Leaking Heater core.

D and S · 07-24-2006, 06:15 PM

Has anyone had problems with SCS Frigette heating and ac units? My 02 pusher developed a leak from the core going over Snoqualmie pass in Washington a couple of weeks ago. Can't find anyone to work on it around Boise Idaho. I was going to tackle it myself but I can't figure how to get it out. Even Winnebago wasn't much help.

D and S · 07-24-2006, 06:15 PM

Has anyone had problems with SCS Frigette heating and ac units? My 02 pusher developed a leak from the core going over Snoqualmie pass in Washington a couple of weeks ago. Can't find anyone to work on it around Boise Idaho. I was going to tackle it myself but I can't figure how to get it out. Even Winnebago wasn't much help.

Shuffster · 07-24-2006, 07:04 PM

Bodily RV (Meridian) replaced my heater core this past spring. Did a good job. Covered under my extended warranty- about $900.

D and S · 07-24-2006, 07:10 PM

Hi Dave, I also went to Bodily and they said that they didn't have anybody there that did that kind of work. Go figure. BTW I also bought my rig there, although at the old location. Guess that doesn't mean anything. Needless to say, not very impressed with them.

RKL2 · 07-25-2006, 05:26 AM

just replaced mine this week....$110 for the core and 2 men 9 hours to remove the front cap and replace...there is a lot of precise instructions on how to remove the cap on this forum...search "Heater core" and read "Battchief" thread....Dealers want $1200 to remove/replace cap. Good luck.....this is becominfg a very common Winne problem on 2001 to 2004 coaches......post or PM me if you can't find the info and I will try to find it for you....RKL

RKL2 · 07-25-2006, 05:29 AM

Note: SCS Frigette is advising to ground one of the input tubes with a clamp and wire to the frame to reduce electrolysis which they believe is causing the leaking...believe it or not, there is current (voltage) in the coolant...you can measure it at the radiator.....RKL

smlranger · 07-25-2006, 07:23 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RKL:
Note: SCS Frigette is advising to ground one of the input tubes with a clamp and wire to the frame to reduce electrolysis which they believe is causing the leaking...believe it or not, there is current (voltage) in the coolant...you can measure it at the radiator.....RKL </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting...thanks for the tip. We are getting ready for a 30 day trip and I'd hate to have that thing start leaking. I have the new inlet tubes but have not installed them. Also, where did you get your new core?

RKL2 · 07-25-2006, 10:08 AM

Ordered new core from SCS Frigette...it is the same as the old core...I got the copper/brass vs the aluminum core..it is heavier duty but the old core was copper/brass....RKL

smlranger · 07-25-2006, 03:42 PM

I'm not going to mess with mine until after we get back from our trip in early October. I have no leaks now. I need to re-glue the generator access door and I may remove the front cap to do that right. If I have the cap off, I may as well pro-actively replace the core. I will check with local radiator shops to see if I can get one built.

smith88 · 07-25-2006, 05:30 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RKL:
Note: SCS Frigette is advising to ground one of the input tubes with a clamp and wire to the frame to reduce electrolysis which they believe is causing the leaking...believe it or not, there is current (voltage) in the coolant...you can measure it at the radiator.....RKL </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have measured about 75 mv from the core to chassis ground. The core is positive with respect to the chassis.

bobpie · 07-26-2006, 05:35 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by smith88:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RKL:
Note: SCS Frigette is advising to ground one of the input tubes with a clamp and wire to the frame to reduce electrolysis which they believe is causing the leaking...believe it or not, there is current (voltage) in the coolant...you can measure it at the radiator.....RKL </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have measured about 75 mv from the core to chassis ground. The core is positive with respect to the chassis. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
So does this mean that grounding the core is a good idea?