Heater core leaking - water bypass

[Nick Russell]

The heater core on my 2002 Ultimate Advantage on a Spartan chassis with a 350 Cummins, has developed a bad leak. Radiator fluid all over the top of my generator. I planned to disconnect the intake and outlet hoses from the heater core and plumb them together to bypass it until I can get to a shop for repairs. But somebody said that there is a water shutoff valve in the engine compartment that I can close to bypass the heater core, and that it looks like a standard house water faucet. I had that on my MCI bus conversion, but cannot find it on my Winnebago. Does anybody know where it might be?

[davidjb]

I believe that since the heater core has an in and an out that shutting 1 valve would not work and you should "jump them" The truck engines I'm familiar with have 1 valve to stop circulation but remain full I believe

[ernieh]

On my Freightliner chassis one valve is on the left near the muffler and the other is close to the transmission. Just follow the heater hoses from the engine and you will find them. Mine have handles like a hose bib, but some coaches have ball valves.

[bachler]

We have an Ultimate (fine coach) we hit a truck cap (alagator) it made the front heater leak.. First there is an H valve near the heater. It flows the water/anti.F. Troughthe heater or it bypasses it When working correctly, Second there is a shout off back near the engine. The problem when we shout off that valve = No heat/defroster;; No heat /motor aid in the hot water tank.;; NO hot water for our under the bed heater. and altho you shut off the water there was still some back flow when the raiator built up pressure, When the heater core leaks a lot of things happen . and none of them are good... The worst is to replace the Heater core I was quoted At about $2500.00 ... After my Wife of 48 years revived me. I done it my self For less then $200.00, It was a simple task . time consuming But very doable for the backyard machanic.. The biggest problem was the Air conditioner Had to be disconnected,(pumped out and refilled) Life is good. Now for the record That heater Core was In my opion a bit on the weak side( I owned American Rad. Done a lot of cores ) Life is good, it's better if we keep warm. (darn heater)