Quote:
Originally Posted by Discovery02
Have a leaky radiator on a '02 Fleetwood Discovery 37 with the Cat 330HP (3216 I believe). Quote for parts and labor to change is around $4500+.
Anyone have experience changing one of these? Does the coach need to be on a lift to change out?
I work on marine diesel engines for a living and work on my own cars/trucks so I am a pretty confident wrench. Its a good friends coach and I want to help him out if I can. Any pointers or advice apprecieated!
Thanks!
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Discovery02,
I have done EXACTLY what you're asking about. Mine was leaking too. And, not only that but, its fins were seriously clogged due to an improperly placed slobber tube. It took me about 6 hours to completely remove both the CAC and the Radiator. Mine DID NOT come out as a unit. I could and did, remove the radiator then, removed the CAC. It just takes time to find out what it takes to get that big beast out of there. You have to be patient and, have arms and joints that are made of rubber so you can BEND all over the place with your wrenches.
My radiator at the time, was the factory one. It was an aluminum one with plastic tanks. The aluminum on the bottom left corner was corroded away and therefore, the radiator was TRASH! So, I contacted a local radiator shop that has done a lot of RV and truck radiators and asked what could be done.
There answer, NOTHING, IT'S TRASH. A new one from Freightliner was/is $1,750.00, not including shipping. I got a brand new BRASS/COPPER one for $1,200. It fit flawlessly. It's been in there now for well over 4 years and cools that CAT C-7 (almost identical to your 3126 330HP) just as nice as the original one.
Knowing what I know now, I'd pull that radiator in a heartbeat if any front engine service was needed. It's really not a big deal. It's just bigger than a regular truck or car radiator. The issue is, if you have REMOVABLE grill equipment. If so, get that out of the way so your job will be much easier. Good luck.
Scott
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
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