1999 XC Chassis Radiator Removal (Newmar DSDP)

[stratob377]

Well, it happened. Atleast we're in our driveway. Radiator weeping while warm/hot. Hopefully its just a re-core. Looking for help as to which direction this thing has to be pulled (towards engine or away) what needs removed. Etc. Tried multiple searches and havent turned up anything. I'm getting on this first thing in the morning.

Thank you

Aaron

[Skip426]

Aaron, I haven’t had to remove my side rad ( replaced before my purchase), side grill is hinged to raise up, and the from what I’ve seen, plastic closure panels come out, hydraulic cooler shifted to the side, then support brackets off , hoses off, and rad should drop down.

I’m on the road , without internet, so if you have any issues, post pictures and I’ll get back as soon as possible.

Edit: BTW, OEM rad had plastic tanks, so if you have a metal tank rad , it’s already been replaced.

[stratob377]

Sounds great. Thank you skip.

Aaron

[stratob377]

The beginning

[ARTWERKE]

Not a pretty picture. Much driving on salted roads? I've never seen fins rotted away like that.
Art, 2000DSDP 3883

[stratob377]

Hi Art. I'm guessing that's the case. Coach started its life in oregon. We're the 4th owners. Might have seen a bunch possibly. A bunch of the hardware is not happy coming apart right now for sure

[Skip426]

But camping right on the ocean “ is so much fun “!

Good luck with the removal. I have the radiator part number at home on another computer, I’ll post it when I get there.

[stratob377]

Hi skip, got the new radiator today through superior cooling systems (FL part # VAB1101387). Its a volvo part# and FL doesnt have any in stock anywhere. Lucky to find these guys. They have both the plastic tank and the brass tanked versions available. Got the plastic since it was a quick drive to buffalo to pick it up. Here's some more pics with more parts pulled off. Hopefully extracting this turkey tommorow. Its been slow because not having a manual to go by, figuring out how it comes apart has been fun. Got it figured out now.

[Skip426]

Electric cooling fan on the hydraulic rad is diy add on, some modifications were made to the plastic shrouds by whoever installed the rad in my coach. Not sure if the changes were required by the metal tanks.

[stratob377]

Hi skip, the fans were added on by me earlier back in june. Little did i know this would prove to be an interesting removal because of that (bang head). Non the less, planning on new hardware plus intercooler clamps. Hydro cooler safley out of the way now (after much cutting with a dremel to remove flat head screws no less) next up is the intercooler removal and then hopefully the rad

[stratob377]

We have victory. The top 4 bolts with the weird head hold their respective half of the bracket encapsulating the radiator.

[Skip426]

Why any manufacturer, decided to use “ inverted torx head bolts “ is beyond me.
Probably a kickback from the tool manufacturer.

[stratob377]

It fits, its in. No leaks!

[Skip426]

Great work .

I do have some questions.
Do you know your chassis date of manufacture ?
Was the rad part number tied to your chassis serial number ?
I ask because , although every picture you've posted could be of my chassis , somehow the P/N for the rad I got from DTNA Connect isn't the same .

My Feb 99 production chassis, rad number , is VAB 1003190

I do know from conversations with other DSDP owners there were major wiring and gauge package changes Jan 1 ,1999; and with Newmar producing coaches from Aug 98 sold as 99s. Perhaps other parts and pieces went onto the, Freightliner production line at the same time.( Jan 1,99)
If you can still get to the rad could you post the measurements ?
Length , height . TIA.