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Topic: Radiator Sight Gauge (Read 489 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator Sight Gauge

I was wondering if anyone else has problems seeing ELC coolant (yellow) in the window.  Any quick solutions to getting a proper level check?

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #1 –
The little round glass "window" in the metal coolant tank is not useful for ascertaining a level.  The metal tank should be completely full at all times.  If you ever actually observe a "level" line in the glass window, you have a major cooling system problem.

The correct place to watch your coolant level is in the plastic overflow tank.  Use the "HOT" and "COLD" level lines in that tank to monitor the health and performance of your cooling system.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
The little round glass "window" in the metal coolant tank is not useful for ascertaining a level.  The metal tank should be completely full at all times.  If you ever actually observe a "level" line in the glass window, you have a major cooling system problem.

The correct place to watch your coolant level is in the plastic overflow tank.  Use the "HOT" and "COLD" level lines in that tank to monitor the health and performance of your cooling system.

You are right Chuck.  Problem is there is no overflow bottle on this coach.  I'll come up with something.  Maybe some sort of dipstick.    ;)

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #3 –
That seems rather strange, that your coach would not have a overflow tank.  Photos below of my engine bay and both tanks.  Metal tank is on passenger side - plastic recovery tank on driver side.  The metal coolant tank filler neck has a small metal tube on the side where the overflow hose is connected.  Does your metal tank have this hose?  If so, you can simply add a aftermarket plastic coolant recovery tank.  They are available in most auto parts stores.  You may also need a different pressure cap to allow reverse flow into tank when engine cools.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #4 –
Question for those on the Forum who may know.....
Is the "yellow" coolant the proper coolant for a 92 U280? Assuming he has a cummins 8.3?
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #5 –
Color alone will not tell you if it a coolant acceptable for your engine.  Do you know the  brand and what coolant it is?

So it could be fine, but there are gasoline/car coolants in virtually all colors, and most are not acceptable for diesels, particularly engines with liners.
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: Radiator Sight Gauge

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Color alone will not tell you if it a coolant acceptable for your engine.  Do you know the  brand and what coolant it is?

So it could be fine, but there are gasoline/car coolants in virtually all colors, and most are not acceptable for diesels, particularly engines with liners.
Brett
I was questioning because of the statement the OP made in the first post.
He mentioned "yellow" coolant, ours had "green" collant when we purchased it, I drained , flushed and replaced with Peak Global Final Charge OAT. The "Red" stuff. .
The only "yellow" coolant I have used is for the Ford PowerStroke and I believe it's labeled with a "G5" or something close to that.  I don't know if it's an approved coolant for a "sleeved engine" diesel
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota