How many Radiators have failed?

Retiredfields · 07-03-2008, 04:30 AM

I've seen alot of radiator leak posts in my short time with this great group. Not very comforting. So, of all the Alpines manufactured, how many have developed radiator leaks?

Retiredfields · 07-03-2008, 04:30 AM

I've seen alot of radiator leak posts in my short time with this great group. Not very comforting. So, of all the Alpines manufactured, how many have developed radiator leaks?

Retiredfields · 07-05-2008, 10:31 AM

So far, about 43% Yes and 57% NO. The mileage is about evenly spread out. Unfortunately, doesn't account for the year of manufacture and we have a very small sample of all the Alpines built.

Still one wonders if there is some "hidden" reason accounting for the 43/57 spread?

gator67 · 07-05-2008, 01:35 PM

From what I have gathered from talking to other motorhome owners, the situation is not unique to Alpines. The same radiator manufacturer apparently supplied (at least) Country Coach and Monaco, and there have been many failures in those, too.

dgerstel · 07-05-2008, 02:22 PM

Ken,

Someone else can probably answer this better than me. As far as I know, the problems mainly occurred in coaches of the 2005 to early 2007 year range.

SRAlpine · 07-05-2008, 07:29 PM

The heater core in my 2003 failed at about 50,000 mi.

Rick Pohl · 07-06-2008, 02:24 PM

Mine just failed at 9500 miles. I have 2005 36'. I am trying to decide what to do. The insurance company wants me to pay for the shipping from Seattle to Ohio and have it repaired. They said it will cost $2500.00 to repair and will cover that amount. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

OldForester · 07-06-2008, 07:37 PM

Rick,

You're shipping it to Ohio? I live in Auburn, WA, and there are closer alternatives. PM me and I'll give you my phone number and more information.

It may still be better to have it done in Ohio if the insurance company is covering it, but they don't have to go there to do it.

Jim&MaryJo · 07-07-2008, 04:17 AM

Good idea for a poll, maybe do another by year and specify the failure (avoiding other radiator failures)?

Fredie · 07-08-2008, 11:10 AM

The radiators used starting with th 05 model year are subject to failure as it relates to a faulty design from Radiator Specialties. A new design radiator with heavy wall cooling tubes was used in the late 07 coaches and all replacement radiators from WRV were of the later design. The rubber bushings were used on the later design to reduce vibration. When WRV shut down they had over 40 replacement radiators in stock. I hope the radiators did not get scraped.

OldForester · 07-08-2008, 06:21 PM

Fredie,

I have one of those replacement radiators and the rubber bushings installed.

Do you know who made the rubber bushings? I would like to have an extra set for when ours wear out. I know it wasn't Radiator Specialties so am curious who made the bushing.