10-20-2020, 05:28 PM
Update:
My current game plan was....
-Verify coolant temps with a IR temp gun. After parking rig in driveway, SL indicated around 165*, shot thermostat housing at 163* or so... temp probe was two inches away...
-Verify coolant level. Slightly low...
-Inspect coolant reservoir for integrity, inspect caps (two), drain and clean, consider a SS replacement. I replaced both caps on header tank (fill and top cap), waiting to clean tank.
-Pressurize coolant system and leak down check. TBD
-Isolate cockpit heating lines to eliminate possibility of leaking heater core. TBD
-Identify engine coolant temperature sensors and test TBD
-Replace engine thermostat. Opening that housing may give an idea if there is buildup in the coolant system. I’ve purchased the parts to replace thermostat and associated equipment.
My observations:
Today I finished cleaning the radiator. I spent a significant amount of time doing this process. Dawn and Simple Green HD and lots of hot water. I purchased a wand to aid in the process. I thought I had a relatively clean radiator but after completing this process I don’t believe it was as clean as I thought. During the cleaning I would shine a flashlight into the radiator to look at the tubes. I even used a magnifying glass and took closeup pictures. It appeared to me that the tubes had a black/grey grime on them that didn’t simply come off easily. It was not easy to see at first but as I worked at it I started watching how the water flowed through the radiator as I sprayed it off (working from the outside first). At first the water obviously flowed through the radiator but there was a lot that was backing up. As I got things cleaned up it appeared most of the water flowed right on through. If you’ve cleaned your radiator you know how difficult it is to rinse from the inside out. Last night I worked after dark and put a light in the engine compartment to help me see what I was doing. I think... I had a area across from the center of the cooling fan that looked blocked. As I rinsed I think I saw the black/grey junk start to loosen up and come out.
I’ve order a 52” wand to help reach the inside forward sections of the coolant stack. I’m going to get set up to easily wash this system out often. Our roadways and highways are a dirty place and until we crawl around the underneath our rigs we just don’t get the big picture. I’ve also ordered a 1’x2’ LED flat light to slip in the inside radiator area so I can stay on top of the radiator cleaning... yep overkill but it’s not fun getting hot in the mountains on a busy highway.
JK
My current game plan was....
-Verify coolant temps with a IR temp gun. After parking rig in driveway, SL indicated around 165*, shot thermostat housing at 163* or so... temp probe was two inches away...
-Verify coolant level. Slightly low...
-Inspect coolant reservoir for integrity, inspect caps (two), drain and clean, consider a SS replacement. I replaced both caps on header tank (fill and top cap), waiting to clean tank.
-Pressurize coolant system and leak down check. TBD
-Isolate cockpit heating lines to eliminate possibility of leaking heater core. TBD
-Identify engine coolant temperature sensors and test TBD
-Replace engine thermostat. Opening that housing may give an idea if there is buildup in the coolant system. I’ve purchased the parts to replace thermostat and associated equipment.
My observations:
Today I finished cleaning the radiator. I spent a significant amount of time doing this process. Dawn and Simple Green HD and lots of hot water. I purchased a wand to aid in the process. I thought I had a relatively clean radiator but after completing this process I don’t believe it was as clean as I thought. During the cleaning I would shine a flashlight into the radiator to look at the tubes. I even used a magnifying glass and took closeup pictures. It appeared to me that the tubes had a black/grey grime on them that didn’t simply come off easily. It was not easy to see at first but as I worked at it I started watching how the water flowed through the radiator as I sprayed it off (working from the outside first). At first the water obviously flowed through the radiator but there was a lot that was backing up. As I got things cleaned up it appeared most of the water flowed right on through. If you’ve cleaned your radiator you know how difficult it is to rinse from the inside out. Last night I worked after dark and put a light in the engine compartment to help me see what I was doing. I think... I had a area across from the center of the cooling fan that looked blocked. As I rinsed I think I saw the black/grey junk start to loosen up and come out.
I’ve order a 52” wand to help reach the inside forward sections of the coolant stack. I’m going to get set up to easily wash this system out often. Our roadways and highways are a dirty place and until we crawl around the underneath our rigs we just don’t get the big picture. I’ve also ordered a 1’x2’ LED flat light to slip in the inside radiator area so I can stay on top of the radiator cleaning... yep overkill but it’s not fun getting hot in the mountains on a busy highway.
JK
Kristi & Jeff King
Bentonville, Arkansas
#744 2005 45’ Newell Coach
ZF Suspension/Active Steering Tag Axle
CAT-13 ACERT KCB Engine 525HP 1642 ftlbs Torque Cat Compound Turbocharger 43.5 psi
Allison HD4000MH Transmission with PTO drive.