C7 Cat Radiator question

[Rmiscoord]

I am new to DP's so I have lots of dumb questions. I have read every thing I can but do not remember seeing the answer. I have at least two radiators on a 05 Meridian 34' 350 HP C7 Cat, one rear and the other on the drivers side with two fans. I know the rear one is standard coolant - guessed that it as it has a coolant recovery tank but not sure if the side one is for oil or A/C or Transmission or how many actual radiators are bundled in the rear or side. And would this setup be considered a rear or side radiator. Thanks for any assistance.

[SVTotem]

The side radiator should be the dash A/C. The rear is a combination radiator and Charge Air Cooler. (CAC) The latter cools turbo air prior to engine intake. What you see through the rear grill is the radiator. In front of it and out of sight is the CAC.

[Rmiscoord]

Thanks to all, I got the info I needed.

[MaverickBBD]

On your rear radiator and CAC you will see that oils and dirt collect. You will have to keep them clean. Simple Green and garden hose works.
The side radiator for the coach air can have one or two fans. No difference.

[1ciderdog]

Tom - Since you said you are new to the DP world one of the things you need to do is keep that rear radiator and charge air cooler cleaned. There are several threads with suggestions for cleaning but if you don't clean it once or twice a year you will have engine overheating problems. If the crank case vent (slobber tube) hasn't been modified you might want to run a search on that.
Safe Travels
Bob

[Craig P.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog Tom - Since you said you are new to the DP world one of the things you need to do is keep that rear radiator and charge air cooler cleaned.

Sound advice....I found this out the hard way...

Craig

[MaverickBBD]

I usually hit my CAC and radiator once or twice a year with Hudson sprayer and Simple Green. Haven't used up all my regular yet to go with their Simple Green Pro (which is actually purple, I am told). Then about every other year I have them steam cleaned with 'wet' steam. That has worked for me for the past five years.

[Craig P.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD I usually hit my CAC and radiator once or twice a year with Hudson sprayer and Simple Green. Haven't used up all my regular yet to go with their Simple Green Pro (which is actually purple, I am told). Then about every other year I have them steam cleaned with 'wet' steam. That has worked for me for the past five years.

Sounds like you're on top of it! I used the Simple Green Pro HD the last time around and it actually did a better job than the green stuff.

Where do you get them steamed at?

Craig

[Rmiscoord]

Thanks again for the advice. Now I have no excuse not pull off the engine cover. It just looked like it would make a big mess in the bedroom so I have been putting it off - not good.

[MaverickBBD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig P. Where do you get them steamed at? Craig

The Freightliner Factory service center in Gaffney, S.C. The price was very reasonable if I recall. I am about due so I will have them do it again in Feb. when I am due for service.

[Craig P.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD The Freightliner Factory service center in Gaffney, S.C. The price was very reasonable if I recall. I am about due so I will have them do it again in Feb. when I am due for service.

Thanks.

[historyljc]

I had mine cleaned this past June during it's annual service in Gaffney. They said it really wasn't all that dirty. I've never had a cooling problem with the C7. We stay on the paved roads and have not ventured on any of the out the way dirt roads to get to some of the scenic wonders of the U.S. On mine they has already put the longer slobber tube during the build so that problem has never been an issue.

[Rmiscoord]

By longer what do you mean. My tube extends almost to bottom of the oil pan. I see little or no oil on the full length mud flap or any where other than on the tube itself.

Another question - I noticed that many front gassers have rear ends that angle up significantly but all DP's have flat aft ends. So do you have more problems with tail dragging I noticed that with my air bags dumped my full lenght flap hits the ground even with my jacks taking up some slack. (my parking area is not perfectly level). I have as yet driven it up or down a driveway with any angle.

[SVTotem]

The extension of the slobber tube brings it to the rear of the coach aft of the radiator so that oil vapors are not pulled in to the CAC and radiator by the fan and airflow while driving.