Community Forums

Danp9pagner · 08-12-2018, 11:49 AM

I have a 2009 tiffin phantom 40 qth. It has been overheating. Mechanic has replaced the water pump yesterday and it still overhand after a short drive. The mechanic now thinks it could be the thermostat as both times t overheated I saw no water or steam. The mechanic said he wuld need to access the engine under the bed to get to the thermostat. I looked and have not found an access. Does anyone have and knowledge or suggestions to gain access to top of engine? Thanks

MSHappyCampers · 08-12-2018, 12:31 PM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Not a Tiffin guy so can't help with that. Hope you get the problem solved.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

luvlabs · 08-12-2018, 04:00 PM

You have an access hatch in floor. It might be in the rear closet if you have one. Use a super magnet to locate the screws which are buried in the carpet.

Before your mechanic charges you more, clean the radiator. They can get pretty gummed with road crud. Simple Green has been mentioned as a good cleaner.

retired long · 08-12-2018, 07:35 PM

No water or steam of any kind????? What tells you it iis overheating? First i would somehow want to know the temperature of water - Over heating most always shows water loss through tank cap. I would want to really be surebefore spending money recklessely. I would recomend a Harbor freight info re hand held temperature gun an with that you can tell temp at any place you can aim it .They are very accurate. I would especally want to know temperature of engine block when you say it is overheating.Your trouble might just be a defective gauge.
Also make sure person refilling understands he needs to allow air to escape from head so there is no air lock .

ProjectPro · 08-29-2018, 12:59 PM

I had to change my radiator and CAC at 9 years. PO hadn't had them cleaned at all.

Also, check the credentials of the shop that changed your water pump. At least with the Cat powered units, the thermostats are routinely changed whenever a water pump is replaced.

jlturner · 08-29-2018, 02:09 PM

Simple Green "Extreme" Cleaner is not harmful for aluminum. Spray down your radiator with a garden sprayer using the Extreme Cleaner and let soak. Rinse with garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer.

jhaig99 · 08-29-2018, 07:07 PM

See attached to remove engine hatch.

This is the ones without the rear bath.

dieseldug · 09-10-2018, 11:40 AM

My 2008 had an issue with overheating. Not serious and not all the time but the temp would climb rapidly unless I slowed down. Turned out my unit had electric radiator fan and there was a relay between thermostat and fan that told fan when to start. The relay had an intermittent fault and mechanic found it by accident when he bumped it. Replaced the relay for less than $100 parts and labor and it worked fine until I traded it.