Cummins Coolant Leak?

[akadeadeye]

Our coach is 18 months old. I have put about 2 gallons of coolant in the engine coolant reservoir in that time. No visible signs of leaks. Is this unusual? Based on my other personal vehicles I think this is excessive. Is there a leak somewhere that is burning off?

Don

[AFChap]

I find I have to add some to mine from time to time ...and when it was 2-3 years old found some drips and had to tighten several clamps...

[Spikester]

I had something similiar on my ISB, was experiencing a small loss of coolant over time for a couple of years but could not find a leak, or evidence of a leak, but didn't check this area because I didn't realize that engine coolant supplied this component. What it turned out to be was a bad hose that supplies coolant to the Air Compressor. Hose had a small leak at the 90 just before entering the air compressor. Cummins said it was an unusual occurrence but happens. Found mine after 60 mile tow to Cummins NW after a loss of coolant was experienced. Might be a place to check. Since having it repaired have not added any coolant.

Spike

[Mekanic]

I have had many vehicles that have went 2-3 years without a coolant loss.

What you are seeing is NOT normal. To me that would NOT be acceptable.

[GaryKD]

Hi akadeadeye,
For me, your situation is not normal. The only time I add coolant is after I've replaced the coolant and the system "burps" out air. Once that is complete, no coolant is ever added. Finding the leak will, most likely, take a professional. The leak could be anywhere.

[chief02]

On the right side rear of the engine look for a steel heater pipe that is joined (for movement) by about a 3" rubber hose coupler. These are notoroious for weeping. Have it replaced with good clamps don't over tighten.

[wyoung]

I had a similar problem after I bought my new 2007 Dutch Star. Look under the hot water heater and see if the carpet is wet. Also along the line that feeds the dash air. I went thru over 2 gallons of antifreeze before Cummins found the problem was in the line going around the hot water heater.

[Perry White]

Check the squeeze clamps on the back of your Aqua or Hydro Hot if you have one.

[akadeadeye]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think a trip to Cummins Southplains is in order.

Don

[Spikester]

Probably a good plan Don, have a feeling if you don't you would get there sooner or later, but maybe on the working end of a tow truck.

Spike

[Iron Man]

They will pressurize the coolant system when the engine is cool and visually check for leaks. Newmar has had issues with the connections at the front of the coach going to the heater core

[john123go]

Have a 2008 London Aire with an ISX 600 (built March 2007) and the RGA went out losing about 1 gallon per 300 miles. Fortunately the 5 year warranty applied and the $ 3,600.00 repair was paid by Cummins.

Great engine but some issues with the sub-vendor to Cummins that built all RGA units. All work to replace was down thru the bedroom floor access door. 3 day lost, the good news, in Portland in Summer 2010 and it was beautiful.