Community Forums

rhenning · 05-09-2022, 09:35 PM

We have a 2001 Winnebago Adventurer on a Workhorse chassis. I am planning on removing the radiator and either repairing it or replacing it. I would really appreciate any how to advice by anyone who has removed a radiator in a motorhome like ours.

Warrenjo · 05-10-2022, 07:45 AM

I recently removed and replaced the radiator on my 2003 Winnebago Journey. It was not complicated and did not require any special skills or tools. Just straight forward mechanical repair.

Expect to spend more than one day on the project with the possibility of broken bolts and hose clamps that will not release; just cut them off and replace. There will not be a lot of room to work and have a good supply of hand cleaner ready. All of my hoses were in good shape but you should check yours carefully.

On my Journey the charge air cooler came out with the radiator so he unit was a bit heavy (it felt like about 100 pounds).

Do not rush and enjoy the challenges.

Argosy · 05-10-2022, 04:15 PM

Mine had to come out the bottom, which meant the front end had to be way up. Pull the fan off the clutch for room, cover the radiator with cardboard if you think it might be reused. That will protect the fins and your hands. It was a pain, have patience.

What's wrong that you're pulling it?

rhenning · 05-11-2022, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the replies. How high did you have to lift it? Did the leveling jacks take it up high enough?

As to why I want to remove it. I installed a Scanguage last year. Sometimes on a climb on a 70 degree day I will see 230 to 235 degrees on the Scanguage and maybe 215 to 220 degrees on the dash guage. The fan clutch(which was new last year) will kick in full blast at around 215 on the dash guage, which very quickly cools things down 15 to 20 degrees. I replaced the temp sending unit last year. I also had the radiator flushed last year and I replaced the thermostat. I never loose any coolant and I have not seen it boil over. I thought I would remove it and have it checked. I also am hoping it will be easier to clean the other cooling radiators with the radiator out.
If accurate I think the temps I sometimes see are higher than they should be.

1972VWbus · 05-11-2022, 11:27 AM

First attempt to clean the radiator from the backside with a flush of water (not to hard spray wise). Once wet use a can of AC condenser cleaner. Also clean the AC condenser on the front.

Get yourself the following...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Comes in very handy for viewing tight spots (between condenser and radiator).

Flyer15015 · 05-11-2022, 11:44 AM

To enhance our cooling on long steep climbs, I rewired the 2 pancake fans in front of the Tx cooler, on a 3-position toggle switch. up= fans on, center = all off, down = OEM circuit.
Now I start the fans at the base of the pull, and leave them on well after we clear the top.
This has not prevented the big fan on the engine to run , but it has reduced the number of times it comes on and the duration of the runs. It also keeps the Tx much cooler.
This is on a 2004 workhorse 8.1 Chevy.

Mike in Colorado

rhenning · 05-27-2022, 08:04 PM

Just wanted to give an update on my heating issues and radiator removal on our Adventurer. Took out the radiator on Monday and yes it was a pain, but apparently worth it. When we got it out it was plain to see that the side of the radiator one can't see was extremely dirty, covered with linty and fuzzy crap. I took it to our local radiator shop, and he cleaned it inside and out. He said the inside was quite dirty also. Installed a reman water pump, 195 degree thermostat, 15 pound radiator cap, and some of the hoses which I had not replaced last year. After a couple of 10 mile test drives it appears that the heating problem has been solved. The OAT yesterday was around 75. The Scanguage temp stayed between 195 and 198, dash temp was 150. Looking forward to a longer outing in a couple of weeks for a better test.