| Author | Message | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1054 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.166.146  Rating: N/A |
Thinking really hard about tackling the job of swapping my radiator here at home. Only think it looks like it will be messy and dirty and other than un-bolting it, sliding it out the side and the same back in, I'm hoping it will be fairly routine. The only other hard thing I see is replacing the upper and lower hoses. Am I missing something? Just trying to save the 4-500 dollars on a shop doing the work. The radiator set me back enough and with Susan's job possible coming to an end after the first of the year, I need to start watching where the dough goes! | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 271 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.47  Rating: N/A |
Had an interesting piece of advice on how to catch all of the anti-freeze. Pick up a plastic kiddie pool and put it under the rear of the coach and drain away! If it drains clean without picking up contaminates, you might even be able to pump it back into your system.. FWIW Glenn | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1055 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.166.146 Rating: N/A |
Good Idea! I was just gonna drain it into an oil drain pan and keep transferring it to 5 gal buckets but I like your idea better! Thanks! | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1961 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
If you have or can borrow an engine hoist and attach to radiator, it can make the job much easier, especially to work the hoses back on. Changing the core isn't that bad, just time consuming and dirty. You should take the old assembly to a car wash and coat with engine degreaser and thoroughly clean. Most cores have pass through bolts with nuts. Try to use 6 point wrenches and sockets.Try to leak check before installation. Attach a couple of layers of cardboard to both sides of core before trying to install, so you don't accidently poke the tubes/fins damaging them. Good luck. I'd give you a hand if you lived closer....a lot closer. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 987 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161  Rating: N/A |
Ace If all else fails Give me a call and I'll see if I can run down and help you with it. I live in Ocala. gomer | ||
| david anderson (Davidanderson)
Registered Member Username: Davidanderson Post Number: 263 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 69.153.58.192 Rating: N/A |
I got mine out of my Eagle. It is heavy and you really need a helper. I used a small tractor with a front end loader, but an engine hoist would be great, too. David | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1056 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.202.204.245 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the offers for helping! I think I got it covered for now anyway! Went out today and got me a kiddie pool as suggested. You DO know that was a little hard to do since the summer merchandise has been all but put away but I found one and actually got two. You know in case Bud needs a bath or Susan feels like bathing outside! LOL Anyway, next on the agenda is new silicon hoses and clamps. The bus is in place along with my EZ-UP, and large fan ready for some action but as luck has it, work has called me again so now it looks like the radiator will be put off a day or so. Oh well... | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1963 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157 Rating: N/A |
Don't "found" any of those kiddie pools nearby. Those little people can be as good as Sherlock Holmes in determining who "found" them. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1057 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 174.151.144.32 Rating: N/A |
Well looks like today is the day I start on the R&R of the radiator thanks to a last minute schedule change at work. Weather is good with no rain in site, so why not! Have to get it done before upcoming trips/rally's in October.  | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 934 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.33.38.17 Rating: N/A |
Your R&R is not all that bad Ace 3 to 4 hours the ones with a 60 series are a bear the sealing unit around the radiator on the 60s and the air charger gave me problems and you don't have those to deal with | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1058 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.203.160.187 Rating: N/A |
That's true but there are 2 bolts on the front bottom that I need to blow off with a torch. The back 2 are out, and 1 of those broke. There's 2 on a top center bracket which I have 1 loose and 1 could be a bear getting to it but I WILL get it out somehow! It might take me longer than a shop but I;m saving big bucks and right now, that means a LOT! | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 935 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.33.38.17 Rating: N/A |
You'll get it done just takes time with rusted bolts,they way I look at if takes me twice as long as a shop I still got paid a good salary lol | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1060 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.78.90 Rating: N/A |
