radiator coolant tubes

[Don Jacques]

I have to change the radiator coolant tubes on my 1998 beaver patriot, 3126 caterpillar 330 hp.  Both the upper and lower tubes are rusted badly and are going to fail soon . Can anyone tell me if they have replaced these and were can I obtain them ..

[John Moore]

I noticed mine looked corroded and was going to replace, then after my mechanic removed them he said it was just the coating on the tubes, so he sand blasted and pressure tested then painted and reinstalled. This came up once before and someone said if you do need to replace it far cheaper to have a shop make them for you. I replaced hoses at same time and was not to expensive. Good luck

[Don Jacques]

Thanks John    I think I may just try that and see what kind of shape they are in after the rust is removed .. If I have to I will get some 90 degree elbows and straight steel tube and weld one myself . I always like to have a plan B haha I am even thinking of trying stainless steel .  thank you again Don Jacques

[Edward Buker]

Don,

I had some of those coolant metal tube bends and straight runs that looked quite rusty on an 89 Contessa that had seen use in road salted areas. They looked bad but never leaked and were quite thick. I would have them sand blasted, inspect them, and consider having them powder coated. There are many examples on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Peterbilt-379-Powder-Coated-Upper-Coolant-Tube-Cat-C15-C16-3406E-OE-07-06508/281834964792?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3Dd2771b9bc64c4ad69b52ec9c6ffc3d11%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D282218839126

Many color options and the finish should outlast the RV given the age. I think 190 degrees would use standard powder coatings but there are high temp versions. You may want to check with an outfit that has done coolant piping powder coating, if you decide to consider this approach.

Later Ed

[Bart Mix]

Hi! I posted a few months past I replaced both of mine for less than 1/3rd of what Monaco was going to charge for only 1 of them ($900+). I took the parts to a local exhaust shop & had him bend new ones out of stainless steel tubing. I also ordered a new larger SS drain bung & relocated it to the bottom of the tube for easy & more efficient drainage. For both tubes in the range of $350 total & I did the install. A great savings!
Bart from VA