How to: RV overheating SIMPLE FIX diesel motorhome radiator clean replace

[@MarkSmith-jf3sw]

I have a 1998 Dutch star 8.3 Cummins, I found this video after leaving Mn and getting to Oregon and having many stops on grades to cool down so I could go again, I am pulling a car behind around 5000 pounds, Today I went from camp ground to Lowe’s and bought a wand and simple green. I spent a few hours soaking and spraying and I can not believe all the grass, leaves, straw, and who knows what else came out, it was unbelievable I have a huge pile that was between my radiator and my inner cooler for turbo, I did wash from out side only before leaving on trip and it obviously did not good !! Heading out in morning for northern Oregon will see how it does !! Thanks for posting this video you described exactly what I had going on and things I had also done to my camper !!

[@clintbouck9161]

Well done, thank you

[@alpinewhite]

Thanks for the video. I, too, have a 1996 diesel pusher with a side radiator with an 8.3 Cummins that gets to 210-220F easily when driving to Lake Havasu. Once it gets that hot, even merely idling causes the temps to get to a point where the idiot light comes on. I ordered an extension wand for my pressure washer to try to clean the radiator but I see that you did it with simply a garden hose. Did you use any chemicals to dissolve the crud? Perhaps some degreaser?

[@HerbBaldwin]

Others have said NOT to use a pressure washer, what Tanner did was fine, just enough pressure to loosen the crud, not so high that you might damage the radiator. Others have suggested using a mild degreaser such as Simple Green, spray on with a trigger spray bottle, let soak (but not dry) and then wash off with light pressure from a garden hose. I intend to follow this system in the spring when the weather breaks.

[@terrycrawford6740]

A pressure washer in the "fan" mode won't even hurt one's palm. I can't imagine it piercing a radiator.

[@bingobandit]

@@terrycrawford6740 I can bend the fins, thus blocking air flow.

[@japchindog]

What 90 degree fitting did you purchase? I can't seem to find one like it anywhere.

[@ProFormanceCoaching]

What thread size is the 90* fitting?

[@jimmcmaster6227]

You DO NOT want to use anything that creates high pressure like what he is suggesting. Just use a regular garden hose sprayer and get at it from every direction you can. I do it as soon as I arrive at a campsite so I’m set for when I am leaving