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Old 04-16-2012, 08:32 AM   #1
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1988 34.5' Airstream 345
White Lake , Michigan
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Low radiator fluid light

Recently, on a drive from N.C. to Michigan, I noticed that on several occasions my low radiator fluid light would come on correlated with a slight spike in temp. I would check my fluid levels and they were OK. I should also say that my rig, an '88 345, had not been on the road for over a year. My first thought is to check and possibly replace my thermostat. I have no idea where the low coolant sensor would be located, but before I get overly concerned has anyone had a similar event with their MH? The entire cooling system has been replaced within the past 5 years so I don't anticipate any other components are in question.
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Old 04-16-2012, 09:52 AM   #2
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Check the overflow tank or where you pour in the coolant. Normally there is a senor mounted on the side of that tank and not in the radiator itself. You will find if you are going up/down a hill and the fluid level is right on the add line it will cause this to happen.

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Old 04-16-2012, 10:25 AM   #3
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Many GM chassis have the low water sensor in the side of the radiator. If the radiator is low, and the coolant bottle is not, I would check for a
Eak in the system, such as water pump or heater core.
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Old 04-16-2012, 11:14 AM   #4
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If you do have the sensor in the OF bottle, it can get pretty cruddy in there,(sitting year), scrub inside with a bottle brush & rinse, concentrate on the sensor, or remove and clean if it's readily accessible.

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Old 04-16-2012, 03:08 PM   #5
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Thanks for the advice, I'm trying to get it ready for a Montana trip in June. Alway better to be working in my garage rather than on the side of the road.
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Old 04-16-2012, 10:06 PM   #6
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Same thing happened to us a couple of months ago after I removed, repaired, and replaced the overflow tank. It turned out that I had not tightened one of the nuts securing a wire terminal to a sensor enough. Tightened it, and all is now good.
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Old 04-18-2012, 07:23 PM   #7
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The sensor should be near the top of the side of the radiator on one of the side tanks. If you do not have any leaks, check the hose from the radiator to the expansion recovery tank. If its brittle or cracked it will not suck the expanded coolant back into the radiator. A dried out/cracked gasket on the radiator cap can cause the same problem. It will suck air in instead of the coolant. There are two gaskets in the cap. One seals the system and one is a check valve to allow the expanded collant back into the radiator. New radiator cap and a new hunk of 1/4" hose. All cheap and easy fixes.
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Old 04-20-2012, 06:19 AM   #8
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Great advise! I will get after it once the weather warms up. Thanks to all.
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