Cleaning radiator 3126b

[Scott Hinote]

Hi everyone I was reading some post By Dave A , and there was a person having problems with over heating . At the end of Dave’s recommendation, he said that there was a post somewhere in BAC forum as to how to clean the radiator. I can’t seem to find it and was wondering if anyone might know where it is ? Thanks everyone

[David T. Richelderfer]

Perhaps this post and thread...

http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,4755.msg35509.html#msg35509

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Scott,
Here's the approach I used to clean my 3126B rear radiator coach.
1.   Start engine and feel air flow at radiator to ID sections that need most attention. Be sure the baffle surrounding the radiator is in place.
2.   Let the engine run until the radiator is warm.
3.   Route a garden hose with a sprayer tip up through the engine so you can access it from the bedroom engine access port. 
(Following steps 4-6 are done from the bedroom engine port).
4.   Wet the radiator down using the hose being sure to get the complete unit wet. Not fun but doable.
5.   Apply a detergent via spray bottle. I preferred Dawn but Extreme Simple Green is also good. Let it sit and work for a few minutes.
6.   Spray the radiator to remove the soap and complete the cleaning. Take your time and give it a good rinse to ensure all debris is removed.
7.   Remove the radiator baffle, clean the engine side and ensure it seals and doesn’t allow significant air to escape around the radiator.
8.   Reassemble and repeat step 1 to ensure cleaning was effective.
Notes:
•   Never use a power washer as it can/will bend the radiator fins and decrease cooling efficiency.
•   If radiator is extremely dirty and oily in areas, consider having it steam cleaned.
•   Check where the crank case breather weep hose exits the engine. Most are near the crankcase which allows the liquid to be picked up by airflow and blown into the radiator. I used PVC to route it to the rear beyond the radiator so it collected on the
 engine side of the mud flap. Just be sure it has a downward slope. Don’t use heater hose as any low spots will collect the liquid and clog.
•   Spray the radiator after long trips and follow the above procedure annually.

Steve

[Joel Ashley]

If you use it, be sure you get ”Simple Green Extreme for Motorsports” which, unlike regular Simple Green, is friendly to aluminum radiators.

[Carl Boger]

Steve,

In step 7 where you state to remove the baffle, are you referring to the radiator shroud or am I missing something on my radiator?

My fan shroud totally encloses the fan except for maybe 1/2 inch of the engine side of the fan.  I did just recently scrub the oil residue off of both sides of my fan blades.  Took 2 rolls of paper towels, 2 spray bottles of grease cleaner, and about 3 hours of my time.  I have verified air flow through all areas of my radiator, but really can you ever have to much airflow?  I will say that the outer areas of the radiator have more airflow, but I suspect the fan blades are moving more air there.

[Scott Hinote]

I don’t know how to reply to each of you individually, so I’ll try to cover everyone . First Steve thank you and I’m going to follow your directions . Also I don’t think I want to remove the shroud, but everything else makes good sense . I do have some simple green extreme , but I think Dawn soap will work on the grease . I’ve got to look closer because I don’t see much grease from the slobber tube, but I could be fooled . Good advice Steve I’ll get some pvc and run that out the back . No since in cleaning the radiator just let it get greasy again . I’ve looked at it and it’s not going to be easy but it needs to get done . I’m sure you meant for me to shut down the motor after it comes up to operating temperature, which is what 170 degrees ? Thanks everyone for your help. Scott & Cindy

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Carl, Scott,
Bad choice of word on my part. The "baffle" I referred to is the plate that fits around the radiator. There are 6 or so screws holding it in place. It is removed and reinstalled from outside the rear of the coach.
Steve

[Scott Hinote]

Okay Steve that helps .

[Carl Boger]

Scott,

In my manual it calls for the operating temperature to be between 180 and 210 degrees, pretty much depending on the load from what I have read.  There is also a part that states if necessary you may go to 230 degrees, but that doing so will void your warranty!

My coach will usually run between 185 and 195 towing our CRV on fairly flat ground with just rolling, not steep hills.  I am hopeful that cleaning the fan blades will help with my temps some.  My coach also runs cooler when I am not towing.  When I am towing I will have to drop a gear or two pulling hills to keeps the temps down. 

Hope this helps some.

[Bob Disney]

As stated do NOT use compressed air to push the cleaner into the stack of (radiators)
We push the cleaner into the stack using a leaf blower, seems to do a good job without damaging the fins
You can also use the leaf blower when rinsing to push the rinse water into the stack of coolers