Coolant leak in rear radiator Freightliner chassis

[woodosgood]

This relates to a rear engine 400hp Cummins diesel, with a rear radiator, on a Freightliner chassis. I don't know if this may be an issue for smaller rear radiator engines or those with side radiators.

Two amber check engine lights and a "low coolant level" message alerted us to a problem. It turns out the 2 metal "tubes" that supply and return coolant to the air compressor have been rubbing together and one of them developed a hole, which had coolant spraying out all over the right (passenger) side of the engine.

We were 17 miles from our campground, so we were able to park and then found a very helpful Freightliner dealer in Elk Run Heights, IA (near Cedar Falls/Waterloo). We called Truck Center Companies at 4:45pm yesterday and they gave us a 7:30am appointment today. Amazing.

One of the metal tubes was in stock, and we volunteered to drive to Cedar Rapids (about 45 miles each way) to pick up the other one at a Cummins dealer. They were able to install both of them today and get us on our way. Our service advisor and our technician were very friendly and helpful. The waiting lounge was nice with a washer/dryer, vending, TV, showers, restrooms, and computers. They also have overnight parking for RVs if needed.

They had to remove the engine access panel in the bathroom floor to access the tubes. So, if you can look for these tubes (high up behind the chassis battery compartment), make sure they are not rubbing together.

Part numbers for the 2 Cummins parts are 302C/5295242 and 302C/5297942. The description reads "Tube CPR Water Inlet". Total cost for labor, parts, and 6 gallons of coolant was $1,500 and was not covered by our extended service contract.

[Country Road]

Originally Posted by woodosgood

This relates to a rear engine 400hp Cummins diesel, with a rear radiator, on a Freightliner chassis. I don't know if this may be an issue for smaller rear radiator engines or those with side radiators.

Two amber check engine lights and a "low coolant level" message alerted us to a problem. It turns out the 2 metal "tubes" that supply and return coolant to the air compressor have been rubbing together and one of them developed a hole, which had coolant spraying out all over the right (passenger) side of the engine.

We were 17 miles from our campground, so we were able to park and then found a very helpful Freightliner dealer in Elk Run Heights, IA (near Cedar Falls/Waterloo). We called Truck Center Companies at 4:45pm yesterday and they gave us a 7:30am appointment today. Amazing.

One of the metal tubes was in stock, and we volunteered to drive to Cedar Rapids (about 45 miles each way) to pick up the other one at a Cummins dealer. They were able to install both of them today and get us on our way. Our service advisor and our technician were very friendly and helpful. The waiting lounge was nice with a washer/dryer, vending, TV, showers, restrooms, and computers. They also have overnight parking for RVs if needed.

They had to remove the engine access panel in the bathroom floor to access the tubes. So, if you can look for these tubes (high up behind the chassis battery compartment), make sure they are not rubbing together.

Part numbers for the 2 Cummins parts are 302C/5295242 and 302C/5297942. The description reads "Tube CPR Water Inlet". Total cost for labor, parts, and 6 gallons of coolant was $1,500 and was not covered by our extended service contract.

Always something. We’ll look for this and thanks for sharing.