dlane83
MA
New Member
Joined: 09/27/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
I am looking for thoughts about the pros and cons of radiator location on diesel pushers. Some are located behind the engine and some are located on the side. The side location seems to provide easier access to the engine, but it isn't clear to me that side access is needed as well. I am concerned about the need to open up the interior of the coach (usually in the bedroom) to have work done on the engine. Is one location better than the other for engine cooling?
Don
Aspiring Road Yacht Owner
|
Don Don
Pleasant Grove, AL {Suburb of Birmingham}
Senior Member
Joined: 05/21/2005
View Profile
|
You will get all kinds of answers about each. I like the rear. I have no cooling issues and the advantage of it is it takes up no storage area. Some will say you need to clean more often because of road grime, but side one picks up just as much.. The storage gain is the selling point for me. I have been 3 years and mine is just fine.
|
fourfurz
Memphis
Senior Member
Joined: 03/23/2008
View Profile
|
The largest benefit from a side radiator is protection from flying debris kicked up by the tires. Another benefit is less fouling from goop thrown off the engine and ingested in the radiator, still a third is easy access to the engine for maintenance. Usually the better coaches have side radiators.
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
|
Bruce Brown
Northern NY
Senior Member
Joined: 06/01/2001
View Profile
|
We've had both, prefer the side radiator, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker if the right deal on the right coach came up.
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910
|
dreamer
Southern Illinois
Senior Member
Joined: 01/16/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Go for the side radiator. Good luck.
dreamer.
'00 HR Endeavor - 330 Cat
'02 Tracker - Blue Ox
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone? - Bob Dylan
|
|
|
as197
NorCal
Senior Member
Joined: 11/27/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
A side radiator set up is by far more desireable. Rear radiator setup's are known for having issues with the rear radiator getting very dirty, and being very hard to get and keep clean. I know, I have one. I wanted a short DP and side radiator setup's are almost non-existent on short DP's.
As for the bedroom, either way, I think most have/require some access thru the bedroom for service and repair.
|
pfunk
Shelby Township, MI
Senior Member
Joined: 08/12/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
You can sit on top of the motor in mine and the access from the side isnt to bad,, just keep it clean if you run a rear
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor
300 Cat 6spd Ally
|
zmotorsports
Utah
Senior Member
Joined: 11/29/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Don, it depends on what price point coach you seem to be looking at as to which radiator placement you will more than likely be looking at. The rear raditors are a little more prone to damage as others have mentioned due to debris as well as collecting a layer of film and needing cleaning more frequently due to the 'slobber tube' placement. This can actually be remedied by adding a 'closed crankcase ventilation' system that almost completely eliminates the oil vapor from carrying oil onto the radiator. I have installed several of these kits and the owners have been quite happy with the results. With that said the side radiator is not in the direct path of the oil vapor and or debris but can still be damaged and/or collect road grime/film and still should be cleaned periodically. They side radiator engines are definately easier to work on and perform general maintenance procedures. Like someone else menetioned I wouldn't let one be a deal breaker over the other but the side would definately be the preferred placement. Mike.
Mike & Chrystal (F315002)
2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
|
chasfm11
Dallas/Ft Worth Areas
Senior Member
Joined: 02/28/2004
View Profile
|
We have a rear radiator. I perform a routine that takes about 1/2 each time to maintain air flow through it. Typically, I'll perform that twice a year, usually in conjunction with other maintenance. It is very easy to tell at twilight with a flashlight that cleaning the radiator is needed. We never have overheating problems.
One of detractions from a rear radiator is the fact that the fan is constantly a load on the engine. I've seen estimates from Brett Wolfe that use 25hp worth of drain on the engine as a result.
I've worked on a number of different issues on our Cummins. Bedroom access is usually not a problem and it is pretty easy to put down protection to keep my work from affecting anything. On our particular model, most of the work to replace the belts is done easily from below (the location of the serpentine tensioner) The alternator, starter, power steering and even the air compressor are better accessed from below. I can see that problems with the valves and the fuel injection would need bedroom access. My guess is that side mounted radiator models still have access requirements for some of the same things.
It would be nice to have a side radiator. Having a rear mounted one is not the trauma that some make it out to be.
2000 Georgie Boy Landau 36'DP Cummins 5.9, Allison 1000 5sp
1994 Saturn SL1 Toad, Falcon2 Towbar, BrakeMaster Toad Brake
|
wolfe10
Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 10/08/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
For FACTS on HP demand at different RPM's and different engines, go to
https://ohe.cat.com/cda/files/287140/7/LEGT5364.pdf
Starting on page 8 is a discussion of HP demand of cooling fans.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
|
|
|
