My Engine Is Hiding, Is this a Beaver thing?

[D. Wendal Attig]

The engine bay access in my 2002 Patriot Monticello 40'  seems to be limited to the floor hatch in the bedroom, which provides a good view of the top of the engine only.

Opening the outside rear engine door only reveals the radiator, with what looks to be filler panels left and right that together, totally hides the engine. There is a small oil filler tube at the top....just peeking out, but other than that, I don't have a clue as to how to how I might replace any fan belts or other components. New owner--me--wants to inspect and maintain a clean engine bay.  Thanks

[Steve Huber]

What you see is what you've got with a rear radiator Beaver. If you remove the panels beside the radiator be sure to replace them before driving as they help ensure all cooling air is routed through the radiator. You should also clean the radiator at least once a year as it can pick up the dirt etc. from under the coach. Also be sure you engine blow-by is not exhausting where the material can be sucked into the radiator. I rerouted mine to just  behind the mud flap using PVC tubing. Good check for radiator efficiently is to run engine at fast idle and feel to see where air is coming through before and after cleaning. I warm up radiator and use Dawn dish detergent and water to clean. Don't use a power washer as it can bend fins.
Steve

[LaMonte Monnell]

Pretty much what you have with a rear radiator. You have to work from the hatch up top and from underneath the engine to replace or inspect everything.

It is sometimes tough to do especially if you don't have long arms to reach way in to get to something.

I do 80% of my maintenance myself and take it for tires, brakes, special tool needed repairs.

Besides that I feel so much better knowing when something gets done its going to be correct.

It may take me three times as long to get stuff done but that's ok.

Any questions ask away as there are lots of knowledgeable retired mechanics, military members and someone has always had the problem you are having and know how to fix it.

[William Jordan]

Not specific to beaver really as my Winnebago Journey was the same way.One of the reasons side radiators are prefered by Shade tree Mechanics! It was difficult to reach much Of the engine, also difficult to keep the Radiator/CAC sandwich clean.   

[Joel Ashley]

I remember that one of the most important parameters guiding our choice of a first (and only) diesel coach was it had to have a side radiator so that I and hired mechanics could easily access the engine.  Being raised on a farm, the first rear radiators I saw left me scratching my head over how anyone could work on such an animal without some consternation at times.  And as a potential purchaser I wanted to have more than just a bare glimpse, without crawling underneath, of the engine I might be buying into.  Plus I'd begun hearing about bypass oil spray and dirt mucking them up.

Each time we were attracted to a coach, as soon as I saw a rear radiator, we just walked on to the next one.  I soon learned which models had what, and saved a lot of time on dealer lots and ad perusals.  It was one of the things that turned us away from the Winn. Journeys, the rigs we researched first some 15 or more years ago.

At least you have fellow owners and experienced help here as a resource, D.  Whenever you have a specific access issue, if there's a best way to expedite things, it's likely someone here knows what it is - just ask.

Joel

[D. Wendal Attig]

Even though the news isn't good, I really appreciate the responses and offers to answer questions going forward. I worked on jets for a few years in the USAF, and remodeled a couple of homes, so am not afraid to tackle things I might be able to do myself.  I do realize that there will be things I may have to hand off to either a truck servicing shop or RV servicing facility in a pinch, depending on whether the issue is RV specific or not. It's great to know you guys are there!  Thanks

[Dave Atherton]

Gentleman, yes for Quailty work to be preformed on your engine a mechanic must carry
a chain saw on his service truck. Just being funny but it is a correct way look at problem.
Think about most all problems will a minor in nature that will require working with limited
access. Service shops do not want to work on R.V for the above reason and owner has large
repair cost for simple repairs. the next problem, look from your front door to bedroom
Not a very good area for working with oily hands, oily parts etc, etc nice white carpet.
Not nice but there is stillhaveto maintain the motorhome .
Dave Atherton Retired Cat mechanic

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

Please don't take all that as being bad news. I had my 1998 Monterey 3126 (rear radiator) for 4 years and never had a problem. Bill Roush has had his 1997 for going on ten years and never has had any problems. We spray both sides of the radiator with Simple Green, let it soak for 10-15 minutes then rinse with a spray nozzle from a garden hose. And, as mentioned before, be sure the slobber tube is extended beyond the fan side of the radiator. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a rear radiator motorhome as long as you keep it clean. Heck, I still rinse my side radiator the same every year. You have to realize that we really only hear of only the bad experiences of rear radiators and not the thousands that are out there that are still going strong. If it was that bad the manufacturers wouldn't build them. I plan on downsizing in the next couple of years and wouldn't think twice of not owning one. It's the floor plan that counts. Just my opinion. Like anything, you have to take care of it. Marty

[Jim Shaw]

My 2003 Beaver Monterey has a rear radiator. Like you I found no good way to change belt etc. I finally decided to remove the charge air cooler which turned out to not be a major job. That gave me plenty of room to change my belts. Made the job easy and it sounds as if you have the knowledge to handle it.

[D. Wendal Attig]

Don't quite understand yet what a "Charge Cooler" is, but I'm game. Would you have a picture or two to show what it looks like now?   

My real concern is not so much about keeping the radiator clean but just having the ability to inspect and conduct minor maintenance and servicing.  I would think keeping the engine and bay clean, would also keep the Cat mechanic from encountering quite as much grease.

[Jim Shaw]

I do not have a picture, but hopefully someone does and can post it. It looks like a radiator but on my coach it is mounted above to radiator.
Jim

[john brunson]

this weekend i am planning to explore the closet floor of my 1996 Monterey 36'... it appears that a few screws will release the closet floor and expose the top half of the engine accessory chain....  if not, we may just create an access port there!

[Dave Atherton]

Wendell Attig, answer to question, what is a charged air cooler. The charged air cooler
recieves the compressed air from the turbo charger and sends through a special radiator
next ( to your engine radiator that you keep engine coolant ), than into the intake of engine.
What this does is cool the compressed air from turbo charger at 330 DEG F passes through
Charged air cooler and enters intake of engine at 110 DEG F. This provides engine cool air
for more power and fuel milage. Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Roy Deeble]

These days with so many cars being turbo charged the charge cooler is commonly referred to as a turbo intercooler.

[Dave Atherton]

Roy, this term used for Diesel engine charged air cooler, air to air cooler, after cooler all
mean the same thing except the last on after cooler which uses engine coolant through
a radiator on top of engine. Mainly used in off road machines. Dave Atherton Retired Cat
Mechanic