Leaking Radiator

[Dave Stanley]

About three weeks ago, whilst having my tires aired at Les Schwab, I noticed a leak dripping / running from my radiator. Did not panic, but instead, went to have it checked out by a local, Midway Truck Repair here in Vacaville, CA. Tony at (707) 447-1450 It turns out to be quite a major repair. I'm told it is a totally aluminum radiator which was manufactured here in Sacramento, but it had so many problems, they went out of business. It was coroded in the bottom core

A good replacement comes from somewhere in Oregon and costs about $ 4,000.00, which I am upgrading to rather than repair the current one which will probably fail again in 2-3 yrs..

I don't see any thread on this subject. Am I a first or just unlucky or maybe the previous owner did something wrong ????

Hope to get it back this week and prep for our 4-5 month trek to the south. I know, [ why are you leaving great weather ? ] it's what we do.

[jerry davis]

Dave,

There are dozens of threads on leaking radiators. I started one myself as my 05 started leaking about 3 years into it's life. Fortunately my extended warranty covered the cost ($5000) unfortunately they required that I have an OEM radiator from Radiator Specialties installed.

Look through past threads under radiator leak and you will get a ton of info as to what type to install.

[Birddog Pilot]

Dave,

You might check Mac's Radiator in Portland, OR. I am using one of their brass and steel replacements and am very pleased with the unit. A year and a half ago I was quoted a price of $2800 to pick it up at their shop. Unfortunately I didn't pick it up myself, nor did I shop around for a reliable and honest shop here in San Diego to do the installation. I paid an exorbitant price for an educational learning experience on where not to have future work done; specifically R.V. Specialists, Inc. There is no reason for you to pay much over $5000 for both the radiator and installation at any reputable shop. I later found that both Guaranty, Holland, and most Cummins facilities will do the replacement for that $5000 figure, plus or minus a few hundred dollars. Mac's also will do the installation, and you might even get a better price if you were to make the trip to Portland. I would advise, however, do your homework first both on the shop and manufacturer of the radiator; get everything in writing first on your quotes, this is a must. To do so could save you a lot of money and grief.

[Old Rv'er]

It has also been mentioned the Charge Air Cooler (SP) may also need attention at the same time. Mac's has been mentioned in more than one thread as a great professional place to have the radiator and CAC manufactured. The work itself does not seem all that daunting, if you are mechanically inclined. Keep the old radiator as a guide for Macs, get a quote in writing. Take lots of pictures of the job as you proceed, call folks who have had this repair performed. Search on “Alpine Coach Forum” Radiator or coolant leaks” that should bring up all the threads or enough to get you started.

May the gods smile on me and I never have to do this repair, as I will do the labor myself, taking lots of pictures, etc prior to taking one nut lose.

[Farmer Brown]

This is where my new copper and steel radiator came from. The warrenty company got it for me. Price was $ 2,600 delivered. It was installed this week and I will pick it up Monday.
www.radiatorsupplyhouse.com
4432 Hwy 20
Sweet Home, OR. 97386
1-877-615-3002
Farmer Brown

[Refuse1]

Farmer Brown,

Did they know how to build your radiator or did you send them your old one as a sample?

Jeff