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Topic: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320 (Read 766 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

So after my last 2k trip I noticed I was down on coolant and the aft tank is got a small leak. I've read were people have snugged the tank bolts up and resolved there problem. I know what I currently have and am concerned of opening Pandora's box on the road. I prefer not to use stop leak because I just replace all the coolant and would rather just repair once home.
My two questions are
1 Should I adjust the tank bolts back up to torque?  Or just relax and keep filled
2 Does anyone have the gasket part numbers and possibly a source to order them from so when I get home they will be waiting for me.
My initial inspection shows nothing to be falling apart or corroded and I have zero cooling issues, however I was not surprised to see this accrue do to increasing overall operating temperature and pressures. Coach has been running at 183 degrees going down the road. Never exceeds . Prior was running 160s . Once apart this may be viewed differently.
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #1 –
You changed cooling fan speed too, as I recall.  160s is low, mine normally runs at 178.  Very hot days, grades mid 180s, maybe a bit more.  What are the torque specs?

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #2 –
5/16 bolt probably not much. Torque wrench in Nevada so I would just pull up by hand. Just don't want the gasket to split and cause a real leak
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #3 –
Scott, if you just replaced the coolant you probably also drained the Bar's Leak. There was a recommendation to put Bar's Leak in the system even if it wasn't leaking. I think it was even a Foretravel notice. I added the Bar's leak after reading about it on the Forum. I had a small leak also and it is now stopped. The biggest problem was having to siphon some coolant out of the tank to make room for the sealer then having to put the Bar's Leak in and driving the coach to get it hot enough for it to work. If I was on a trip it would have been easier than doing at home.
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: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #4 –
Scott, Personally I would just keep an eye on overflow tank and keep it filled to half way, then enjoy the trip
Chris
PS I always keep at least 1 gallon of antifreeze mix in the coach
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #5 –
Scott, that is the same area mine had a leak for a few days right here in the driveway. It stopped leaking and I wasn't sure what to think. I had been told the radiator had been replaced by the PO. I'm interested in the Bars Leak TSB from Foretravel. Craneman thanks for the tip, did they give a recommended amount? would really like to add. Getting ready to change out all hoses, clamps, t-stat, and coolant. Thanks, 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: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #6 –
Scott how long did was the coach parked there for that much coolant to
drop there. I would probably try and very carefully try and tightened the
bolts, I have done it before in heavy equipment with good luck. They were
cork gaskets. You would have a better idea as you are there.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Scott, Personally I would just keep an eye on overflow tank and keep it filled to half way, then enjoy the trip
Chris
PS I always keep at least 1 gallon of antifreeze mix in the coach
Left Boulder with two gallons oil, two gallons premixed anti freeze, small funnel, and quart coolant bottle for transfer bottle. Added about 3 qts. Probably overthinking it. Last trip home I was filling with a gallon jug with potable water every hundred miles. PITA. I'll pick up some Bars leak and add to tank. Jim said it was one dose per four gallons. I figured it would take a year to work out most of the bugs, in month eleven now, got to be getting close.
Thanks for the help
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #8 –
Quote from: oldguy –
Scott how long did was the coach parked there for that much coolant to
drop there. I would probably try and very carefully try and tightened the
bolts, I have done it before in heavy equipment with good luck. They were
cork gaskets. You would have a better idea as you are there.

Really wasn't leaking much over night as much as residual from on the road I think. Was parked 12 hours. Added one bottle per four gallons. 4 bottles total
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #9 –
So although I've never been a fan of the bars leak I installed the recommended bottle per four gallons and last 200 miles didn't loose a drop.
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #10 –
My 03 leaked from end of radiator as well.  I snugged up the bolts and wasn't leaking when I sold the coach about 3 to 4 years later.  FWIW
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #11 –
Well we finished our week long 4500 mile wedding trip and the last half was leak free. We did loose the left rear hub cap and nut covers and a engine hood latch striker pin was liberated from the coach in the last 1000 miles. Glade I wasn't working on a leak anymore.
Scott

Re: Radiator tank leak 2001 U320

Reply #12 –
What is the engine hood latch striker pin?
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