in a head gasket leak.

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

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #8 –
That radiator is very heavy and I don't remember if the rear engine door is wide enough to get it out. On our ORED chassis which had a slightly smaller radiator I had to cut and remove the fiberglass below the radiator by the bumper to have enough room to tip it and then 2 of us lifted it up and out.
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 removal in a GV

Reply #9 –
"That radiator is very heavy..." That's why I'm willing to pay someone who actually knows what he is doing (and is younger than me) to do the job. Might happen this fall when we make our annual donation to the Nacogdoches economy.
 

Re: Radiator removal in a GV

Reply #10 –
Quote from: red tractor –
That radiator is very heavy and I don't remember if the rear engine door is wide enough to get it out. On our ORED chassis which had a slightly smaller radiator I had to cut and remove the fiberglass below the radiator by the bumper to have enough room to tip it and then 2 of us lifted it up and out.

It appears that the fiberglass panel behind the battery door for the chassis batteries can be removed for access. This panel includes the radiator slotted opening. The CAC would be first to remove to access the radiator. Trying to determine if it can be removed out of the side or if it has to be lowered from the bottom.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota