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Topic: Newer radiator leak (Read 502 times) previous topic - next topic

Newer radiator leak

About five years ago I replaced my radiator with one built by Atlas and did an extensive write up about it with photos.  It was a surprise to me to find a leak under the radiator this week.  I wrote to Atlas to get some ideas about the source of the leak considering that it was relatively new.  I just received this response:
Sven,
Here's a copy of a recent letter to another person having some minor leak issue ...Good Luck!

Subject: Fwd: "stop leak" ... THERMSEAL from Therm Processes/Dallas TX
Terry:  This is what I told you about yesterday... sounds a lot better than the ages-old Bars Leak!
Therm Seal - 1 qt. Jar, Therm Processes, Inc.
David Bienvenu swears by this stuff.  He's a former diesel mechanic, now owns Radiator Service Co/ Houma LA, recent past president of NARSA.
He said a small amount of this finely ground powder has sealed head gasket leaks on big gas engines!  How much pressure is that?!

Larry H Frederick
Atlas Radiator Inc
PO Box 331214
Corpus Christi, Texas 78463
361-882-5661, X 1000
361-946-4390 cell
 361-882-5699 Fax
Industrial Radiators from Atlas Radiator/Corpus Christi

This was not the response I was expecting.  Does anyone know about this product?
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #1 –
Have you determined where it is leaking from? Header plate, inlet, outlet etc.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #2 –
No,
That's not what I would want to hear.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #3 –
I will help you look for the leak on Sunday.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #4 –
Amazon.com: MotoRad MT-300 Pressure Tester : Automotive
This is similar to my tester

They dont have an adapter for the large cap on our coaches. I just opened the vent valve in the cap and pressurize threw the overflow valve. Just remember to remove whatever you used to hold the cap vent open

Im not a fan of  stop leaks , but when I changed my antifreeze mine started leaking and I did ad the Bars and it hasnt leaked yet. Probably will start this weekend since I mentioned it?
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #5 –
Been there done that...

Atlas Radiator dead after 4 years
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #6 –
Quote from: craneman –
Have you determined where it is leaking from? Header plate, inlet, outlet etc.
No, it is at the bottom of the radiator (nothing wet above an inch or so) toward the front.  I removed the rubber sheet below it and could not find the origin.  I also used a mirror to look inside by near the fan - all dry.  I'm aware that the fans could also disperse the coolant making it difficult.  I was hoping it would be the drain, but it doesn't appear to be the source.  Obviously, Atlas is taking no responsibility.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #7 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
Been there done that...

Atlas Radiator dead after 4 years
Atlas didn't like how FT was mounting the radiators and attributed the failures to not having a sold shelf.  It seems that most have held up 20+ years.  In any case, I wish they had advised me of that when I ordered the radiator.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #8 –
Scott designed a brace for the radiator which I copied and I also hung the trans cooler from
the frame. Good luck findings and repairing the leak.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Newer radiator leak

Reply #9 –
So in a more abusive environment it is good to support the core between the tanks. Supporting the transmission cooler off the radiator is just wrong. I did build the core support and added additional support for the trans cooler and still plan to build a couple of trans cooler support systems, but have been busy with more pressing projects. Bronco. But still eventually plan to do.


Ref. U320 Radiator oil cooler support