Spartan Radiator leak

[NowGo]

Before started this thread I checked out almost all of the existing threads related to the Spartan radiator issue. Yikes. I was shocked to see how common this problem has been.

My radiator has just started to drip at the outside rear. It has stopped after the initial very few drips after I parked. I am a snowbird and the coach has been sitting in storage since the end of April. No more drips. First thing I checked was where the hoses connected, hoping it was a hose clamp issue, no luck there.

The coach has about 18,000 miles on it (I'm not close to be able check exact mileage right now).

I did read that many have had multiple replacements of these defective radiators from Spartan. My leak is very slow but I have read that the issue is related to where the tank connects to the cooling fins, and that doesn't sound like something I want to take a chance on.

I am booked into a Spartan authorized 1W service center on June 20 to get it checked out but I am curious about whether a repair is possible (although the concept of attempting to repair the tank to fins area seems unlikely).

Next, has Spartan stepped up on this matter, where a chassis is out of warranty but is suffering from an obvious "globally" defective part issue?

Any advice from those who have had the unfortunate experience of having to replace a rad is appreciated.

[brobox]

Hate to hear the radiator fairy struck you too. Some have been lucky to get Spartan to participate in parts cost, but not labor. Another problem that was just posted is a Classic in your vintage, the replacement radiator were no longer being made. It might be worth calling Spartan with your VIN# in case you have to start working on a plan B.
A simple pressure test on the radiator will locate the leak in a few minutes.

[Gary.Jones]

I think there are replacement radiators available..... hopefully from a manufacturer different from the OEM manufacturer (as they WERE a bunch of trouble). I have heard of people taking the radiator to a radiator shop and the shop being able to repair or replace a section. I have never done that but several owners up here have had their radiators repaired, not replaced.

Now, I hate to be discouraging, but I am going to be very surprised if Spartan is willing to give you one dime toward a new radiator or repair. All you can do is ask nicely. They have gone back and forth on this problem for years..... they replaced one or two for me under warranty (0n my 15 Anthem). Then they were doing nothing for owners who had the problem out of warranty..... then they seemed willing to cost share, maybe paying half the cost of the radiator and you pay the other half and the installation costs. It has been all over the place on what they were willing to do. All you can do is be nice and see if they can work with you. The fact that your coach is almost 10 years old makes me guess they won't be willing to do much, but you never know.

Luckily, the new manufacturer seems to be producing a better product that is lasting a more reasonable lifespan.

Gary

[Evo1]

Originally Posted by NowGo

Before started this thread I checked out almost all of the existing threads related to the Spartan radiator issue. Yikes. I was shocked to see how common this problem has been.

My radiator has just started to drip at the outside rear. It has stopped after the initial very few drips after I parked. I am a snowbird and the coach has been sitting in storage since the end of April. No more drips. First thing I checked was where the hoses connected, hoping it was a hose clamp issue, no luck there.

The coach has about 18,000 miles on it (I'm not close to be able check exact mileage right now).

I did read that many have had multiple replacements of these defective radiators from Spartan. My leak is very slow but I have read that the issue is related to where the tank connects to the cooling fins, and that doesn't sound like something I want to take a chance on.

I am booked into a Spartan authorized 1W service center on June 20 to get it checked out but I am curious about whether a repair is possible (although the concept of attempting to repair the tank to fins area seems unlikely).

Next, has Spartan stepped up on this matter, where a chassis is out of warranty but is suffering from an obvious "globally" defective part issue?

Any advice from those who have had the unfortunate experience of having to replace a rad is appreciated.

Just had mine done on a 13 Anthem RBQ. Spartan no longer sells the old part (api 598-2007). The replacement part number is S-2675-001A . Spartan did a good will discount of approximately half of the retail price (roughly $2300 retail plus shipping). Total bill with install was just under 5K of which $1700 was the cost of the radiator including the shipping cost with the Spartan discount. The radiators sell like hot cakes because they can't keep them in stock. Coach was down for a whole month waiting for the radiator and scheduling the repair. There is an aftermarket company that makes a direct replacement fabricated one that looks very well made, but it is $4000.00. Can't remember the manufacturer though.

