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Waterloo · 04-06-2016, **(Subject: Disappearing Coolant )**

(04-06-2016 )DrivingZiggy Wrote:
(04-05-2016 )Waterloo Wrote:
(04-05-2016 )DrivingZiggy Wrote: Dang it! Still losing coolant.

I guess the first thing I will do is to check the bunk heater core. I guess it's possible that it commenced to leaking again. Or that my nephew was BSing me just to be done with the job. If no joy there, I will commence to tightening all of the hoses as suggested.

If you have an APU that runs off of the trucks coolant system, check inside there. Also inspect all hoses running back to the unit if you have one... It can be a real bear finding these leaks. My primary leaker were the hoses attaching to the radiator, I found I had to double clamp those to stop them from leaking. Also, check the heater lines. I have a ProStar, but I found leaks running off of the metal coolant pipes on the passenger side of the motor. There are rubber compression bushings that slide onto the OD of the metal pipe. These compression bushings get old and hard, causing a coolant leak. One runs back towards the back of the EGR Cooler, the other is right above the Turbo where my heater shut off valve is located. Now, I do not know if you have this metal plumbing on your Volvo, but you might. Worth a look. The rubber bushings are to be found where the metal pipe attaches at the motor. A large nut holds it on via compression.

I tried to find a photo of one, but had no luck...
Yes, I do have the TriPac APU. I will check there for sure! Nephew is coming back to help. We will check all lines.

Really inspect those metal heater/coolant lines. I am sure you have those on your Volvo and I bet they are set up the same way they are on my International with those rubber compression bushings. I found mine leaking in my driveway, I let her idle and had to use a flashlight with the one back behind the EGR cooler as the coolant was falling damn near on the manifold and burning off or blowing off going down the road.

Also, on your Tri-Pac, if it is a few years old, replace the two heater hoses inside the cabinet, they do get soft, trust me on that. They can be had here https://www.thermoenginesupply.com/apu-parts for $10.50 ea., vs the $55.00 ea. price at your Thermo-King dealer. The hoses this outfit sells are made by Carlisle, a reputable hose company! I bought a new radiator and fan from these guys too and they are top notch. The radiator was made in Canada at the same plant TK sources from. $155 vs $400, Denso Fan, $79 vs $300, this outfit is a no brainer in my book.

Also, inspect the hoses from your motor back to the Tri-Pac, they are a pain in the ass to replace, at least on my truck, but the piece of mind is well worth it.

Another thing to check, your Tri-Pac has a petcock valve right near your turn off switch on the right side of the interior of the cabinet. Check that too. One thing, if you did not know, if you ever need to drain your engine coolant, you can darn near drain the entire motor from your Tri-Pac. Just pull the rubber hose out from below that petcock valve and place it in a five gallon bucket. You will need four buckets if memory serves me right to drain all you can get out of the system. This is much easier than trying to find a large pan to place under the radiator. But, you will still need to drain the remaining gallon or two off at the radiator to completely empty the system.