Community Forums

sdcyclist · 03-17-2009, 11:54 AM

Hi All,

It finally happend to me at 12,500 miles on the odo and ~3 years. There was a puddle of green fluid sitting on the ground. Apparently, the joint between the top of the back tank and the radiator body has failed.

After reviewing several threads, it appears that my choices for a replacement are limited. Macs in Portland and an outside chance that Burk Morgan has some left. Does anybody have further suggestions?

Milo
(sdcyclist)
2006 36FDDS
Sans radiator now

Rick Coleman · 03-17-2009, 12:58 PM

I looked to the right of your post and there was an ad from Intermountain radiator in Poway...not to far from you. Try their webside @ intermountainradiator.com

If you can believe what you read and see it looks like they could do the job.

jetar · 03-17-2009, 06:03 PM

I talked to Burk today and yes he has the redesigned aluminum radiators. I believe you will find that is the best bet for aluminum.

sdcyclist · 03-18-2009, 08:59 AM

Thanks John,

I left voice mail for Burk and sent you a PM.

Milo

OldForester · 03-18-2009, 10:37 AM

Make sure you ask for the new rubber bushings from Burk that go with the new radiator design. These reduce the vibration on the radiator.

sdcyclist · 03-18-2009, 04:33 PM

Thank you all for the help!

After much cussin, discussion, research on the forum and online, I decided to go with a Macs radiator. Many thanks to Burk who offered a replacement from Radiator Specialties. I just think the Macs offers a bullet-proof radiator with no epoxy core-to-header joints.

Milo

sdcyclist · 04-01-2009, 05:40 PM

Update:

The old radiator had rubber bushings added (upon inspection of the carcass). However, they had been crushed so tight by the mounting bolts that there was metal-to-metal contact. When I ordered the replacement bushings from Misson, they were the same ones as the old bushings. We are now in the process of re-designing the radiator vibration isolation. BTW, the new Macs radiator arrived today--beautiful! All brass, copper and steel--should be bullet proof!

Milo

EngineerMike · 04-01-2009, 06:17 PM

Should be interesting to see how well it cools. Aluminum has better heat exchange capacity than brass, so it is not uncommon to see equivalency of 2 core alum to 3 core brass. Other ways can compensate also (like tube size, # of tubes...). One thing is sure- the Mac's ought to be a tougher radiator and withstand vibration better if all the mounts are brass or steel. Maybe at the next DRR we can do the actual bullet test?

Retiredfields · 04-02-2009, 05:47 AM

Milo,

It looks like it only took Macs about 2 weeks to build the radiator. Is that correct? Price?

Please advise on installation and use results and who is doing your work?

Thanks

sdcyclist · 04-02-2009, 09:10 AM

Hi Ken & Nancy,

Yes, two weeks it was. My contact at Macs was Brad--very customer oriented. The cost was $3200 plus shipping from Portland.

RV Specialists here in San Diego is doing the work. These guys are very experienced having worked on a wide variety of motorhomes including replacing radiators in Monacos.

I will post the new coolant temps when I get back out on the road--probably next week.

Hint: Make sure if you have an extended warantee that it covers the radiator--I had a real battle with my Ins provider. They only paid for labor on removing a rear radiator and had no idea that a side mount was significantly more difficult.

Milo

Stretch · 04-02-2009, 06:33 PM

JB Radiator Specialities in Sacramento makes the radiators for Alpine and Monaco. Problem is they are building all aluminum radiators. and the tank areas are shaking loose from the tubes. Because of extreme vibrations for diesel engines the aluminum radiators are not strong enough. JB makes the bolt together type radiator which is what we need. I dont think JB will sell direct to us. I found (and now lost) the address of a company in Oregon who manufactures a bolt on rdiator for our coaches. for about 1/2 the cost that monaco dealers charge. I found them on the internet and now cant find. If you wnat to do some digging you save some $$$$$

sdcyclist · 04-03-2009, 09:43 AM

Stretch,

I think you may be referring to Macs Radiator in Portland Oregon. After inspection of the new radiator, the tanks are steel, the core appears to be brass and the tubes are brazed to the tanks. Macs has a web site. Contact Brad at Macs.

Milo

sdcyclist · 04-10-2009, 10:36 AM

Hi All,

The new Mac's radiator is installed! I am taking the rig out this weekend and will update the forum with my observations. Hopefully, the coolant temps will run the same despite the fact that the new radiator is not aluminum. The trip this weekend is to Paso Picacho campground on Cuyamaca Mountain. We pull some good grades on the way out so, should load up the 400ISL pretty good. Will post on Monday.

Milo
2006 36FDDS
New Radiator
No toads, just bicycles

jack and josie · 04-11-2009, 08:38 AM

I see quit a few references to radiators. It seems a majority of them are 36 footers and I have a 40. Do I need to be worried because I just hit 16,000 miles. SDCYCILST in the original post said his went out at 12,500.

This is my second post and I was wrong on first (I do have a bedroom slide that creeps in on the bottom). Have to be that weak solenoid.

I love this site and I check it everyday one day I'll write down all the things that have happen since taking ownership (ND fmca rally)