| Author |
Message |
Robin (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 2:00 pm: | |
Is it possible to do a pressure test on the radiator yourself without taking bus to mechanic? I know with a car you can buy a kit which goes on the radiator cap but bus has no radiator cap - please advise. Thanks - you guys are great! |
Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.111)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 2:09 pm: | |
Yes it is possible to pressure check the cooling system, but you still need a radiator pressure tester or a way of pressurizing the system up to 4 psi or so. The trick to performing the test since there is radiator cap is to disconnect the hose from the "cap connector" of the tester and plumb it directly into the cooling system using a hose and fitting.
What problems are you having that makes you want to test the cooling system?
--Geoff |
Robin (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 7:22 pm: | |
Thanks Geoff - when we brought bus to Florida it overheated in Ga. and we refilled radiator and it made it about 6 hrs with no problem however, getting ready to get back on the road and want to make sure there isnt a problem with radiator. Any suggestions would be appreciated. It could have been thermostat (two new ones had been installed 6 mos previously however the bus was sitting mostly) |
Jack Conrad (Jackconrad) (204.193.117.66)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 8:14 pm: | |
Robin,
You might want to check cooling system using a laser temperature gun to pinpoint any possible blockages in radiator. Pressure test will only test for leaks. Temperature gun can check water flow thru radiators, water pump function, etc. Just curious, what part of FL are you in. We live near Arcadia, about 100 miles SE of Tampa? Jack |
Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (65.194.145.47)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 8:24 pm: | |
Well, well, this person here just learned something new today, which is great. My Crown has a radiator cap, soossss...naturally I ASSUMED all coaches have a radiator cap. Wrong!! Thank you for the fresh insight. Henry of CJ. |
Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.121.184)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 11:04 pm: | |
I just re-read my post and see I forgot to put a "no" in front of "radiator cap"! I guess everyone figured out what I meant, anyway. For Henry-- yes there is no actual radiator cap per se, but on the surge tank there is a 4 psi relief valve that is similar to the inside of a radiator cap that opens up when the pressure builds and has a drain hose. The "cap" that covers the fill hole is a brass cap that flips shut and latches. For Robin, the advice Jack gives is right on, but you really have to have some mechanical background to figure out what is going on. Sometimes the radiators on some RTS's are just too small so consider that if you can't find anything wrong. |
Robin (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 2:27 am: | |
Currently in Port Orange (just outside Daytona)..as far as the lazer gun how much do they run...I have no "mechanical ability" but I think I may have a few neighbors who are lol! |
Jack Conrad (Jackconrad) (204.193.117.66)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 7:03 am: | |
Robin,
I purchased my laser temperatue gun at a local auto/truck parts store, I think NAPA stocks them also. I think I paid $90.00 for it. I also use it to check tire temps when we stop for fuel ( a low tire will run hotter). I have also checked wheel bearing temps and compared different paint colors to see which absorbs the least radiant heat. When checking a radiator you can can pinpoint specific tubes that are plugged. You can also shoot temps on exhaust manifolds to locate faulty injectors. Hope this helps. Jack |
Pete RTS/Daytona (63.184.209.224)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 10:05 am: | |
Robin
I should have a laser temp gun - I need to look in my rv this morning to make sure my son didn't borrow it - I'm in Ormond and 15 minutes away so send me a phone# hawk_ii_mail@yahoo.com
If I find it - I'll bring it over and we can "shoot" your radiator
Pete RTS/Daytona |
Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.46)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 10:24 am: | |
That's neighborly of you, Pete! Remember you have to drive the bus to get it to operating temperature for any real testing.
--Geoff |
Robin (152.163.188.227)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 11:32 pm: | |
Boy are you a party pooper Geoff! Not getting plates until we leave and this place is packed right now with Bikers. Thanks Pete, I appreciate it but can't drive it yet. The only place this bus will be going driving is OUT A HERE L0L!
P.S. I am still going to put that laser on my shopping list. |