Radiator Rebuilt For Our 84FC

[erniecarpet@...]

Eric, on my FC, the transmission cooler was placed, horizontally, under the curbside forward compartment. That location enabled a good deal of air movement. The unit was covered with a heavy screen, to keep rocks from stopping you on the side of the road with a leak. It worked very well, when I had the coach. In fact, a forum member, now owns that coach.

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Montana

---

Delicious ideas to please the pickiest eaters. Watch the video on AOL Living.

[Eric Johnson]

I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to some small
A/F leaks. I
removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The radiator was
rodded out six
years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm considering a
new core
rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running Caterpillar extended
life pre-diluted
A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad fouling problem,
however the
exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with corrosion scale.

We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I remember Ernie
and others
suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase FC cooling
capacity. So
my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the core or just rod
it out and
modify the transmission cooling circuit.

Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be appreciated.

Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2

[Peggy & Ed McStay]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
some small A/F leaks. I
> removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
radiator was rodded out six
> years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
considering a new core
> rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
fouling problem, however the
> exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
corrosion scale.
>
> We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
remember Ernie and others
> suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
FC cooling capacity. So
> my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
core or just rod it out and
> modify the transmission cooling circuit.
>
> Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
appreciated.
>
> Eric in San Antonio
> 84FC35SBWL2
>


eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the
transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
my worries.
my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
stream. i think this will solve my problem.
if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
the cooler if need be in a hurry.
we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
you enjoyed the ralley also.

ed and peggy mcstay
"lonesome dove"

[mbulriss]

Ed,

I read your message three times to be sure it said oil temp. I am
curious as to why you think engine oil temp of 200-230F is a problem?
Sounds normal to me. ????

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
> some small A/F leaks. I
> > removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
> radiator was rodded out six
> > years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
> considering a new core
> > rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
> Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> > A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
> fouling problem, however the
> > exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
> corrosion scale.
> >
> > We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
> remember Ernie and others
> > suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
> FC cooling capacity. So
> > my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
> core or just rod it out and
> > modify the transmission cooling circuit.
> >
> > Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
> appreciated.
> >
> > Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
>
>
> eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
> problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the
> transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
> side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
> folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
> transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
> this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
> my worries.
> my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
> replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
> around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
> the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
> oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
> to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
> stream. i think this will solve my problem.
> if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
> cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
> the cooler if need be in a hurry.
> we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
> you enjoyed the ralley also.
>
> ed and peggy mcstay
> "lonesome dove"
>

[Mike Hohnstein]

Last summer with the toter home, towing the 5th wheel gross wieght 42K. @ 2200 rpm 210/220 oil temp, 1700 rpm 170/180 oil temp. No extra oil cooler. The lesson is keep the engine speed down. Flat land FCs with turbo need 4:11.

MH

----- Original Message -----

From: "mbulriss@yahoo.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:09 PM

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Radiator Rebuilt For Our 84FC

Ed,

I read your message three times to be sure it said oil temp. I am
curious as to why you think engine oil temp of 200-230F is a problem?
Sounds normal to me. ????

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "Peggy & Ed McStay"
> wrote:
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
> some small A/F leaks. I
> > removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
> radiator was rodded out six
> > years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
> considering a new core
> > rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
> Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> > A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
> fouling problem, however the
> > exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
> corrosion scale.
> >
> > We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
> remember Ernie and others
> > suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
> FC cooling capacity. So
> > my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
> core or just rod it out and
> > modify the transmission cooling circuit.
> >
> > Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
> appreciated.
> >
> > Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
>
>
> eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
> problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the
> transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
> side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
> folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
> transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
> this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
> my worries.
> my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
> replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
> around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
> the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
> oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
> to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
> stream. i think this will solve my problem.
> if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
> cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
> the cooler if need be in a hurry.
> we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
> you enjoyed the ralley also.
>
> ed and peggy mcstay
> "lonesome dove"
>

[Eric Johnson]

Interesting point about RPM Mike. We typically run 2600 cruising at 60-65 mph.
Changing the rear end would probably help. Cooling seems OK when running down
the
road but things start heating up when we slow down or start pulling hills. I
don't have an
engine oil temp on this coach just radiator temperature. When I talk about
heating up, I
mean the fan comes on from time to time. No boil over. I'm also towing a
heavier vehicle
now and that could be contributing to the engine and cooling load.

Thanks, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
wrote:
>
> Last summer with the toter home, towing the 5th wheel gross wieght 42K. @
2200 rpm
210/220 oil temp, 1700 rpm 170/180 oil temp. No extra oil cooler. The lesson
is keep
the engine speed down. Flat land FCs with turbo need 4:11.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: mbulriss
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:09 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Radiator Rebuilt For Our 84FC
>
>
> Ed,
>
> I read your message three times to be sure it said oil temp. I am
> curious as to why you think engine oil temp of 200-230F is a problem?
> Sounds normal to me. ????
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> San Antonio, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
> > some small A/F leaks. I
> > > removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
> > radiator was rodded out six
> > > years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
> > considering a new core
> > > rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
> > Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> > > A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
> > fouling problem, however the
> > > exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
> > corrosion scale.
> > >
> > > We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
> > remember Ernie and others
> > > suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
> > FC cooling capacity. So
> > > my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
> > core or just rod it out and
> > > modify the transmission cooling circuit.
> > >
> > > Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
> > appreciated.
> > >
> > > Eric in San Antonio
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> >
> >
> > eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
> > problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the
> > transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
> > side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
> > folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
> > transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
> > this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
> > my worries.
> > my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
> > replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
> > around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
> > the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
> > oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
> > to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
> > stream. i think this will solve my problem.
> > if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
> > cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
> > the cooler if need be in a hurry.
> > we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
> > you enjoyed the ralley also.
> >
> > ed and peggy mcstay
> > "lonesome dove"
> >
>

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Eric:

I have an 84 as well, mine with the 4:11 gears, but living in the hilly country of BC, I would rather go to the 4:63 gear setup. I do not have a problem on the hills with temperature, but I do go slow,I also pull a 10,000 lb trailer, usually fully loaded.

