Radiator leaking

[althome]

2004 Vectra side mount rad. leaking, any thoughts on doing it yourself? Or have you done it.

[garykk]

Make sure its not a hose connection before replacing...

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by althome

2004 Vectra side mount rad. leaking, any thoughts on doing it yourself? Or have you done it.

Well Sir,
I can't speak for the side mount version but, our rig, which is basically a sister ship to yours, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the 330 C-7 CAT, I pulled the rear radiator and CAC and, did a bunch of maintenance while the two were out. Mine radiator had a leak too. It was in the lower left corner and, was irreparable. A new one from Freightliner was listed at $1,840.00 before tax and shipping.

I purchased a new, "Copper/Brass" unit from a local radiator shop for a grand total of $1,275.00 out the door. It was shipped the and arrived the next day. Since then, I've ran this radiator about 5-6 thousand miles and it works flawless. The temps remain the same, based on all things considered.

So, to answer your question, I'd just about bet removing and replacing your side mount radiator is seriously easier than a rear one. And, as has been stated, do make sure you don't have lose hose connection etc. Good luck and keep us informed.
Scott

[althome]

Originally Posted by garykk

Make sure its not a hose connection before replacing...

I will take another look but its the lower left corner

[althome]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Well Sir,
I can't speak for the side mount version but, our rig, which is basically a sister ship to yours, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the 330 C-7 CAT, I pulled the rear radiator and CAC and, did a bunch of maintenance while the two were out. Mine radiator had a leak too. It was in the lower left corner and, was irreparable. A new one from Freightliner was listed at $1,840.00 before tax and shipping.

I purchased a new, "Copper/Brass" unit from a local radiator shop for a grand total of $1,275.00 out the door. It was shipped the and arrived the next day. Since then, I've ran this radiator about 5-6 thousand miles and it works flawless. The temps remain the same, based on all things considered.

So, to answer your question, I'd just about bet removing and replacing your side mount radiator is seriously easier than a rear one. And, as has been stated, do make sure you don't have lose hose connection etc. Good luck and keep us informed.
Scott

Thanks for the info, first time posting , will keep u up on my findings

[Shade Tree]

If it is a cold water leak, definately check your hose clamps. I almost had radiator replaced but on second look found it to be hose clamp in hard to reach place. Good luck.

[capecodbob]

there are a lot of good sealants out there. I had a small leak in my heater core and it did the trick. I used the metallic type. . Forget the brand , but available at napa. You will need a lot because of the capacity of the syatem.