Community Forums

bobioknight · 02-05-2013, 07:50 PM

1993 cc magna, gillig chassis. My coach has a modine ie3476 charged air cooler. It is not holding air, so I am replacing. Apparently no one has this model CAC 43x23 with 3.5 in and outs... Being told it is too old to easily find. My mechanic is suggesting that we either have a new core welded or replace with a custom fit newer model. Any opinions on this.... Or suggestions on where to find parts for older coaches.

94-Newmar · 02-07-2013, 05:16 AM

I think I would simply replace it with a new one simply due to it's age (if it's failed in one place, it's likely to fail in another). Would hate to see you have to go through the complexity & cost in another year or so when another seam fails.

bobioknight · 02-07-2013, 05:21 AM

Thanks, yes that is my thought too. What I am running into is the newer ones would not be the same size, probably losing about 10 inches in length, not sure if this is an issue with how the system works or not.

94-Newmar · 02-07-2013, 05:25 AM

If it was say, 10 yrs newer, and simply had rock damage, then yes by all means attempt to fix it, but if you look closely, im sure those aluminum fins have a bunch of corrosion (white powder) all over them in the corners especially.

Intercoolers are based upon flow rate and their ability to dissipate heat with a given "flow". Before you have one made or decide to use something similar in size, I'd call Modine and get their specs on it. It is entirely possible that a different sized IC (perhaps even smaller) will be able to handle the demands of that engine/turbo package just as well as the OEM

bobioknight · 03-17-2013, 11:50 PM

It was virtually impossible to find a replacement CAC. We ended up sending ours back east to have a new core welded on to caps. Not cheap, about 4000 with removal and installation. The original had so many holes that no pressure could build at all. The bad CAC caused my exhaust manifold to overheat, blow a gasket and warp, the turbo is fine but could have wasted that too. No CAC caused heat to build up since you are pushing so much more fuel into the cylinders to make up for the lack of turbo boost. The turbo is flying free and can over spin and get damaged. My fuel economy is going to be way better now! Crossing fingers.

phays · 03-19-2013, 05:50 PM

Just to give you a bit of comfort, I spent a total of about $4200 replacing the CAC in my 2000 Magna. I was able to buy a new one for $2700. Your $4000 sounds reasonable to me. Well, not really reasonable, but not out of line compared to what I spent.

bobioknight · 03-19-2013, 10:09 PM

That is bitter sweet news. I use a truck repair facility in colton, California. They really have done a good job for me. Seems like the prices are fair and they patiently walk me through the repairs, making sure I understand whats needed, they even allow me to watch and talk with the mechanics which really has helped me get familiar with the mechanical systems of the coach. Thanks for confirming my feelings.