Journey Heater Core leaked found and fixed

RKL2 · 02-10-2006, 05:29 PM

On my trip south this year I noticed the heater core was laking as coolant was dripping out the vent tube underneath the AC/Heater plastic box in the front cowl area.
Decided to try to replace the core screw in nipples before removing the cowl and the core....After unscrewing the old nipples I found that instead of using teflon tape to seal the threads, the manufacturer used a pipe dope which had carmelized and cracked and the coolant was leaking past the threads but dripping into the plastic covering and out the drain tube.
I installed new nipple fitting with teflon tape sealant and put 2 flow thru shut off valves directly into the heater hoses so as to shut off flow if core leaked again...Pressure tested repair and all is well....cleaned the electrolsis corrosion on the threads due to different metal use....
I suggest this repair attempt before pulling the core if you see a leak. The new nipples are $2.00 each from the manufacturer...
Thanks for all your input on this subject....RKL

RKL2 · 02-10-2006, 05:29 PM

On my trip south this year I noticed the heater core was laking as coolant was dripping out the vent tube underneath the AC/Heater plastic box in the front cowl area.
Decided to try to replace the core screw in nipples before removing the cowl and the core....After unscrewing the old nipples I found that instead of using teflon tape to seal the threads, the manufacturer used a pipe dope which had carmelized and cracked and the coolant was leaking past the threads but dripping into the plastic covering and out the drain tube.
I installed new nipple fitting with teflon tape sealant and put 2 flow thru shut off valves directly into the heater hoses so as to shut off flow if core leaked again...Pressure tested repair and all is well....cleaned the electrolsis corrosion on the threads due to different metal use....
I suggest this repair attempt before pulling the core if you see a leak. The new nipples are $2.00 each from the manufacturer...
Thanks for all your input on this subject....RKL

3huskies · 02-12-2006, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the info Bob. Since I have an 02 Horizon I'll purchase the tubes to have on hand just in case.

BTW..Great paint job.

smlranger · 02-14-2006, 03:38 AM

Bob,

Were you able to R/R the tubes without removing the core box cover? Also, can you post the source for the tubes?

thanks.

RKL2 · 02-14-2006, 06:47 AM

smlranger...Company is S.M. Fridgrette..(800 433 1740) Part number for the tubes is 05000076 and they cost $2.00 each but the minimum shipping order is $25.00. Tubes come out without removing heater core plastic box with a 3/4 or 5/8 deep sparkplug socket. Easy to pull out after disconnecting the 2 heater hoses from the tubes. Tubes can also be ordered thru Winnebago...... Bob

Joe-K · 02-14-2006, 08:16 AM

Bob,

Thanks for posting the useful info. Sounds like all of us may have to remove and replace the nipples eventually if a leak develops. I might just go ahead and get the replacements to have on hand.

If enough folks want them, I'll volunteer to buy a dozen to meet the minimum order requirement then ship them out to everyone who wants a couple.

3huskies · 02-14-2006, 11:41 AM

Joe,
Count me in. The Winnebago part # is 110279-01-712. I'll give Winnebago parts a call to see what they want for them.

smlranger · 02-14-2006, 12:40 PM

Joe, add me to the list. Since at least one thing breaks on the rig every trip, it's only a matter of time before I will need them.

thanks.

Joe-K · 02-15-2006, 05:44 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 3huskies:
Joe,
Count me in. The Winnebago part # is 110279-01-712. I'll give Winnebago parts a call to see what they want for them. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Great! Let me know and we'll decide where to order them from.

3huskies · 02-15-2006, 05:56 AM

Joe,
Winnebagoparts.com wants $4.35 each plus shipping (about $10.00 to me in NH).
Lichtsinn wants $4.55 each plus shipping. Two needed per core.
Let's see if anyone else wants them.

Joe-K · 02-15-2006, 06:25 AM

Thanks for checking with Winnebagoparts.

I called Fridgrette and confirmed they had a dozen in stock for $ 2.03 each to make the $ 25.00 order. The woman estimated the shipping at 7 or 8 bucks.

It looks like its a cheaper to buy them direct. For about 33 bucks I can order 12 of them.

So far there's 3 of us wanting them. If one or 2 more need them, we'll get them pretty cheap.

BattChief · 02-15-2006, 04:01 PM

Put me in for a couple! Mine started leaking our last trip in December, and was waiting to take the front cap off to replace the core. Sounds like it would be worth trying this, first! I also like the idea of the valves if it doesn't work.

grtharris · 02-15-2006, 04:53 PM

Joe, add me to the list. Nothing like have the parts onboard when you need them.

CaptBill · 02-15-2006, 06:24 PM

Joe, I'll take a couple of them as well. Thanks.

wagonmaster2 · 02-15-2006, 09:30 PM

Same here Joe, I'll take a couple also. Mines a 2004 and may have a year or so to go yet before the leaks start, but as was stated above - things always happen on a trip, never on your driveway. Doesn't look like you'll have any trouble meeting the minimum order. Thanks for taking the initiative on this, very much appreciated.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

3huskies · 02-16-2006, 03:07 AM

wagonmaster2,
I don't beleive that your year has the tubes.
I checked the parts diagram for your 2004 36G and your core is a different part# and doesn't show the tubes.
You may want to check to be sure.

Joe-K · 02-16-2006, 04:53 AM

Throwing a quick list up here which I'll edit if necessary to make sure I didn't miss anyone.

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>Joe-K
3 Huskies
Capt Bill
Grt Harris
BattChief
smlranger
WagonMaster (Double check to see if you need them)
Traveler of CA[/list]
We've got the minimum order covered but if it's OK for everyone, how about I wait a day to see if anyone else wants them. No problem adding a couple more to the order.

3huskies · 02-16-2006, 06:01 AM

Thanks Joe.

traveler of california · 02-16-2006, 12:49 PM

Put me down as well.

Nick, Journey '01

wagonmaster2 · 02-16-2006, 02:49 PM

Thanks 3Huskies - I'll try to double check, although I've never used the parts diagram before. You are probably a lot more informed about these things than I am. I just supposed they wouldn't have made a change this soon. But don't let me hold you fellows up if you need to put in the order.
Wagonmaster2