Possible coolant leak?

[jgm]

MsBianca,


I wasn't watching the forum this past spring so missed your posts in May.
Here is a picture of my coolant overflow bottle. You may not have one. They might not have been standard in 89 - 91? I think mine was added by a previous owner. So if no bottle when the pressure builds up the coolant is expelled. Maybe that's what you saw on your bumper? Add an overflow bottle like the one pictured and you can keep coolant in the system and air out.



Regarding the coolant to add- call the shop that topped off the last time and ask them what they added. There is diesel coolant with SCA (supplemental cooling additives) for diesel engines that's different from auto coolant. NAPA has a Heavy Duty Truck coolant for diesel engines that is pinkish in color but it's the glycol (green) mix not the extended use stuff. It turns green when it's mixed with green.


Think about getting a new radiator with 4 rows rather than just recoring your old stock 3. That's what a PO put in Small World. More cooling the better.


If it was me, I'd have a truck shop check the radiator and pressure test it before heading off on your trip. Even with Coachnet you could be towed a couple hundred miles from nowhere and spend your vacation trying to get back on the road. If it was a catastrophic failure it might mean engine damage to deal with away from home. Just saying

[MsBianca]

Once again, thanks for the thoughtful reply. I put a bottle of a4985 coolant and a bottle of diesel SCA in.

We took her on a drive of 2 half hour stints. And came home to check. The radiator itself is leaking. There was a small pool from the top of the radiator that went down. Based on the condition of the radiator, I’m going to cancel the trip.

This is because I’m also concerned about a front air leak too. It used to take all night but since I had a valve replaced, the front end drops now within minutes. This concerns me as even though I use primarily the retarder, it does spook me a bit.

[MsBianca]

All right. Well, almost a year later, I’m finally back at it. I went out and removed the bumper and swung out the radiator in prep of pulling it to have it done.

I never mentioned, but we never cancelled the trip and decided to make it a full on adventure and took my old Land Rover. Lots of fun and about 100 miles in 4 low off road. We had to do the hotel thing, and were a bit more cramped, but it was fun nonetheless.

Back on track, as usual I have a question: what is the radiator on the left side? It’s in good shape all around, but just wondered what it is to?

We really didn’t use the bus at all last year, which made us quite sad, but have vowed to get out more this summer. In lieu of de winterizing, I’m going to get the radiator done and a few other things. We probably are due for starting batteries as I don’t like the buildup on the terminals.

[Mike Hohnstein]

You need some more time with Shane.

[sfedeli]

lmBFAO... JUST WHAT I NEEDED!

[Rick]

Originally Posted by MsBianca

All right. Well, almost a year later, I’m finally back at it. I went out and removed the bumper and swung out the radiator in prep of pulling it to have it done.

I never mentioned, but we never cancelled the trip and decided to make it a full on adventure and took my old Land Rover. Lots of fun and about 100 miles in 4 low off road. We had to do the hotel thing, and were a bit more cramped, but it was fun nonetheless.

Back on track, as usual I have a question: what is the radiator on the left side? It’s in good shape all around, but just wondered what it is to?

We really didn’t use the bus at all last year, which made us quite sad, but have vowed to get out more this summer. In lieu of de winterizing, I’m going to get the radiator done and a few other things. We probably are due for starting batteries as I don’t like the buildup on the terminals.

It's the Charge Air Cooler or CAC. Used to cool the engine air after it has been compressed by the turbo.

[B.Nyhof]

Have the CAC checked out when you have the rad checked out too. Chances are it leaks. They can re-core those too. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Randy Dupree]

i have a good used CAC.

[MsBianca]

You guys rock as usual. I feel like a bit of an idiot- of course it’s the intercooler...

Oh well, it’s in really good shape with no bent fins or blockages that I can see. The radiator on the other hand...

Anyway, I just got back from traveling all week for work and will finish pulling it today. My next dippy question is just ho much coolant is in there? I was thinking 5 gallons or so?

My next questions will be how to add coolant back in and bleed the system, but that will be in a week or so after I get the radiator back.

[Mike Hohnstein]

Park with the front of the coach down hill, let it idle, air goes up, when @ temp/thermostats open, top up and shut off. When cooled down, top up radiator and close the cap, a new 7# of course, a half a quart in the expansion bottle, done. Verify all hoses and clamps are good. In operation clamps like to loosen up.