What is this? And how to stop coolant leak?

[dddlin]

This unit is mounted under the front of our 1998 Dutchstar. It looks like small radiator, approx. 20" x 20", 4" thick, with a fan mounted on the front. It is leaking coolant in a steady stream. The "low water" warning sounded when we started the coach. We added water to the reservoir in the back, looking for a leak in the rear. The alarm stopped and we drove approx. 15 miles to a different site with no problems. However, after backing up we noticed the coolant was leaking from the front of the coach. The coach is a diesel pusher with a side radiator.

Unfortunately we are in the far northern part of the Michigan Upper Peninsula. The nearest Freightliner repair center is 140 miles south in Wisconsin. If we stop frequently to add water, can we drive the coach that far? We really don't want to be towed.

[trode]

Unit pictured looks like A/C condensor for dash air. Leak is another issue, if you could locate source by idling and looking for leak, may be something simple as a loose hose clamp, if not likely is a failing hose which could be risky heading out on the road for 140 miles with risk of total failure as pressure and heat increases. Can maybe find a good truck shop closer who can take a look?

Hope all works out well.

[Ted Lambert]

If you must travel that distance loosen the radiator cap to relieve the pressure in the cooling system.
But to be safe you should fix it before traveling.

[dddlin]

I contacted Newmar and Freightliner. They both said the nearest repair was in Minocqua, Wisconsin. We haven't been able to see where the coolant is leaking from.

[TonyDi]

If you can't find the source of the leak a repair will be a challenge. Most likely the core is leaking. Are there any truck repair shops in your area? You can also call your insurance company they may be able to advise you on where to get help. I have Coach Net and they have in the past, found mobil mechanics that came to fix problems I had.
Good luck with your fix and Happy Trails!!

[Old Scout]

Cooling config vary from coach to coach but your pic looks like the A/C condensor, not an engine cooling/coolant issue. If you have a major coolant leak, chances are you will eventually have to replace the coolant anyway but hope you are not adding regular tap water to you diesel coolant. Diesel coolant has additives to maintain engine wet sleeve components... ..Suggest you use distilled water until you can get the problem resolved.....

[Dennis_K]

That is an A/C condenser, my 2003 bounder diesel had one just like that. It does not have any engine coolant in it so your leak is probably one of the hoses to the dash heater core. In a coach of that vintage those hoses should have been replaced years ago.

[Skip426]

X2, on there is no coolant in that A/C condenser .
Two things; if it is engine coolant only leaking at the front ; because the A/C evaporator will run out water in the front of the coach when A/C is in use. You need to check color of the fluid. Green or Pink?
Then if it is engine coolant ,leaking from a heater hose or connection, your coach may be equipped with heater hose shut off taps near the engine; 2 taps in the lines, mine are beside the transmission, turning these off should stop coolant and pressure from reaching the area of the leak.

[Skip426]

dddlin; Welcome to iRV2.
Your coach is on a Freightliner chassis , that is important information to include when asking questions, and I'm assuming ; Cat powered ?

If you go to your " User CP " on the left end of the blue bar under your welcome when you sign in, and on the left side of the page go to " Edit Signature " You can enter your coaches info, click save changes at the bottom of the page, and have it automatically appear below your posts as mine does below. Saves typing the info in ever time.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Could also be the charge air cooler (cools engine intake air).

I don't think the kind of water used is a major concern over a couple hundred mile run to a repair shop, as long as it isn't extremely hard or alkaline. You should have the cooling system flushed and refilled as part of the repair anyway.

Most any truck repair facility ought to be familiar with any cooling system component. I'd look for a closer shop. Cummins Coach Care shops, a Cat dealer, etc. Or just a local truck shop.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Could also be the charge air cooler (cools engine intake air).

.

Nope, not a CAC, trust the guy who's had to replace the fan module, it's the A/C condenser .

[dddlin]

Thanks to everyone for the information and advice. I found the leak - its a hose above the condenser unit and appears to run to the dash heater. I tried wrapping it with Gorilla tape but there isn't enough room to get any leverage to wrap tightly. I found a local truck repair that agreed to take a look at it on Thursday morning although they told me they don't work on motorhomes. I'm hoping they can cut the damaged area of hose out and splice in a piece that will last long enough to get us to the Freightliner shop. I'll post a final report. Thanks again.

Linda

[Skip426]

If it's just a hose and you can see where it's leaking, brass heater hose couplers for 5/8" heater hose and lengths of hose are available at every auto parts store, along with new clamps , you could be mobile for under $30 & deal with full replacement when you get home.

I picked up the connector at NAPA , ( Dayco P/N 80422 ) you could even put a loop of hose or a connector between the in and out fitting on the engine , you just won't have any heat till you get the full hoses replaced.

[Hooligan]

See Skip's post #8
There should be valves to isolate the heater hoses. Check the heater hoses at the back of the engine just above the transmission and along the driver side frame next to the engine for 2 hose bibbs (spigots) - closing them will prevent any coolant going into the heater hoses without effecting engine cooling.
Mine look like this. only place on the motorhome with this type valve... If you isolate the leak, you can replace the hoses after your trip.