Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Heater core coolant leak (Read 1325 times) previous topic - next topic

Heater core coolant leak

Hi everyone
Purchased our first Fortravel 2 years ago, have owned a Prevost highway coach conversion (million miles) and Monaco Signature.
Our 1998 U 295 has started leaking coolant where heater hoses pass thru firewall next to entry stairs. After closer inspection it appears it's coming from a drain hose that's in same location as heater and ac hoses. Does the heater core compartment have a drain hose for leaks from core? Have used forum many times and have gained lot's of really helpful advice, my first post. Looking forward to some input regarding this topic. I will bypass heater core at firewall to get us back on the road, if replies come back that it is the heater core any advice how to access would be helpful.
Thanks  Steve

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #1 –
Leaking from the drain hose for AC condensation?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #2 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Leaking from the drain hose for AC condensation?

That's my thought as well - the dash air condensate drain is up there.  Easy to tell from the color of the fluid leaking, I would think.
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: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #3 –
Dash heater drain hose is designed to remove evaporator coil condensate, and will also drain away leaking heater core coolant. Putting a permanent open-top container over the end of the this drain hose will give everyone lots of good info by capturing these fluids. Also adding ball valves on both heater hoses in engine area will allow turning coolant flow off, keeping heater core, and bay areas cooler. And be a great way to easily shut off if a heater hose leaks anywhere forward of engine. Also improves dash air cooling.

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #4 –
Thanks for replying, I'm now confident it's is the heater core leaking. Has anyone had experience changing this core, what's the easiest access point? Will the core have to be ordered threw Foretravel or is there other options for these parts.

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #5 –
If your coach is one of the 295s that has an AquaHot system you will need a 1# coffee can for all the screws that you will have. If you have standard heating then you will only need you come up with a teacup for the screws.  The best way I have found is to raise the center section of the dash and remove the dog house. Once out of the way you can see the heater core/dash air metal bow that will need to be taken apart. It is just more screws. Once apart you can see how to get to the hoses to get them off and remove the core. Take core to an old school radiator shop and see if they have a heater core book. A good shop will be able to find one as these are not Foretravel special.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #6 –
And, take pictures as you disassemble, makes it much easier going back togeather.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #7 –
Quote from: rbark –
And, take pictures as you disassemble, makes it much easier going back togeather.

While not technically difficult it is a huge job of fiddly bits, tight quarters, and seemingly out of reach fasteners.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #8 –
Opinions will vary, but if it was me I would try stop leak in the radiator, run the coach up to full temp, turn the heater on, and go for a long drive.  May have to run the roof airs to tolerate the heater.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #9 –
I would NOT recommend stop leak.  Too many smaller water passages that can clog up.

Install ball valves to/from the heater core as suggested above.

Replace heater core at your convenience.
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: Heater core coolant leak

Reply #10 –
When dash heat is not used very much, the two engine heater hose ball valves are a good solution for an extended time, and will save the day with a rubber heater hose failure.