98 Blue bird rear engine with Cummings 8.3, where to get radiator?

[engelstad]

Radiator has hole in bottom of it. New oem one is $2600. Where to get good but cheaper one? Thanks!

[engelstad]

How about using used radiator vs new? How difficult (how much labor) is it to replace on rear engine bus? Does a lot of stuff have to be removed or does it slide down after loosening the bolts on the bottom sides?

[dan-fox]

Originally Posted by engelstad

How about using used radiator vs new? How difficult (how much labor) is it to replace on rear engine bus? Does a lot of stuff have to be removed or does it slide down after loosening the bolts on the bottom sides?

I do remember a thread on here about someone having to dig through to China to replace a side mount radiator in a rear engine bus, but I can't find it right now for the life of me. The poor guy had to remove about 1/3 of the engine compartment sheet metal to make it happen. That is not to say that this would be a universal experience.

Unless you can figure a way to fix it in place, you might as well get used to it.

[Booyah45828]

Take it to a radiator shop. They should be able to braze a new tank on the bottom way cheaper then 2600 bucks.

[engelstad]

Thanks for the suggestion. The bottom where there is the hole is plastic, can they still work on this, to avoid the more complicated and costly replacement? Also, the temporary patch took up several inches. It does seem like there should be a way to replace only the plastic though... ? Thx!

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Some of these larger radiators can be fixed by a competent shop, however it may need to be removed. We looked into this for a Volvo, having the entire plastic "tank" replaced.

[Stu & Filo. T]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Some of these larger radiators can be fixed by a competent shop, however it may need to be removed. We looked into this for a Volvo, having the entire plastic "tank" replaced.

The problem is {At least here in Ca} is finding a competent shop, With all the environmental regs I'd say 99% of the shops here are just remove & replace with new. I did finally find one about 30 miles away who deals a lot with the farmers heavy equipment that meets EPA regs. Sad but radiator repair is becoming a lost art.

[cadillackid]

too bad you are clear across the country... perfect little local shop here in columbus repairs any radiators.. metal, plastic, small, large.. you have to take it out though for them to work on it...

alot of times salvage yard for cars also have some repair facilities for radiators, drive shafts, etc... I would look around and see what little small shop you can find...

-Christopher

[engelstad]

I think I found local place that will remove and replace the plastic lower tank and reinstall it. They have been doing radiator repairs for the last 45 years in Albuquerque and came recommended. $700 for the full job, hopefully sounds reasonable since the thing is a pain to get at... thx!

[Booyah45828]

That's probably reasonable. They'll also likely dip and flush the core and reseal the other tank for you too. They most likely could get you a new one cheaper then the dealer if the one you have won't work out.