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Radiator Repair and caution
Recently, we discovered a very slight leak in the radiator… perhaps a coffee cup full of anti- freeze leaking out over a seven day period….yet a leak is a leak …so to the mechanic shop at Freightliner in Houston we went…
The radiator has been pulled and the “core” is being built by Hart Radiators according to Prevost specifications. Prevost parts stated it would be 60 days delivery for them to fulfill the requested part.The air cooler for the turbo is also being cleaned and serviced. We also took the opportunity to refinish the brackets and base.
The point of this post is to observe the picture:
Note the six chrome bolts holding on the “hub” of the radiator assembly. These were provided by Prevost when the entire assembly was ordered and replaced about six moths ago. Upon examination, these six bolts, which were tightened correctly upon installation, all had become loose.The hub became “moveable” by about an eigth of an inch. It would wobble. Even though provided by Prevost to fit the assembly, these bolts are microscopically too long and had, upon installation, actually “grounded” before they were completely “snug”. To the feel, they were tight but in reality, they were grounded.
We took out each bolt and added another washer to support the lock washer and used Loc-tite to re-attach the hub. The bolts now cannot ground out before correct installation.
Point:
Freightliner stated that they see these hubs coming off of engines and have seen them go through the entire front of a radiator including the chrome front of the cab of a tractor.
So, if ever confronted with an issue of having to replace the radiator or for safety’s sake, one might check to be certain that their hub is indeed secure. It can take out the entire radiator side asembly.
Just thought this would make a good post. If it helps avoid a problem in the future for anyone, it was worth the effort.
Pres
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9 Replies
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The Pres points out something very important to us all. We often put a bolt in a blind hole and think nothing of it. All blind holes should be measured to insure that the fastener isn’t bottoming out. These situations should also be a good application for safety wire
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While open I would replace the cac hose while you have easy access.
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Is the cac hose a standard part that I could have Freightliner purchasing order for me through a truck supplier?
Thanks for the suggestion.
Pres
1999 XLV X-6872, liberty #440 -
CAC hose is generic. It may be purchased from Prevost but as long as the hose is rated for high temp (red) on the hot side and blue or red for cooler temps on the cold side any hose the same diameter or length is OK.
Also, now is the time to change the fan clutch is there is any sign of potential failure, typically noisy or rough running bearings. If the clutch is OK no need to change because they are expensive.
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Jon,
Thanks… I appreciate the information…. I changed out the entire fan clutch assembly recently.
Pres
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Did the radiator come out the side or back compartment. I am about to replace my radiator.
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The side
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I’ll be damned, I took mine out the back.
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Easiest way to check your fan clutch bearing, is……….WITH THE ENGINE OFF!! press on the clutch fan belt and hold pressure on the belt, while turning with your hand, the fan blades. If you hear, or feel a rough bearing………then it’s time.
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