Ok today after work I stopped by the bus shop and watched and waited as they prepped a friends bus for a first time start after doing a re-power from a 92 series to a 60 series. It sounded awful good. So good that it made me go home and do some more work on my radiator. I was able to blow the two very rusted bolts off, break another one off at the top brace and remove the other top bolt. I positioned my kiddie pool under the bus and proceeded to loosen the bottom hose. Here it came! Liquid green coolant running right down the back part of the chassis and into the pool just as planned. Wasted VERY little! One more very tough upper hose to get to and it will be "out it comes". Plans are a major major clean up, NEW paint and then install radiator, all with NEW hoses, NEW clamps, NEW coolant, and NEW bolts. Still wondering what color engine should be. My friends new 60 series was painted white and it sure looks good with it's blue hoses and all new accessories. Don't think a white 8v92 would cut it but who knows! | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1061 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.78.90 Rating: N/A |
my friends 60 series re-power  | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1062 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.78.90 Rating: N/A |
and a couple of my rusty radiator before it comes out! Doesn't look good does it!   | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 970 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 173.78.39.41 Rating: N/A |
Green?!? That's what I found when I went to add some Fleetguard - What are you replacing it with? | ||
| Iver (Mciv)
Registered Member Username: Mciv Post Number: 36 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 70.69.131.252 Rating: N/A |
Did someone say "white 8v92"??  | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1063 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 173.136.176.165 Rating: N/A |
Niles I was told not to mix them so rather than trying to flush the entire system, I'm putting green back in. Iver, that's pretty sharp looking. Dont know if mine will ever look that good! In fact, I doubt it unless I DO pull it out and that doesnt look promising in the near future. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1065 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 70.11.134.250 Rating: N/A |
Well I got the radiator out yesterday. Took me about an hour by myself which wasnt too bad considering I had to remove it with the shroud still on. Even those bolts were rusted enough they may still not come out. Going back in the shroud will go on afterwards. This morning I scraped 20 years of crap from the frame and de-greased everywhere I could see and reach. Let it soak in and then pressure washed the whole kit and kaboodle. What a remarkable difference that made. With the great weather we are having this weekend, it shouldnt take too long for it all to dry then maybe tomorrow I (we) can paint it up nice and purty. Hey at least for a 20 year old. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1405 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.211.157.85  Rating: N/A |
Good news, Ace!...kinda like going to the Dentist, huh...the anticipation of what's to come is the worst part of it. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1066 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 108.108.54.209 Rating: N/A |
Chuck although I dont mind a trip to MY dentist mainly because he is good and you leave with little to no pain, I really wasnt anticipating what I found after I removed the radiator. The crud was one thing but the "Eagle droppings" were another. It appears I may have to do some repair work before proceeding but then again, it might last longer than me at this point. I've been told its been this way a LONG time and from the looks of it, it probably is not as big a thing as I am making it. I really want to start putting it back together but man the weather is so nice today, it's hard to get motivated. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1408 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.211.235.41 Rating: N/A |
Perhaps I should have used a different example in your case.....how 'bout a Colonoscopy >>>??? Hang in there Ace. RCB (Message edited by Chuckllb on September 19, 2010) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1067 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.24.128 Rating: N/A |
Ahhh now you got my attention! | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 592 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.102.61  Rating: N/A |
Good work, Ace. "How much more time will it take to do it yourself than a shop?" 1) It will take you about the amount of time the shop would do the whole job to take it apart; 2) It will take about the same amount of time to prep and paint the rusty parts; 3) It will take the same amount of time to put it back together. But you know you got it done right. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1411 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.211.235.41 Rating: N/A |
Hopefully............ RCB | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 593 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.102.61 Rating: N/A |
Yeah. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 992 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161 Rating: N/A |
Ahh guys let us be optimistic about everything!! Ace is a senior citizen and he may be a little slower than some of us but,HE WILL GET ER DONE!! Then when he gets er done IT WILL BE RIGHT!! Ain't that right Ace!!??? | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1068 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 70.11.142.109 Rating: N/A |
