Community Forums

Stan&Jacquie · 04-21-2017, 06:05 PM

Those of you who followed my alternator problem (I'm Really Bummed) will be interested to know that I barely made it 1000 miles and had the belt self destruct again due to a frozen AC Compressor. Had to be towed 8 miles and had the coach repaired (5 nights in a motel) for a total of $1800.

To add insult to injury, I walk to the back of the coach and notice a radiator leak! It is dripping at the rate of one drop about every 5-10 seconds.

Might any of you gave any experience with radiator leaks and can't advise me one this? What am I in for? What is the best way to proceed?

clifford j · 04-21-2017, 06:15 PM

We feel your hurt Stan. Have you inspected the radiator for where it's leaking from. Could it be as simple as a radiator hose connection? There are some good sealants to add to the coolant but in most cases that's a temp. fix. The brand name "bar's" makes a good one. Looks like rabbit pellets suspended in a dark fluid, I had success using it.

CLIFFORD

Stan&Jacquie · 04-21-2017, 06:16 PM

PS. I have about 250 miles to get me home so I guess I am looking for a temporary fix.

jacwjames · 04-21-2017, 07:06 PM

Last year another IRV2 member had a radiator leak develop on his way back from Alaska. DR4Film is his screen name.

He had his rig towed to a repair shop but a new radiator was week out. The shop foreman recommended he try Irontight ( a stop leak type product). They put some in his system and he did a test drive, the leak stopped. He made it all the way back to the lower 48 and in fact waited several months before having his radiator replaced. This might be an option.

Check all you hose and fitting connections. Might be a simple fix.

Worse case check with CG&J radiator, I had to buy a replacement ~3 years ago. Best price I could find. $2500 delivered.

barmcd · 04-21-2017, 07:39 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles Stan. Hopefully you'll find a temp fix to get you home.

Stan&Jacquie · 04-21-2017, 08:47 PM

I don't believe the radiator has a top cap or way to add stop leak directly to the radiator. So, do I add the stop lead to the plastic overflow reservoir?

flamebuster · 04-21-2017, 08:53 PM

Really need to find where the drip is coming from. Could be the belt smacked a radiator hose when it broke and damaged the hose or just pulled it enough on its fitting to make it leak..

jfran304 · 04-21-2017, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan&Jacquie

I don't believe the radiator has a top cap or way to add stop leak directly to the radiator. So, do I add the stop lead to the plastic overflow reservoir?

NO. You will have to put the stop leak into the radiator somehow. If you put it in the reservoir it will just settle to the bottom of the reservoir.

Jon

guardrail53 · 04-21-2017, 10:35 PM

Stan, you need to see where the radiator is leaking, first of all! The leak could have been caused by the belt coming off, or by a mech's slipped wrench when repairing the A/C compressor! After all, it is very tight quarters in there with a rear radiator! Hopefully, it will be a slightly cut hose or a loose/damaged clamp from the belt coming off! It does not take much to nick a radiator, and it seems suspicious that a shop would let it out the door with a dripping radiator?

Hope it is a easy fix! Rail!

clifford j · 04-22-2017, 10:55 PM

Hi, found this posted 7/22/2007
Coolant flush and refill ISC 330 rear radiator
Read down there is a post for the proceedure to flush/fill your cooling system. They called your tank an expansion tank. Get the fluid level low enough to add the sealant.

CLIFFORD

Bubba1 · 04-22-2017, 11:48 PM

Stan,
If you still have the original aluminum radiator in your coach, a long with the top hose, check the neck on the radiator where the top hose mounts. That area is prone to cracking, it's an issue with the aluminum radiators.

Mike H