Community Forums

tom41 · 06-29-2006, 11:39 AM

I need to clean and hose off my radiator an aftercooler on my DP coach. I have already used some simple green on the outside (back end) of the radiator, but was told to check the inside where the aftercooler is right in front of the fan, I did and its very dirty looking, so no wonder i'm having some temp problems on long grades in hot weather. Can anyone suggest the best way and the best cleaner to use here ? maybe gunk ? thanks

tom41 · 06-29-2006, 11:39 AM

I need to clean and hose off my radiator an aftercooler on my DP coach. I have already used some simple green on the outside (back end) of the radiator, but was told to check the inside where the aftercooler is right in front of the fan, I did and its very dirty looking, so no wonder i'm having some temp problems on long grades in hot weather. Can anyone suggest the best way and the best cleaner to use here ? maybe gunk ? thanks

chasfm11 · 06-29-2006, 12:08 PM

Tom, I don't know if it is the "best" way, but this is how I do it.

Using the same Simple Green that you have already used, I lift the bed, set the bottle on "stream" versus spray and spray from the opposite side, across the engine. The dirtiest places on mine are outside the fan permimeter. I start at the top and work my way down, allowing the solution to drip it's way to the bottom. I lean over the engine and spray the upper part under the shroud and then the lower part. It's a pain to work around the fan blades, I admit.

I let mine sit for about 1/2 an hour and then use the garden hose to spray from both sides. If the water isn't running clear in a couple of minutes, I let things dry about 15 minutes and then re-spray with Simple Green. Another 1/2 soak in and then I use the garden hose again from both sides. BTW, I've gotten pretty good at pushing the hose up along the passenger side of the engine where I can reach it from the bed.

So far, doing this proceedure 3-4 times a year seems to be enough for the type of driving that we do. If we were in west Texas where things are a bit more dusty, I might have revise my schedule.

tom41 · 06-29-2006, 03:00 PM

thanks Chasf11, for the info, i will follow what you said an done . Hopefully this will solve my temp problem. again thanks

Doggie · 07-05-2006, 08:03 PM

After you get through cleaning, run the thin straw from a WD40 can through your radiator in various places. You may find that there is dirt and/or oil & grease still in there where you can't see it, and that will rapidly trap more dirt and dust. Keep cleaning until your straw comes out clean.

rwhitt · 09-20-2006, 03:59 PM

I have side radiator and clean it regularly with a product that heat and air service folks use. It is called coil wash. Be sure to get the non - acid type. It is very strong soap and I mean strong. It will foam up the instant it hits anything aluminum. Use a regular spray bottle and soak as in the previous post and then rince. You won't believe the results. It gets on the painted louvers but dosen't hurt the paint. Have fun. rwhitt

RV Wizard · 09-20-2006, 11:38 PM

rwhitt, first let me say welcome to iRv2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. Being from the heating and air conditioning business I have use a lot of the coil cleaner and you advice is a very good method for our radiators and after coolers. I would only not recommend it not be done on a campsite for obvious reasons. Good luck to you and take care.
We hope you will be an active participant on the forum. Be sure to setup a signature and post some photos when you get a chance. Thank you.

BIGRED1 · 09-21-2006, 08:24 AM

rwhitt, rv wizard, where do you buy your coil cleaner? I could take a look online, but I'd rather buy it locally if I can find it.

Edit - looks like it's available at True Value or Lowes.

Darrel · 09-22-2006, 05:05 AM

One other hint that I have found useful. Since it is so difficult to get the cleaner into all the corners around the shroud, I spray it onto the fan while the engine is idling. This not only spreads the cleaner where the dirt collects the most but also the fan blades themselves where dirt also adheres. After leaving the cleaner work for a half hour or so, I also leave the engine idling while I rinse off the radiator.

FWIW - Darrel

DonavonP · 09-22-2006, 07:50 AM

Home Depot handles ZEP products. Try Zep Big Orange or Sun Sol. Biodegradable and it works good on grease. Use a weed sprayer to apply to the inside radiator core. Keep the pressure up on the weed sprayer. Blow water through from the outside after a few minutes. The weed sprayer will probably be ruined in the process but they're cheap.