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Topic: I can see thru our radiator!! (Read 453 times) previous topic - next topic

I can see thru our radiator!!

Yesterday I did a cleaning job on our radiator & fan so Things would be nice & clean when the coach goes into storage before the end of the month. I used Simple Green--3/4 strength and a tank sprayer. After letting it soak for an hour I took the hose to it with a multi-facet spray nozzle on the end. I set the nozzle to "JET" and held it right up against the fins. Mostly the water went right thru. When I saw foam backing out towards me I figured there was some plugging going on. So I just held the hose nozzle in the area until water went thru. I went inside, lifted up the bed, and repeated flushing as much as I could. (got a "tad" wet!)
After I turned the hose off I could see daylight coming in thru the fins!!! Now nice & clean!! Ready for storage. (sigh) :'(  :'(  :(
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: I can see thru our radiator!!

Reply #1 –
Norm,

Does your coach have a CAC (Charge Air Cooler) or just the radiator?

Of what materials are they constructed?
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: I can see thru our radiator!!

Reply #2 –
Just the radiator, but seems like about 6" thick. On the engine side In the center opposite the fan center the black paint has always been off and it looks like some damage from fan belts & subsequent repair was done. Copper coloured fins so I would have to guess copper?
Definitely nowhere do I see where "carding" of the fins would be necessary from bends of the metal. So the material must be stiffer than aluminum.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: I can see thru our radiator!!

Reply #3 –

Not only does a clean rad look great, it cools better.

Current thinking is regular Simple Green degreaser damages aluminum.  So the recommendation is to use Simple Green Extreme formulated for aluminum.  It is what we use.

Simple Green Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner:

Amazon.com: Simple Green 13406 Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner, 1...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: I can see thru our radiator!!

Reply #4 –
Barry,

I agree, that is why I asked of what material it is made.

Since the vast majority of Foretravels DO have aluminum CAC's, Simple Green EXTREME is the correct product-- aluminum-safe.  Developed for degreasing aluminum aircraft (and Foretravel CAC's!).
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: I can see thru our radiator!!

Reply #5 –
Great information!  Thank you!