[LDog74]

Our 2014 RBQ (Anthem) started a very minor leak at 30K miles last October. Based on all the post and problems with the radiators I immediately got it fix.
Called Spartan & they provided 1/2 off the radiator plus shipping. They did a great job at shipping it out the next day to a Cummins dealer in FL for the install. We were right at $4800 for parts, shipping & labor. Cummins in Ft Myers did the install. 13 hours labor seemed excessive to me however they did do a nice job.

[NowGo]

The value of this forum never ceases to amaze me. Thank you to all who reply and provide such valuable information.

I do have extended warranty on this coach and I may wait to see what the Service Center learns from the warranty company after the diagnosis is finished on June 20.

I work hard to keep 100% of all functions of this coach working as they should but…

The warranty company makes it very clear they do not want the owner getting into the mix. So I am thinking I will see what their position is before I get involved.

[NowGo]

Well, I am back at the coach and could not resist doing some looking. The coolant took less than 1/2 quart to top off, and now that the coach has been sitting there is no leak.

Tomorrow I will pressure test the system in the morning and keep an eye on the pressure. I have a 15 pound cap so 14 lbs should give me an idea of what I am up against.

With such a minimal loss of coolant it is such a shame to have to address this, but on the other hand I don't want top be on the road with if turns into a major issue

[Gary.Jones]

Actually that is a very common scenario. Often leaks only after you shut down the engine after a day on the road. As the engine/radiator cools, the leak appears. That can go on a long time or you can get a rupture and quick loss of coolant. However, your experience is not unique.

Hope your test and visit to a competent repair shop yields good results. Good luck.

Gary

[GeezerViz]

With my leak, it was only noticeable after a day of driving and the engine cooled. I'd arrive with full coolent tank but a good size puddle in the AM. Took about 1/2 gallon of final charge each travel day.
Spartan did offer a goodwill discount but since my radiator was mostly covered by my extended warranty, it wasn't allowed.
I had mine replaced at NIRVC in Phoenix and they charged me 12 hours of labor (but my warranty company only allowed 10). The guy doing mine was new, so he needed all 12 hours. I'm sure someone who has done a bunch of them can go faster.

[NowGo]

Just tried to do a pressure test but the larger (size B) rad cap and the larger neck of the filler on the charge tank don't work with my Napa pressure test kit. The kit has a number of adapters, but they are automotive and none are for this application.

After several attempts to set the bladder depth into the filler neck (instructions say 2/3 of the bladder to be below the reduction in size of the neck from the rad cap seal area and must be below the overflow hose) it occurred to me that the fill neck itself is larger in diameter than the standard auto fill neck So, in order to position the bladder lower than the overflow hose I end up in a neck diameter that is larger than the test kit bladder when fully expanded. At least that's my theory.

After a couple of hundred strokes of the pump it occurred to me "wait a minute, something not right here"... duh.

I am now in search of a complete test kit for the Spartan charge tank. The cap size is the biggest challenge, and a cap adapter won't work with my existing Napa kit because it would lift the bladder up above the overflow hose.

[NowGo]

An update:

Had rad replaced, picked up coach yesterday. The rad from Spartan was a retrofit, with slightly different mounting. Tech instructions were send, and other than having to drill a couple of holes for the different brackets and as best I know the shop never had any issues installing the rad.

[Guernsey]

When my leak occurred in 2016, Spartan was very helpful in steering me to the best repair shop. They sent me to Sacramento Cummins who knocked it out with a 2 day stay. Spartan told me that Sacramento Cummins had done several Spartan radiator replacements and were the best choice for me. I was very happy with the experience

[brobox]

Thanks for the update and that the new replacement radiators will fit without much problem.

[RVFunlovers]

Good to know this worked. Not being able to get the proper replacement for a critical part like a radiator is scary.

Glad you got squared away.

Thanks for the info.