Community Forums

Trider · 08-15-2019, 07:03 PM

We just bought a 2002 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with 56,000 miles

We bought it in Springfield MO and needed to make it back to Northern California in 3 days, approx 2000 miles

Part way through our first day it started to overheat, we were able to limp it into Las Vegas where we took it into the local Cummings dealer

They informed me that it has a plugged radiator w/ a small leak, a warped exhaust manifold and an issue with the Jake brake which they say only happens when the A/C is on

So today they gave me a quote for a new radiator and the exhaust manifold of just over 12k

They are still waiting for a price on the part for the Jake brake

There is no way I'm spending that kind of money for this work

My intent is to drive it back in the night time when it is cool

We drove it from Albaurque NM to Las Vegas at night with no issues

Have tried finding a replacement radiator and it is almost impossible

Your thoughts or ideas would be appreciated

Thanks

Doug

Arch Hoagland · 08-15-2019, 07:15 PM

I think going at night time is a great idea!

Where in Northern California will you be located? You need to find another repair shop there.

Jobert · 08-15-2019, 08:32 PM

The rear radiator is known for the possibility of getting loaded or plugged up if not cleaned once in a while. Driving at night should get your home OK but check the coolant level frequently if you have a known leak. I would NOT encourage the use of stop leak. Once home, you could pull the radiator out and clean it yourself or have it done by a shop, and have the leak repaired at the same time. If you look underneath the engine you will find a vent or slobber tube that is usually the cause of the film of oil on the front side of the radiator that attracts road dust and cause the plugging of the radiator. On ours, I extended The slobber tube back beyond the radiator so the oil could not foul the radiator itself.

Your engine may have an exhaust brake not a jake brake if you have the ISC as most ambassadors did, and a fix for that, depending on the problem may be just lubing it with the proper lube. I do not have any info on the exhaust manifold. there are folks out there besides a Cummins dealer that can do the work, and may be a lot cheaper, it would pay to check around and get estimates. Source Enginering would be a good place to start if a new radiator is required. They have a lot of expertise on HR and Monaco, the Roadmaster Chassis and its components.
Hope this may help a little, good luck and enjoy the new to you coach. We had a 2001 Ambassador 39PBT at one time. Happy Trails Bert

Trider · 08-15-2019, 08:41 PM

Thank You for the information
I believe that the radiator is just plugged
and does not have a leak as we have not seen any evidence of one

Does the radiator need to be pulled to blow it out?

It has been difficult finding anyone either in Las Vegas or Stockton that can help

Trider · 08-15-2019, 08:42 PM

We are located in Stockton

It has been almost impossible to find anyone that knows anything

01blueox · 08-15-2019, 09:11 PM

It might be worth a try, call Mr Motorhome in Elk Grove Their shop look pretty nice.

barmcd · 08-15-2019, 10:21 PM

You're doing the right thing. Get it home and worry about fixing it there.

The radiator is probably plugged up with dirt and gunk. It can be cleaned on the coach.

If you do have a leak, replacements are readily available for around $2000.

Your coach probably has a PAC exhaust brake. They are prone to rusting and locking up if no lubed and exercised regularly. PAC Brake makes a special high temp lube. You may need something like liquid wrench to get it free before lubing it.

There are threads on all these things here in this forum. Use the search function to the right on the green ribbon bar.

lelievre12 · 10-04-2019, 11:40 AM

If the radiator fan is belt driven its worth replacing or at least tightening these belts. The symptoms you describe could easily occur with a slipping fan belt. Fan gets slow. Water pump gets slow too.

Fan belts slip when they get old and hard or when they are not tight enough.