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Topic: Radiator leak (Read 2221 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Jim McNeece –
...............I did not take Neal's advice - I cranked on them a bit with a short wrench (nothing personal, Neal).  Five on one side and four on the other were a bit loose (1/8 turn or less).  Those above (that I could get to) were tight...............
Jim,
1/8 turn is gentle and I was just advocating being very gentle and exercising extra caution because the bells are so easily deformed, at least on the early units ('95 to '01 time frame, I thought).  I was of the impression that 2002 and later were a more robust design, less prone to leaks.
Good luck and if you still have the weep (for now), I'd bet that Bars Leak will seal it for good!
Travel safely,
Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #26 –
Well it looks like my leak has stopped (keeping my fingers crossed).

Took a second round of bolt tightening and 3 bottles of Bars.  I could have used 4 bottles according to the instructions, but thought I would be conservative.  I still have one more bottle if the leak starts again.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #27 –
           Mine has remained leak free since the Bars leak & bolt check I did in March. It is something to keep an eye on though, especially if you have an 03 I guess....

  Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #28 –
Well, so much for keeping my fingers crossed - the leak is NOT stopped.

It still leaks when the coolant first heats up after a night of rest.  Thermal expansion creates enough pressure to push coolant out the leak site(s).  However, once it has fully warmed up, there appears to be no further leaking.  Appearances can be deceptive, however.

Anyway, an appointment has been made at Oregon Motorcoach to have them work on it when we have the fridge replaced.

More $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.....
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #29 –
Jim, How did you test and where did you test for the leak?  Our 02 seems to have a leak as well.  I've used Bars and I see no eveidence of coolant on the ground anywhere south of the tag axle. 

Now, I suspect I STILL have a small leak with the engine loop to the AH.  That's next on my list of places to look. 

Yes it's $$$ but you never see a Uhaul behind a hearse!  Might as well spend it! 

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #30 –
That is where my leak was. If you have a leak in the Aquahot you can join the two lines with a double male fitting. Also if it is in the Aquahot itself check the elbows.  Rudy is the best one to fix it too. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #31 –
Tom,

No testing required.  Symptom is puddle of coolant on ground at back end of radiator.  You can also see wet area around gasket on radiator.  So source is pretty clear. 

The problem is that you can only see and get access to the bottom 4 or 5 bolts.  I've tightened those, but suspect that the bolts higher up need tightening; however, there is no way to get to those without removing the radiator.  If you have to remove radiator, then you replace the gasket.

Of course the problem could be more severe, but I choose not to think about that.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #32 –
Jim, I couldn't get to those to bolts either, but my son - in - law did. It was definitely wet around them. Maybe take another look. The ones we couldn't reach were the outside row, which I had FOT so early this year.

Dick, from phone

Quote

The problem is that you can only see and get access to the bottom 4 or 5 bolts. I've tightened those, but suspect that the bolts higher up need tightening; however, there is no way to get to those without removing the radiator. If you have to remove radiator, then you replace the gasket.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #33 –
OK, Dick, with a challenge like that I had to revisit my radiator bolts.

Being in a nice peaceful place like Stoneridge (Blanchard, Idaho) sure helps.  Cool morning.  Lots of sunshine.  Just right for crawling around under the coach.

Sure enough, with a positive attitude, I was able to get a wrench on all except one of the inside back bolts.  Only a couple needed an 1/8 turn or so.  Also, there did not look like any coolant had been leaking around these bolts.

The outside row was another issue.  The bottom bolts (see photo) looked wet; however, they were tight.  To see if the leaking coolant was coming from bolts further up, I filled the expansion tank and started the engine.  Sure enough, after reaching about 150 degrees, coolant started dripping on the ground.  I could then see that it was coming from higher up. 


I opened the side grill and removed some of the rubber shroud material (see photo) and could get access to a few of the top outside bolts.  While I couldn't stick my head in the opening to look down the bolt row, I could poke my camera in there. 

It was pretty clear that the second from top bolt was a leaker.  There was a lot of dirt buildup around the bolt indicating it had been wet for some time (the other bolts had only small amounts of dirt).  I was able to turn it more than a half turn.  The bolts on either side I could only turn about 1/8 turn.  I dried off the bolts and watched (engine still running).  No leaks.

We'll see.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #34 –
Jim, thanks for the great photos. I'll save them and check those bolts on ours. I sure hope your leak is cured.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #35 –
Boy, now I am wishing I had checked mine while I had the CAC off for repair last year. It was not leaking so I thought leave well enough alone!!! Now I am not so sure, but I do not still have any leaks. If it happens I guess I will just remove the panel again for good access.
Or get Dick and Rocky to visit us
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #36 –
Take another trip John and we might just do that. ;D
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #37 –
you are welcome any time and join us at the lake here. Cool drinks overlooking the lake.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Radiator leak

Reply #38 –
I'm tired of this thread.  I hope this is my last post.

Seems the last round of bolt tightening has stopped the leak (I know, I've said this before).  No sign of coolant on ground or wet areas around any of the visible bolt heads.  Also, no decrease in level of coolant in expansion tank.
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow