Radiator flush

[T bogie]

i need to clean the radiator and flush my coolant.
i reaally cant see under the coach that well ill need to get it up in the air a little higher to do the job but as it is i couldn't see a pet cock on the radiator.
Is it behind the fan shroud or is there one
i guess i could just pull the bottom hose loose but don't want a bath in coolant either.
any help would be appreciated

thanks
Bogie
2002 Alpine FDDS
350 ICS

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello & Welcome Bogie, If your 2002 is anything like my 2001 (and it should be) there is a radiator petcock on the side of the rear radiator tank and there should be a second one on the driver’s side of the engine below the alternator. Those are the only ones that I have found. When I drain the coolant and change the coolant filter, I get somewhere between eight and nine gallons out when it is drained. I reinstall with 5 gallons of coolant and the remainder I fill with distilled water until full.

I hope you join the Alpine Coach Association and one of the other Alpine Clubs and join us on some rallies.

[T bogie]

Thanks Dave
I was thinking of changing to an OAT coolant. Any options on that? I like the idea of the long life of it.

[Dave Fernandez]

I converted to OAT several years ago and have had no problems.

[tiredvet]

I also upgraded to a long life coolant.I went with a HOAT coolant.The reason I went with a HOAT is that it will mix with the old coolant if my flush missed any removal of my old type. Going on three years with no issues.

[Dudley do-right]

Coolant filter? Where might that be, (on my 2006 40' Apex)?


Dud do-right

[Dave Fernandez]

Coolant filters are on the Cummins ISC 8.3 330 & 350 engine's they were not ISL 8.9 370 & 400 engine's.

[Birddog Pilot]

Sorry, Dave, but no coolant filter on my 2006 ISL 400. Possibly WRV was trying to save money at that point.

[T bogie]

I was reading that when I change over to OAT coolant I need a non chemically charged filter any idea of the filter # for it???
What OAT coolant is best?
I've been looking at the Peak Global, their pretty proud of the concentrate though at $28.00 gallon
Yonder oil has it for around $16.00 if you buy a case of 6, I have no problem with that but the shipping from Indiana to California is pricey might as well pay $28.00 here in California
(I guess since I retired I've gotten thrifty or cheap)

[Dave Fernandez]

Dick you are correct I missed spelled word none it auto corrected on my phone to not.

Bogie you are correct get a filter with 0 units of SCA's, the filter I use is from NAPA, Part# 4070 0 Units.

[RVPioneer]

Fleetguard ES Compleat would be the recommended OAT coolant for a Cummins engine. No filter is required or recommend by Cummins for OAT coolant. The filter used in the older "green" coolant was the primary way to add supplemental cooling additives (SCA) which are not required with OAT. With OAT the best method to maintain the coolant is to leave it alone for 7 years or 350K miles. Like any coolant, add more when needed.

WRV recommended replacing the coolant every two years. Many owners elect to extend this interval by adding concentrates. Interestingly, WRV recommended replacing the coolant filter on our 2005, ISL equipped Alpine every 18K miles. They even provide a part number for the filter. WRV did not install a coolant filter on ISL (standard equipment) coaches beginning in 2004. A filter could be added to the ISL equipped coaches if one were willing to part with the appropriate amount of funds. A switch to OAT would be a wiser use if funds.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

Fleetguard ES Compleat would be the recommended OAT coolant for a Cummins engine. No filter is required or recommend by Cummins for OAT coolant.

Let me restate that: Correct, a filter with SCA is not used with OAT-based coolants.

BUT, instead use a FILTER BLANK, which is a filter with filter media, but no SCA.

[Old Scout]

Ok--now I am confused????? Recently changed out my coolant at Cummins here in San Antonio. Was pretty sure they put in Fleetguard ES Compleat [have a gallon in coach for top-off] but the color is blue/green. We didn't discuss OATs and they have checked SCA for me several times since. Is Compleat an OATs coolant?
PS--according to the WRV owners manual--they also recommended chg hydraulic fluid every 3,000 miles, so need to take the manual with a "grain of salt."

[Old Scout]

PSS--like the idea of doing a DIY coolant change/flush but where do you dispose of the 10 gals of old coolant and 10 additional gals of contaminated flush water. Also assume flush water is distilled too?