Leaky radiator

Topic: Leaky radiator (Read 2017 times) previous topic - next topic

Leaky radiator

October 22, 2016, 10:21:03 pm

We are in Troutdale, OR (just outside Portland), enjoying the beautiful area and are at a great RV park. After driving the Jeep around the Columbia Gorge area for the afternoon, we came home to find a large puddle of coolant under the radiator (I had just replaced it before leaEving for the trip). It isn't from any of the hoses or connections that I "messed with" and is clearly coming from the area around the drain. If anyone is in the area and has a shop they can recommend, I would appreciate any information. I know that Oregon was big at one time in the RV industry and Monaco may still be here, so we are hopeful that we can get this taken care of while in the area. There are worse places to be stuck.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #1 – October 23, 2016, 12:07:31 am

Oregon Motorcoach in Eugene is a factory authorized Foretravel repair facility. The honor the Motorcade Club discount program. We had some routine service done there last year. The shop seemed to me to be very proficient, organized, and efficient. They have 50 amp hookups if you need to stay overnight. There is also water and a dump station available on the premises.

RV Service: Inspections, Maintenance & Repair | Oregon Motorcoach | Eugene, OR

List of owner recommended service shops. Names in red are factory authorized service centers.

http://foretravel.com/documents/Service_Center_Referral2.pdf

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #2 – October 23, 2016, 10:37:56 am

Thank you. They are one of two places in Eugene I plan to call Mon. morning. I need to refill the radiator and determine how much was lost; hopefully, we will be able to drive the 130 miles or so, refilling with distilled water as needed. I'm hoping that they can get to it immediately, as opposed to setting an appointment two weeks away. Glad for lower fall temps. The coolant temp on the road from Coeur d'Alene didn't exceed 180.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #3 – October 23, 2016, 10:46:40 am

Sven,

Sorry to hear of your problem, but why fill with distilled water just to get you to a repair shop where they will drain it anyway??
By all means after the repair, but seems a waste of money for the short distance??
Radiators often let go around the drain fitting weld especially after they have been messed with. Glad you have help close-by.

Speedbird 1.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #4 – October 23, 2016, 10:56:30 am

Quote from: speedbird1 – October 23, 2016, 10:46:40 am

Sven,

Sorry to hear of your problem, but why fill with distilled water just to get you to a repair shop where they will drain it anyway??
By all means after the repair, but seems a waste of money for the short distance??
Radiators often let go around the drain fitting weld especially after they have been messed with. Glad you have help close-by.

Speedbird 1.

Distilled water is cheap. When I replaced the coolant (not cheap), I found that I could not open the petcock - the "wing" just spun, so I ignored it. What I am seeing now is a slow drip and am hoping that the source is near the bottom of the radiator where it can easily be accessed.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #5 – October 23, 2016, 11:18:01 am

I would think that any radiator shop could fix your problem, or you may be able to DIY.

You might just try to tighten the inner part that the wing is (was) attached to.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #6 – October 23, 2016, 11:24:42 am

Just a thought but most of the petcocks are left hand thread.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #7 – October 23, 2016, 11:30:59 am

Are you saying your new radiator has a leak already? Hopefully it's just the drain valve that's loose. Good luck and enjoy the beautiful
Country.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #8 – October 23, 2016, 12:31:48 pm

Sven,

I hope it is just the Pet Cock that has a bad seat, or crud stuck under it, after you disturbed it, and will be an easy, and cheap fix??

Speedbird 1.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #9 – October 23, 2016, 06:54:56 pm

Quote from: rbark – October 23, 2016, 11:30:59 am

Are you saying your new radiator has a leak already? Hopefully it's just the drain valve that's loose. Good luck and enjoy the beautiful
Country.

No, it is the same old radiator. I had discussed replacing it due to the corroded fins I could feel at the bottom. When I found out what they cost, we decided to wait until next year, since it wasn't leaking. I still need to get the Aqua Hot fixed. RV runs great though and I averaged 9.2 mpg from Portland to Eugene - where we are tonight.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #10 – October 23, 2016, 06:57:02 pm

Quote from: speedbird1 – October 23, 2016, 12:31:48 pm

Sven,

I hope it is just the Pet Cock that has a bad seat, or crud stuck under it, after you disturbed it, and will be an easy, and cheap fix??

