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05-26-2005, 04:57 PM
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#1
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Mystery coolant leak
Ok, I scratching my head on this one:
Cold engine no sign of any coolant leak
Engine warming up (just before thermostat opens, i think) coolant leaking from bottom of radiator. I can see some seeping out at the lower section of the radiator, just a few inches above the Transmission cooler.
Engine at operating temperature no sign of any leak whatsoever.
I had this radiator rebuilt just a couple of years ago and have not put a lot of miles on the MH since.
Give me your thoughts!
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-26-2005, 05:04 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
LOST
, Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
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Probably a small leak? When the pressure begins to build from the heat and water pump it will leak. When it gets hot the coolant evaporates before it has a chance to show as a leak. Easiest way to find the acutal leak will be to put a pressure tester on it when cold and crank it up to 20-25 lbs. and watch the area. The little ones are worse than the big gushers.
John
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05-26-2005, 05:44 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Peter.
As a down and dirty quick repair, there is a material called "radiator stop leak".
Most auto parts stores have it.
It seals small leaks, but it is not a long term fix.
Andy
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05-26-2005, 06:08 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
LOST
, Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
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It also seals steam passages in heads, not a good thing to use.
John
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05-26-2005, 06:15 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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John.
Thats why it's a down and dirty fix. Temporary at best.
Andy
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05-26-2005, 06:24 PM
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#6
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by 74Argosy24MH
....... When it gets hot the coolant evaporates before it has a chance to show as a leak.......
John
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John, that makes sense. So ist just a matter of time til she blows. I guess i have my memorial day weekend planned out.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Peter.
As a down and dirty quick repair, there is a material called "radiator stop leak".
Most auto parts stores have it.
It seals small leaks, but it is not a long term fix.
Andy
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Not my kinda thing unless I find myself in a real bind going down the road 5003 miles away from home.......
As you probably know, I always despised crappy workmanship (radiator rebuild in this case) and sure don't want to add insult to injury.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-28-2005, 04:31 PM
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#7
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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It was a loose hose clamp on the upper back of the radiator, which is practically unreachable and can not be visually inspected.
This explains the leak going away after complete warm up. (the rubber getting warm and is expanding)
Live and learn.....
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-28-2005, 04:49 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Peter.
This isn't a "Tall Texas Tale" by chance, is it? 
Andy
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05-28-2005, 05:05 PM
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#9
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Peter.
This isn't a "Tall Texas Tale" by chance, is it?
Andy |
Which part, the leak or the fix?
I have to agree, they both sound pretty weird.
Keep Austin weird.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-28-2005, 05:37 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
LOST
, Hawaii
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,193
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PeterH-79MH
Keep Austin weird.
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I like that, sounds like a good place to be.
John
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06-06-2005, 09:09 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member 
1982 31' Airstream 310
Longview
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 269
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This not the time to be Joking around. The poor Man's working on a water leak.
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06-06-2005, 11:34 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1984 31' Excella
Abernathy
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 865
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PeterH-79MH
Which part, the leak or the fix?
I have to agree, they both sound pretty weird.
Keep Austin weird.
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And "Keep Lubbock Flat".....
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