by Barry Beam 2003 U320 40′
I was driving through Denver from the Durango CO. 4 Corners Rally on my way to Cody WY. for another Rally. When I made a rest stop I noticed fluid dripping from the radiator.That started to make sense since I was periodically overheating. I had already stopped in Flagstaff to have the thermostat replaced, hoping that was the problem.
I called around the Denver area for a repair shop and “Denver Radiator” was recommended but they do not remove the radiator. They recommended “Transwest Trucks” 5550 E. 76th Ave Commerce City CO. After calling them they said they could take care of me right away. This was Wednesday.
After looking at the leak they said the core would have to be replaced. They called “Denver Radiator” who said if they did not have one they would make one for me asap. After taking the radiator out on Thursday in about 4 – 5 hours, they sent it over to the radiator shop and they had a new one made and delivered by 12:30 Friday. They stayed late and reinstalled it and was finished, driven and tested by 6:30. They put it together like an erector set and it was obvious this was not his first time. Incredible service I must say. They made sure I did not miss the Cody Rally.
Below are some photos of them removing and replacing the radiator. I mentioned about me putting in “Barrs Leak” in the past for a leak and he said he would not recommend using it because of the particles possibly causing clogging in the radiator.
They used Fleetguard Extended life ES Compleat OAT to refill.
Total Cost: $4292.00
My Cummins book specs:
| Cooling Capacity | 10 Quarts |
| Standard Modulating Thermostat Range | 180 – 200 F |
| Maximum Allowable Operating Coolant Temperature | 212 F |
| Minimum Recommended Operating Coolant Temperature | 160 F |
| Minimum Recommended Pressure Cap | 7 PSI |
The radiator cap is a very important part of a vehicle’s cooling system, yet it is often overlooked when troubleshooting overheating or coolant loss problems.
A — Fuel Cooler (small, sits along the top)
B — Charged Air Cooling System (C.A.C.) (all those 4″ diameter pipes you see in the engine compartment)
C — Hydraulic Fan System Cooler (about 1/2 the size of the CAC and radiator, sits between the CAC and main radiator)
D — Radiator, the thing that cost me some $$
The transmission cooler looks like a tube muffler. Its located behind the cooling fans down at the base of the coach. It gets its cooling fluid from the radiator as well. If you look in the engine compartment at the very lower right rear side of the radiator a 2.5″ output goes right to the trans cooler. (its a fluid/fluid cooler not an air/fluid cooler)