Speedbird 1.

I don't think it is the petcock. I'm concerned about forcing it out, considering how many screws and bolts I've broken so far.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #11 – October 23, 2016, 07:41:54 pm

How fast did you tow?

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #12 – October 23, 2016, 10:59:54 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – October 23, 2016, 07:41:54 pm

How fast did you tow?

60 mph. Forgot the Jeep was back there.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #13 – October 23, 2016, 11:05:40 pm

We drove the 130 miles down to Eugene today after putting four gallons (two diluted ELC and two distilled water). At that time and the previous night, the leak was doing about one drop every three seconds and about two cups total by morning. When we arrived at Armitage State Park (one of the best state parks so far) it did not appear to be leaking. I'm sure the radiator isn't empty - coolant temp was 177-9 all the way down. We will give the Cummins shop in the area a call in the morning.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #14 – October 24, 2016, 01:11:32 am

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – October 23, 2016, 11:05:40 pm

We will give the Cummins shop in the area a call in the morning.

I know nothing about the Cummins shop in that area, and I'm not trying to put you off calling them. Just be aware that they may deny any knowledge about the radiator fitted to your coach. In a motorhome application, Cummins might supply the basic engine, but the coach builder specifies the radiator (and other ancillary components) to be used. The Cummins mechanics may have generic radiator repair skills and knowledge that will be helpful, but they probably won't know anything specific about the installation in your coach.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #15 – October 24, 2016, 01:44:24 am

Sven thanks for the info. Goes in my mental files.

How well does your setup pull interstate grades at 60?

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #16 – October 24, 2016, 07:58:10 am

Since you're postponing radiator replacement anyway, have you tried Bars Leaks. FT would recommend the dose for you.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #17 – October 24, 2016, 09:54:56 am

My expierience with bars leak is,use it as last resort,I know what your saying Amos but that junk is still in the engine passages.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #18 – October 24, 2016, 04:15:34 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – October 24, 2016, 01:44:24 am

Sven thanks for the info. Goes in my mental files.

How well does your setup pull interstate grades at 60?

Since we left the warm weather, it has done very well on 6% grades. It also helps to know when to down shift.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #19 – October 24, 2016, 04:22:45 pm

We brought the coach into Quality Coach (lots of Country Coaches there) for an estimate. Very nice people and top notch facility - everything sparkly and clean. They determined that the radiator core would have to be replaced. FT has the part (radiator and CAC combo) for $3698 + $1800 labor with start date a week out. I would do it (nice to save sales tax here in OR), but I want to do some rust mitigation while everything is out, so will probably wait until we get back to San Diego. Lotsa coach bucks, but I had expected to do this next year. I'm not interested in putting any "stop leak" products.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #20 – October 24, 2016, 04:26:50 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – October 24, 2016, 04:22:45 pm

They determined that the radiator core would have to be replaced.

Get a second opinion at Joe's Radiator Shop, unless you know more than you let on.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #21 – October 24, 2016, 04:36:40 pm

Was leaking about a quart a day on my 295, Called James T. at FOT and he said put in 3 bottles of Bars Leak.
It stopped leak. I put about 20000 miles on it and no problem with leaking or overheating.

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #22 – October 24, 2016, 05:24:21 pm

THAT is good to know!

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #23 – October 24, 2016, 05:42:27 pm

The quote from FT for a new radiator is not out of line, and the labor rate you are getting is pretty good. A good quality truck shop where we live tells customers to plan on $2,300 for labor for a radiator.

I've never seen folks list part numbers for other brands of radiators that can be used in the FTs. Since the engines are standard diesel engines, I find it hard to believe that these Atlas radiators are the only radiator that will work.

Chris

Re: Leaky radiator

Reply #24 – October 24, 2016, 06:03:01 pm

It's the fitment that is the problem,getting the hoses to line up.etc.

Affiliate Notice