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Topic: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320) (Read 1058 times) previous topic - next topic

How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

I have purchased the refiller below. I have seen it recommended. The question is how did you use it? The coolant cap is so high that I cannot get the kit to work. Did you just remove the tank and lower it enough to use the kit? Is there another trick?

OEMTOOLS 24444 Coolant System Refiller Kit

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Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #1 –
I have the same question. I don't need to use it right now but maybe in the future.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #2 –
When we replaced my radiator, we used an about $12 battery operated pump from Harbor Frieght.  It worked really well.

The same model of pump DID NOT WORK WELL for filling the oil after an oil change.  To much viscosity.

https://www.harborfreight.com/battery-operated-liquid-transfer-pump-63847.html

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #3 –
That is the same kit we purchased.

I don't recall if it was the 42 or 45mm insert.  I just kept going up in size until the insert did not drop down all the way and instead rested on the small lip inside the neck (the lip below the overflow).

I then had to gently convince it to fully seat, it did not take much, just a sideways and downward push and the narrow part went past the lip an it was down.  Then the expanding rubber nozzle on the main part fit right in and tightened up.  Pulled vacuum quickly and collapsed the hoses (once I remembered to close the petcock on the radiator)

To remove the insert I had to use a flat-blade and gently push it to the side and up, it came out easily with no damage.

It was a close fit but everything fit/cleared with the tank installed.


2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #4 –
A reminder: Coolant pressure tank can rust through from the back side.

Remove bolts holding tank, pull away a little, clean rust on back of tank, clean coach wall, coat with rust preventative, put bolts back with a thick nut between tank and back wall to create a permanent air space between tank and coach wall.

Not necessary to remove any hoses attached to tank.

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #5 –
Quote from: steve –
That is the same kit we purchased.

I don't recall if it was the 42 or 45mm insert.  I just kept going up in size until the insert did not drop down all the way and instead rested on the small lip inside the neck (the lip below the overflow).

I then had to gently convince it to fully seat, it did not take much, just a sideways and downward push and the narrow part went past the lip an it was down.  Then the expanding rubber nozzle on the main part fit right in and tightened up.  Pulled vacuum quickly and collapsed the hoses (once I remember to close the petcock on the radiator)

To remove the insert I had to use a flat-blade and gently push it to the side and up, it came out easily with no damage.

It was a close fit but everything fit/cleared with the tank installed.

Thanks, I tried to wiggle it in there and had no success. It just seemed too tall and would not clear the bar for the door. I will try again when I get a chance. I just needed to know if someone was able to. Means I am missing something.
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
A reminder: Coolant pressure tank can rust through from the back side.

Remove bolts holding tank, pull away a little, clean rust on back of tank, clean coach wall, coat with rust preventative, put bolts back with a thick nut between tank and back wall to create a permanent air space between tank and coach wall.

Not necessary to remove any hoses attached to tank.

I noticed PO must have already did that since it is spaced out already.
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #7 –

I purchased a different vacuum tool and didn't have any trouble fitting it to the coolant fill neck:
Amazon.com: UView 550000 Airlift Cooling System Leak Checker and Airlock...
Not a great picture but if you zoom in you can see it in use.  I don't see any problem with unbolting the tank and hanging it, leaning slightly rearward to gain the clearance you need.  This tool also worked on the generator coolant tank although that was a tighter fit.

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George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #8 –
Quote from: RvingJeff –
Thanks, I tried to wiggle it in there and had no success. It just seemed too tall and would not clear the bar for the door. I will try again when I get a chance. I just needed to know if someone was able to. Means I am missing something.
I seem to recall @dsd may have used some ty-wraps to bypass the caps spring and then used the overflow hose connection.

If you choose to unbolt the tank, ours had two short roloks on the right side and 2 long ones on the left (they ends could be seen inside the engine bay by the insulation blanket).  You will still need to get that insert seated to pull a vacuum.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #9 –
Jeff, mine is the same style as the one you bought. When I use it it seems like a finicky fit. I use some tie wire to support it and the hoses to the door bar while in use and it works well. I've noticed it takes several trips to completely get the overflow tank full of coolant so obviously there are some air pockets trapped somewhere. Jim. 
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #10 –
Here is what I had to do to use this coolant refill kit. I used a coat hanger to support the tank form the top bolt holes.
The kit worked great, and I was able to fill the system completely up.
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #11 –
There was an adapter and I continued down to the size of the over flow tube. I on the aqua hot hooded up to the small fluid hose and then held the valve open in the cap and reinstalled the cap. With the Valve held open you can then easily draw and service till it is free of air. Remove cap and the small Item used to hold the vent seal open to close it and reinstall. A small amount of fluid is dripped during the cap removal and reinstallation. Small amount of air is also allowed to enter.  Works amazing for me.

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #12 –
Here is how we used it.

20241228_113647.jpg 20241228_113709.jpg 20241228_113825.jpg For us it was the 40mm that fit in the opening and you had to push it down to seat in down in to the neck. 

20241228_122542.jpgAfter that the head / venturi / gauge  cleared the engine cover and we pulled -25 on the vacuum and proceeded to full the system.  It was awkward to read the gauge but doable.  This thing is flippin awesome, I could not imagine having to do that by pouring jugs of coolant down the filler neck.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #13 –
Steve, nice tool to have but I need to know where you got that flashlight!😀
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #14 –
Quote from: rbark –
Steve, nice tool to have but I need to know where you got that flashlight!😀

https://www.harborfreight.com/lighting/flashlights/500-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-handheld-foldable-slim-bar-work-light-59536.html

There's an Icon one as well that's 800 lumens https://www.harborfreight.com/800-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-handheld-foldable-slim-bar-work-light-black-59103.html

but it's $10 more and this one is plenty bright.

Love the magnetic base and USB charging.
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: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #15 –
Would this work to flush the system prior to refilling ? If so do you just use it to fill with a flush agent/water then drain by removing radiator hose ?

Need to do this for both the ISM and generator.
2003 U320 40 AGDS Build 6157 161K miles

Hampstead NC

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #16 –
Yes, I flushed the system several times with reverse osmosis water before my final fill with Fleetguard Compleat.  I drained through the radiator petcock each time.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI
 

Re: How did you use Coolant System Refiller? (99 U320)

Reply #17 –
After reading this post I decided I needed another tool.
I bought the HF Maddox brand for $84. The venturi assembly is fairly low profile and it fits with plenty of clearance.  Went to the generator tank and using the supplied funnel style adapter it works there too.

Just though I would pass this on.



2003 U320 40 AGDS Build 6157 161K miles

Hampstead NC