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Radiator leaking

Yahoo Message Number: 83930
I have a radiator that has just started barely leaking a few drops after the coach has shut off. Does not leak while running or after it cools down.
Has anyone tried "stop leak" on a small leak? I hate to replace the radiator for just a few drops that appears to be coming from a weld in the aluminum.
Thanks for your comments in advance.
Jerry

06 Intrigue 525 Cat, 17,000 miles

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83935
That's about the same mileage as ours had when we had to replace the radiator. I never tried the stop leak. We had ours rebuilt at a radiator shop using non aluminum construction.

-Dennis Holmes
2006 Intrigue 530
#12055
Cat 525 hp

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83937
Had mine replaced this last summer. Colton Truck and Motorhome Service in Colton CA did the work. Thankful I had an extended serviuce plan that covered most of the cost. Bill was somewhere in the range of $8K. The new steel core radiator was $5K.
How aout the folks at Alliance in Wildwood FL? They were a Monaco service center at one time. I had some work done there a couple of years ago and was pleased with the results.

Gary - 2005 Magna

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83938
Jerry, several CC owners liked C,G,J, in Gadsden, Alabama. their website is www.cgj.com ph: 800-223-4299, 2776 Wills Creek Rd, Gadsden, Al 35904

Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. $30898

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83940
Mike, I spoke with C G J this afternoon. They spoke very encouraging about replacing the radiator and checking and testing the Charge air unit as well. They make the radiators in-house and can complete the job in 2-3 days. The only hold back I have using them is that their radiators are made out of aluminum, and everyone on the CC forum says use steel/copper. So I would like to hear comments from anyone who has used C G J and the aluminum radiator?

Jerry

06 Intrigue 530
#12038
525 Cat

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83941
Jerry;

Our started to leak around 18K miles as well. I had to have one built out in Oregon and have it shipped to the North East for the install, around 7K by the time we were done. That was about three years ago. No problems since we've replaced it.
If you're in Florida check with Butch Williams at Fountain RV. He may have a better source and approach to the repair or replacement. His number is 863-984-9764. They are usually open on Saturday's during the winter I believe.

Mike

2006 Intrigue, CAT C13
12044

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83942
Gary, what company do you have the extended warranty plan with that covered the radiator? Thanks, Scott 07 Tribute

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83947
Jerry, I didn't realize they offered only Aluminum. I agree with Michael, call Butch Williams, I just forgot to mention him in my post. Michael gave you his shop number, if that doesn't work try his cell @ 541-221-0654.
I'm not an engineer but all you hear is the Aluminum Radiator mounted as it is and going down the road flexing and under high fan load just doesn't seem to hold up. I have heard CGJ uses larger wall tubing and tanks.
Your current Radiator was probably manufactured by JB Radiator Specialties in Calif. They also mfg. Copper/Steel Radiators in house. It was Country Coach that decided to save the money and drop down to Aluminum. Also shops purchase the Copper/Steel Radiators from Radiator Supply House in Oregon. It is my understanding these are mfg'd in China.

Good luck keep us posted.

Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83955
Name of the company is Interstate National Dealers Services.
Got it when I bought the coach. They really put me and the repair facility through hoops before they would pay. Key was being able to prove the coach had been serviced and maintained as suggested by the manufacture. Availability of maintenance records was the key to them covering the repair.
Gary

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83959
Good idea, I talked with Kevin last night and he told me about Butch as well. thanks.

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83961
Jerry

The radiator failures that Country Coaches and other brands have had were in aluminum radiators built by JB Specialty Radiator. As you allude to, many prople have therefore concluded that the problem is with aluminum radiators. Actually the problem was with poor construction techniques including poor welding proves used by JB Specialty.
There is nothing inherently wrong with properly constructed aluminum radiators and they are in wide use including heavy duty vehicles.

Good luck with your replacement.

George Harper
04 Allure 31093

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83990
Jerry.....I was a long way from home when my 4 year old coach started leaking in the Rocky Moutains north of Denver. It was a good drip and probably been festering for some time as the mechanic showed me a significant blemish or discolored area on the back side of the radiator fins. He was talking a minimum of 2 weeks to replace it and suggested using stop leak to get me home and change it there. I agreed and they threw in a can of Barrs which stopped it. It got me back to Florida and the discussion among my "mechanic experts" was to just leave it and add more Barrs if it became chronic. I went another 2 years and probably added 2 or 3 more cans with just a minor drip at times. Not wishing to tempt fate as I was living on borrowed time I changed it in year 3. I.m not suggesting you push your luck to the extreme as I did, but stop leak works. I knew this as a kid having used it frequently in my '48 and '52 Chevies.

Ed McManus...........'02 Intrigue......11361
 

Re: Radiator leaking

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83992
Not sure if the southeast includes central Florida but I'm very pleased with Central Florida Bus in Lakeland who did my rad, charge cooler, 2 oil pans and other maintenance that was satisfactory.

Ed McManus...............'02 Intrigue.................11361