Of course it will be right! And if you think about it, IF I get in a snag, one of my good friends owns the bus shop and he has tried to come here and help me and probably will when it comes time to lift it back in. Doing it here at home helps in a few different ways. It saves me money, it gives me time to thoroughly clean and paint, it keeps his shop clear while I take my time cleaning and doing what I want to do and it keeps me from painting the house and other honey do things. And YES it will be done right when its all done. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 994 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.13.161 Rating: N/A |
Ace I knew you had a plan and now we know LOL GOOD JOB | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1218 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 173.202.0.100  Rating: N/A |
Keep the antifreeze covered, it can kill pets and they love the sweet taste. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1069 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.202.41.107 Rating: N/A |
Don't know how much longer I can hold out on the painting the house though. The paint has been purchased and is just sitting there waiting on someone, maybe me, to put it to good use! Gus, I have the antifreeze covered and it's still under the bus! I DO know about what it does to animals, not just pets! Had to work my REAL job today and didn't get anything at all done on the bus but maybe tomorrow after work again! | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 595 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.102.61 Rating: N/A |
And I thought that I was the only one who did a "really" bad job of estimating how long it will take to finish up a job on the bus ... | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1304 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 99.184.128.179  Rating: N/A |
"The only other hard thing I see is replacing the upper and lower hoses." REPLACING (not reinstalling)them is a great PM idea. Just remember even radiator hose and clamps cone in 3 or 4 quality levels. The BEST may save you from contemplating this job again in the near future , as the hose seems to weld itself to the metal fittings, and is never the same after R&R. FF | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 596 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.102.61 Rating: N/A |
Fast Fred said: "REPLACING (not reinstalling)them is a great PM idea." Yeah, just a couple of weeks after I got my bus, I took it out for a "warmup" run. Apparently, just as I got back home, the hose clamp on the bottom radiator stub fractured and fell off. It didn't do any real damage or cause me any problem or delay but I did lose a fair amount ($$$) of antifreeze. I went through and replaced all of them after that. Think about possible engine damage and delay that a $2 part can cause. (And I'm guessing that for many of us, it's a 30-year-old $2 part.) | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1070 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 174.151.231.144 Rating: N/A |
Yea, I had already planned on "replacing" with NEW hoses and clamps and going with silicon hoses too! | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1071 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.200.107.121 Rating: N/A |
Got off work a little early today and got the first coat on the engine. Harder than it appears when it's IN the bus so I have a little clean up to do on accessories but other than that, I like the white ! | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1074 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 70.13.232.159 Rating: |
here's an update, everything I can possibly see and reach has been cleaned and painted, bringing home the radiator tonight and hopefully my new hoses will be at the house tomorrow. Saturday I plan on starting the install of the hoses and radiator. I know I must have removed about 30 years of crud. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1075 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.115.235 Rating: N/A |
Today after doing some estimates for my job, I had a chance to do some more work on the radiator change. I went and bought new bolts, washers, and nuts and after Susan touched up some missed areas that were painted I decided to set it in place. This was the part I was dreading but it had to be done. I used my brain rather than my back and it was a very easy task to say the least. I dollied the radiator in place using my two wheel dolly and then stood it up just outside the hole where it would reside. As I lifted one side up, I had Susan roll my motorcycle lift under it and position it in the middle. As I steadied the radiator, she pumped the lift and raised the radiator to the height that it needed to clear the frame. To my surprise, the lift only went so high but when maxed out, it was exactly the height as the frame. Once it was all the way up, I had Susan lock the lift in place by screwing down the bolts which dug into the concrete. Once this was done, I simple walked the radiator in place and secured it with one of the two upper mounting bolts. The bottom bolt holes are perfectly lined up and ready for new bolts. When the mosquito's started swarming, I was done for the night! The clamps are soaking in solvent and my new 4 different size hoses came on Thursday. I still have one large water pipe to RE-paint due to our famous Florida LOVE BUGS attacking it while I wasn't looking. Tomorrow (Sunday) I will get more done for sure and maybe get it completely done, (hopefully) just in case a storm comes and I need to leave! Again, the motorcycle lift made this "ONE EASY JOB" | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 1076 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.201.115.235 Rating: N/A |
Here are a couple of pics!   |
