Community Forums

wimberleyman · 08-09-2015, 09:33 AM

This year I used an air condition coil cleaner that I read about in the Class A Forum. Don't remember the name right now but you can get it at Home Depot. Comes in aerosol cans. It worked good on the radiator but was too hard to direct spay between fan blades towards the CAC from the engine compartment. Used a hose and spray nozzle to rinse after letting cleaner soak about 15 minutes. It did an OK job but I will go back to Simple Green next year. I can use it in a pump sprayer with a wand and access the CAC much better. My slobber tube is also extended so the CAC doesn't get extremely dirty.

WM

Gadget Man · 08-09-2015, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wimberleyman

....I can use it in a pump sprayer with a wand and access the CAC much better.

Yep! That exactly how I apply the Simple Green Pro HD from Home Depot. Works very well.

Craig

dnystrom · 08-09-2015, 01:09 PM

I have my CAT Dealer steam clean it for 60 bucks. You should see the black soot that comes out of it. Nothing like steam to clean.

noserider · 08-09-2015, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnystrom

I have my CAT Dealer steam clean it for 60 bucks. You should see the black soot that comes out of it. Nothing like steam to clean.

$60 bucks??? My local Cummins dealer charges more than that to breath the air in their parking lot.

Davdeb1 · 08-09-2015, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnystrom

I have my CAT Dealer steam clean it for 6imdi0 bucks. You should see the black soot that comes out of it. Nothing like steam to clean.

Please p!ease!, Tell me the name of the Cat dealer! Sure I did it myself but wow,$60??
I'll be there asap!

Gadget Man · 08-10-2015, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davdeb1

Please p!ease!, Tell me the name of the Cat dealer! Sure I did it myself but wow,$60??
I'll be there asap!

Same here. That's less than most CAT dealer's hourly minimum.

dnystrom · 08-10-2015, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

Same here. That's less than most CAT dealer's hourly minimum.

Calling me a liar? It was 70 bucks and I have the invoice. My dealer treats me fair and you get what you pay for . I guess you never had your rad steamed cleaned. That was part of the service including fuel filters air, and an oil change and a software flash. [moderator edit]

Gadget Man · 08-10-2015, 08:17 PM

Quite the contrary, I think we're all amazed at the deal you got!

I used my local CAT dealer merely as a comparison. They get a minimum of one hour for any service, and their hourly rate is $100. But that's here, if you got it for much less, good for you. Excellent job on your part!

As others have said, please share the name of your dealer. Others may benefit if they are in the same area.

dnystrom · 08-10-2015, 08:53 PM

Empire CAT Kingman, AZ You should have picked that in my signature. Why all this fuss about 70 bucks to grab a wand and shoot some steam into a radiator? Quite frankly I don't get it why the questioning the amount? CAT steam cleans about every heavy piece of equipment that comes into the dealership so the tech's can work on them. You can clean a radiator with steam from 1 side vs simple green for the do it your selfer. Just not the same. Steam is the best to clean anything. Nuff said.

Mr_D · 08-10-2015, 09:09 PM

Just WOW!
They weren't questioning your statement, they were amazed that you got it done so cheaply!
Step away from the keyboard and take a chill pill!

Nuts · 08-10-2015, 09:35 PM

So after reading all this excellent input I have a question ! How do you get to the inside of the radiator ? I can see the inside from under the MH but would not be able to reach the top of the radiator. Someone said hanging from the bed ?

I'm thinking a good steam clean by the local shop is the way to go, but will have to figure out who that is and how much....

Thanks
Bill

BFlinn181 · 08-10-2015, 09:39 PM

I was able to lean over the bed base and get to all parts of the radiator from inside and out. Most of the dirt and oil will be on the lower half anyway, but you can get it by using a hose with a wand on the end of it and reaching into the fan shroud and aiming up.

Nuts · 08-10-2015, 09:44 PM

I'll have to look at the bed but there is no access to the radiator from there. From what I remember there is no access panel and it would be a long way to the radiator from there under the closet and the open area behind that ???

Bill

Gadget Man · 08-10-2015, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuts

I'll have to look at the bed but there is no access to the radiator from there.

Double check Bill. Most FW's have access under the rear bed. My access may be different than yours, but here's how I get to the front of the radiator/CAC. I lift the bed and lock it. I then remove the rear corner of the bed support frame - it is hinged for easy removal. I then slide out a removable portion of the the floor, between the closet and the bed. This gives access to the actual engine cover. After removing the engine cover I can gain access to the radiator.

It's some work, but I only do it once a year. I have found most of the crud built up around the perimeter of the radiator, on the driver's side. A good flashlight should give you a better idea.

Good luck!

Craig