BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Brad Burgess on July 19, 2011, 03:58:52 AM

Title: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Brad Burgess on July 19, 2011, 03:58:52 AM

Hello All

We developed what appears to be a pin hole leak at the top of our (ugh) aluminum radiator.  I'd hope to have it repaired or replaced if necessary.  Will call Bend tomorrow to source a replacement if needed.  Any radiator shops in either city that someone can recommend?

Kindest Regards,
Brad Burgess

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Joel Ashley on July 19, 2011, 04:27:01 AM

You might check this out, Brad, if no one has a recommendation:

http://www.rvservicereviews.com/StateList.asp?state=MT

It's for RV's and trucks though, not specific radiator shops.  And I've heard a few negatives about Bretz in Missoula - just my 2 cents.

-Joel

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Richard And Babs Ames on July 19, 2011, 02:06:04 PM

We have found that NAPA auto parts stores, non chain auto parts store, or truck repair point a good place to get a reccomendation.  

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Jerry Carr on July 19, 2011, 03:18:26 PM

Hi Brad,

After we purchased our '06 Thunder from Bend, we had the leak start on the first trip.  The guys at Bend ask that we bring the rig back, as a change out was required.  It's a big job, and the new radiator was very expensive.  The total cost was around $12,000, of which the radiator was 9000. If you need to change out, make sure you get a shop that know how to do the RV work.


The Guys in Bend did the total change at no cost to us, as our extended warranty refused to pay any of the bill, claiming that the problem was preexisting.

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Tim Bentley Co-Admin on July 19, 2011, 06:35:47 PM

If you need a replacement radiator, try Radiator Specialists in Sweethome Oregon.   They quoted me $3600 for a new brass radiator for a '03 Marquis.  Change out costs range from $1000 to $2500 depending on the coach, and who and where it is done.  They have a great reputation and have built many RV radiators.

Bend Equipment Repair,  across from the service center would be a great place to have it done, if you can not get it done at the Bend Service
Center.

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Richard And Babs Ames on July 19, 2011, 07:13:18 PM

http://www.serenitysys.com/beaver/radiator_rnr/radiator_rnr.htm Pictures and blog of a self done radiator change out in a Patriot.

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Brad Burgess on July 19, 2011, 10:29:39 PM

Hello All

Thanks to all of you who responded.  My good friend George Harwell, who I met on this board and then in person at Quartzite, has the exact same coach as I do and gave me a call.  He had the same radiator problem in the same place on the radiator as I have.  He was very helpful and provided some great specific advice to keep me going if I can't get the unit fixed where we are.

Thanks George!

Kindest Regards,
Brad Burgess

Title: Re: Radiator Repair - Missoula or Kalispell
Post by: Jerry Carr on July 20, 2011, 05:38:28 PM

What a difference in replacement price. On the '06 thunder, they did not offer a panel that opens for access to the radiator.  I also think the C13 may have a larger radiator.  I did see the bill at Bend, and the unit ran $8500. + frt.

The radiators all seem to have some potential for leaks.  I did see evidence of other radiators in a pile at Bend.