Mike is right though, on the flats, she just purrs along.

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada

----- Original Message ----
From: Eric Johnson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:55:52 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Radiator Rebuilt For Our 84FC

Interesting point about RPM Mike. We typically run 2600 cruising at 60-65 mph.
Changing the rear end would probably help. Cooling seems OK when running down the
road but things start heating up when we slow down or start pulling hills. I don't have an
engine oil temp on this coach just radiator temperature. When I talk about heating up, I
mean the fan comes on from time to time. No boil over. I'm also towing a heavier vehicle
now and that could be contributing to the engine and cooling load.

Thanks, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL2

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@ ...>
wrote:
>
> Last summer with the toter home, towing the 5th wheel gross wieght 42K. @ 2200 rpm
210/220 oil temp, 1700 rpm 170/180 oil temp. No extra oil
cooler. The lesson is keep
the engine speed down. Flat land FCs with turbo need 4:11.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: mbulriss
> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:09 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Radiator Rebuilt For Our 84FC
>
>
> Ed,
>
> I read your message three times to be sure it said oil temp. I am
> curious as to why you think engine oil temp of 200-230F is a problem?
> Sounds normal to me. ????
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> San Antonio, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups.
com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Eric Johnson"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
> > some small A/F leaks. I
> > > removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
> > radiator was rodded out six
> > > years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
> > considering a new core
> > > rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
> > Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> > > A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
> > fouling problem, however the
>
> > exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
> > corrosion scale.
> > >
> > > We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
> > remember Ernie and others
> > > suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
> > FC cooling capacity. So
> > > my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
> > core or just rod it out and
> > > modify the transmission cooling circuit.
> > >
> > > Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
> > appreciated.
> > >
> > > Eric in San Antonio
> > > 84FC35SBWL2
> > >
> >
> >
> > eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
> > problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the

> > transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
> > side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
> > folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
> > transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
> > this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
> > my worries.
> > my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
> > replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
> > around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
> > the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
> > oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
> > to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
> > stream. i think this will solve my
problem.
> > if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
> > cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
> > the cooler if need be in a hurry.
> > we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
> > you enjoyed the ralley also.
> >
> > ed and peggy mcstay
> > "lonesome dove"
> >
>

---

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[Eric Johnson]

Hi Ed,
We also had a great time at the Spring Texas rally and hope we'll see you folks
again in
April. Seems to me that having some Louisiana Birds at the Lone Star rallies
sure adds a
lot of life to the party!

On the subject of the radiator, the shop advised me not to get a new core since
they
found less than 10% plugged tubes. They rodded it out and repaired a couple of
small
leaks on the top tank seams. I put it back in and ran down to I-10 to fill up
at the Flying J.
The coach jacket water temperature is running measurably cooler, slightly under
180
degrees, at 60-65 mph.

Looks like I cured the small hose leaks we noticed at the rally. Combination of
double
clamping those joints with the copper tubing and used gasket shellac with a
single clamp
on the pipe joints close to the block. Carefully positioned the clamps so they
can be
tightened up from below.

Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SBWL

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Peggy & Ed McStay"
wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
> wrote:
> >
> > I opened the front of our coach today to check belts and attend to
> some small A/F leaks. I
> > removed the radiator and took it to a local radiator shop. The
> radiator was rodded out six
> > years ago but I've never been satisfied with the performance. I'm
> considering a new core
> > rebuild rather than another clean out. I've been running
> Caterpillar extended life pre-diluted
> > A/F on the cooling circuit so I don't believe I've got a bad
> fouling problem, however the
> > exterior side of the fins look to be pretty well covered with
> corrosion scale.
> >
> > We've discussed a similar subject on the forum awhile back and I
> remember Ernie and others
> > suggested a separate transmission cooler as a good way to increase
> FC cooling capacity. So
> > my personal debate is whether it would be better to replace the
> core or just rod it out and
> > modify the transmission cooling circuit.
> >
> > Any thoughts or suggestions from other FC owners would be
> appreciated.
> >
> > Eric in San Antonio
> > 84FC35SBWL2
> >
>
>
> eric iread your post about your radiator and somewhat of a heating
> problem you are having. where is your sending unit for the
> transmission located, mine was at the filter up high on the road
> side. it was reading very high temps and as per advice from some
> folks on this forum i moved the sending unit to the pan where the
> transmission picks up the oil to use in the next cycle. the temps at
> this location are lower and a new sending unit and guage have eased
> my worries.
> my problem a far as heating troubles is the engine oil temp. i
> replaced the sending unit and the guage and my temps still hover
> around 200-230f. when i replaced the sending unit it was already in
> the pan so location was not the problem. i also replaced the engine
> oil cooler. iam going to add and external oil cooler and the plan is
> to place it in a location as near the front and in some sort of air
> stream. i think this will solve my problem.
> if it was me i would try to add and oil cooler. if you add the oil
> cooler make sure in your plan that you add several valves to isolate
> the cooler if need be in a hurry.
> we sure did enjoy visiting with you and mary ann this trip and hope
> you enjoyed the ralley also.
>
> ed and peggy mcstay
> "lonesome dove"
>