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Jim McElwee · 10-16-2021, 08:35 PM

2005 Monaco Windsor 40 PDQ with side radiator. I have a water leak that has not been found. Is it possible to get antifreeze in transmission through a transmission cooler? Is the cooler in the radiator?

Skip426 · 10-16-2021, 08:44 PM

Does the transmission fluid have color like a strawberry milkshake instead of red ?

carybosse · 10-16-2021, 08:44 PM

Not sure on a motor home, but typically trucks will have transmission cooler that runs thru radiator.

I

Jim McElwee · 10-16-2021, 09:22 PM

Thanks for your replies. I just confirmed that there is no water in transmission. Some times I am a complete dummy. Thanks for your help.

RamiDav · 10-16-2021, 09:25 PM

I have read that it is possible for coolant to enter the trans.
However, I think it would be evident when looking at the trans oil.
I have also read that coolant in the trans will destroy the clutch linings quickly.
So if the coolant loss has been going on for very long I would think it is not
going into the trans or you probably couldn't drive it.

Ray 03 Windsor

Rob_M · 10-17-2021, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McElwee

2005 Monaco Windsor 40 PDQ with side radiator. I have a water leak that has not been found. Is it possible to get antifreeze in transmission through a transmission cooler? Is the cooler in the radiator?

How often are you having to add coolant and how much?

Jim McElwee · 10-17-2021, 05:57 AM

I found the dip stick that goes to the transmission and there are no water. I am sorry for asking you for information. You guys always know more than I. Thanks for your help.

Mr Lars · 10-17-2021, 06:09 AM

Generally it will the other way around. Tranny fluid in the coolant. The transmission pump will have far more psi than the cooling system.

Rob_M · 10-17-2021, 06:31 AM

You still need to figure out where the coolant is going. How often are you having to add?

jacwjames · 10-17-2021, 08:47 AM

On my Windsor the transmission cooler is in the transmission.

Not many places you can be loosing coolant.

A suspect area could be the surge tank itself as the older versions were known to fail. When I first bought my coach in 2008 there were a couple small hairline cracks with a slight seep, I repaired using polyethylene glue which lasted for ~6 years, I then replaced the tank.

Another place to look is the dash heat system, either the core itself of the hoses going to it.

The radiator itself and or hosing.

Mark Kovalsky · 10-17-2021, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Lars

Generally it will the other way around. Tranny fluid in the coolant. The transmission pump will have far more psi than the cooling system.

Yes, but only when the engine is running. When the engine is shut down the trans pressure drops to zero very quickly. The cooling system still has pressure for quite a while after the engine is shut down. This is when it forces coolant into the transmission through a leaking transmission cooler.

wolfe10 · 10-17-2021, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

Yes, but only when the engine is running. When the engine is shut down the trans pressure drops to zero very quickly. The cooling system still has pressure for quite a while after the engine is shut down. This is when it forces coolant into the transmission through a leaking transmission cooler.

Correct.

And, would question that there is any coach with the transmission cooler IN the transmission. Would love a reference or picture.

Rob_M · 10-17-2021, 09:37 PM

If no leak is found, I would be concerned that a head gasket is starting to go. Generally would show as trace amounts of coolant in an oil analysis. Sometimes not enough to make the oil appear milky or exhaust steam.

Jim McElwee · 10-19-2021, 03:36 PM

I covered the side fan to get water to higher temp and let idle. After enough pressure built, found a slight leak of a loose hose clamp. Tightened and it stopped leaking. Thanks for each reply. I appreciate your guys knowledge. Thanks