08-01-2019, 09:39 AM
I appreciate all the input , valuable advice and sharing of your experiences . I am moving at the speed of a glacier , but I have made some headway and want to report my findings thus far .
Drained coolant , there was some black crud that came out initially , tablespoonful , max .
We had topped off the radiator last year as the coolant level was about halfway in the sight glass , record shows approx 1 1/2 gallons to get to filler neck . Coolant used was from local truck shop , met all the Detroit requirements for two strokes , but it was red , I mixed with distilled water , 60% antifreeze. Existing coolant , green . Interestingly , the first to come out the drain was red , almost like the two types never mixed . Different specific gravity ? Coach had not been started for several days when drained . There is no sign of oil in the coolant. 18 gallons +- came out the drain , there must be other drains as I have read that the capacity is 27 gallons or so ? Radiator was not completely clean , especially in corners , but I could see through it .
Removed radiator , unbolted top tank . Core looks new from the top . I intend to also remove bottom tank for cleaning . Using inspection camera through lower hose connection , bottom of core and flues look very good . There is a plate from Rawdon Radiator in S.D. , not sure when or what , but I think they must have serviced this radiator at some point for it to look this good .
As I mentioned before , one of the top hoses was kinked . After removing it I realized how bad the kink was , I deserve a demerit for not replacing it before now.
Once the rad was removed a new world opened up ! Now I could see the fan belts and they are Junk ! More demerits . Chunks are missing from the belts , they are cracked and the sides of the vee are polished , obviously slipping . I doubt them making another 200 miles .
I am now curious about the inter/after coolers . Also interested in looking at the additional trans cooler mentioned .
Much more work to do , just wanted to report my findings .
Hope everyone is having a great summer out on the road !
Thanks, Chris
Drained coolant , there was some black crud that came out initially , tablespoonful , max .
We had topped off the radiator last year as the coolant level was about halfway in the sight glass , record shows approx 1 1/2 gallons to get to filler neck . Coolant used was from local truck shop , met all the Detroit requirements for two strokes , but it was red , I mixed with distilled water , 60% antifreeze. Existing coolant , green . Interestingly , the first to come out the drain was red , almost like the two types never mixed . Different specific gravity ? Coach had not been started for several days when drained . There is no sign of oil in the coolant. 18 gallons +- came out the drain , there must be other drains as I have read that the capacity is 27 gallons or so ? Radiator was not completely clean , especially in corners , but I could see through it .
Removed radiator , unbolted top tank . Core looks new from the top . I intend to also remove bottom tank for cleaning . Using inspection camera through lower hose connection , bottom of core and flues look very good . There is a plate from Rawdon Radiator in S.D. , not sure when or what , but I think they must have serviced this radiator at some point for it to look this good .
As I mentioned before , one of the top hoses was kinked . After removing it I realized how bad the kink was , I deserve a demerit for not replacing it before now.
Once the rad was removed a new world opened up ! Now I could see the fan belts and they are Junk ! More demerits . Chunks are missing from the belts , they are cracked and the sides of the vee are polished , obviously slipping . I doubt them making another 200 miles .
I am now curious about the inter/after coolers . Also interested in looking at the additional trans cooler mentioned .
Much more work to do , just wanted to report my findings .
Hope everyone is having a great summer out on the road !
Thanks, Chris
1986 #89
VIN 007
Detroit 8V92 TA 475 HP
Allison four speed
Chris and Sharon Hand