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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: chuckd on April 12, 2010, 05:42:48 PM

Title: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: chuckd on April 12, 2010, 05:42:48 PM
Why is it that a task that you forecast to take an hour, takes about 4?  I have two heat exchangers that are leaking, one of them is located under the kitchen cabinet that Liberty in it's incredible wisdom, decided that the heat exchanger would outlive the bus and therefore made sure it was difficult to get out.  Had to cut out the shelf under the kitchen sink to get at it, and then spent a lot of time getting 31 year old rubber heater hose off of the copper tubing.  But we were successful.

Now some questions, showing you the pics of the unit, anyone recognize it?  Any one know what model it is, the only marking on it is 24Volt marked on the back side.  Anyone have an idea of maybe where to get another one like it, with dual outputs from a single fan.  I have 5 heat exchangers that I got from Ronthebusnut a few years ago, but they are 12 volt, and have small muffin fans, but maybe every bit as efficient as this is.  Thoughts?

Chuck
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Zeroclearance on April 12, 2010, 05:55:09 PM
Looks similar to a Chevy Suburban rear heat/heater core.   

Drag it into a radiator shop and see if they have a few cores.
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Just Dallas on April 12, 2010, 06:05:46 PM
Removed
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Sam 4106 on April 12, 2010, 06:25:46 PM
Hi chuckd,
I'm with Dallas take them to a radiator shop and have them tested. Maybe they are repairable without replacement. If they are repairable and you reuse them I would suggest oiling the fan motor bearings too.
Good luck, Sam MC8
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Chopper Scott on April 12, 2010, 06:40:19 PM
A common deal for a radiator shop.
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: TomC on April 12, 2010, 10:25:30 PM
This is why my conversion took an extra 2 years to do-I designed everything on the bus to be relatively easy to remove without having to cut anything out.  This is one of the many reasons I did my own conversion after seeing how most "motorhome" manufacturers build in, bury, or just layer items so you can't readily get to whatever you're trying to get to-a la what you found out.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: chuckd on April 13, 2010, 06:04:38 PM
So spent some time trying to find a radiator rebuild shop, Minnesota is hostile to folks who rebuild radiators, so went to Wis to look around.  Found a guy who look at what I had and said, he could do it, but it would about $150 bucks a side.  I told him about the comments about looking like a Suburban rear heater, and he said to find one and he could maybe make one up that would work.  I went to one junkyard, had one 78 Suburban without any rear heater.  I went to e-bay My Gawd, scrolled through hundreds of listings and found nothing.  So going to another junk yard on Thursday, going to call first.

I think I will call Liberty Coach tomorrow and see what they say.  I will withhold my smart aleky comments till I find out if they have something like I need.

Any thoughts about a source.  I looked on Hurricane, Aquahot, and Ronthebusnuts sites for ideas but nothing rang true.  My big problem is a 4 inch height requirement.

Thanks in advance

Chuck
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Lee Bradley on April 13, 2010, 09:53:09 PM
This outfit may have a heater for you  http://www.boatelectric.com/msr_heaters.htm (http://www.boatelectric.com/msr_heaters.htm)
7000 BTU @ 180 degree, 12 or 24 volt,  3 3/4" high
Boat show price was under $200
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: wal1809 on April 14, 2010, 04:53:23 AM
If you go to a radiator shop don't tell them the cost of a new one and don't tell them they are hard to find.  Don't ask me how I know this but the price will magically double when they know your in a fix.
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Don4107 on April 14, 2010, 09:27:53 AM
Chuck, do the units you have with the muffin fans use more than one fan per unit?  If so two 12V fans in series would work for 24V.  There are also lots of muffin fans available that might replace those you have.

Good luck,
Don 4107
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: RickB on April 14, 2010, 09:38:01 AM
Hey Chuck,

What about using a hayden tranny cooler/radiator?

http://www.haydenauto.com/Featured%20Products-Transmission%20and%20Engine%20Oil%20Coolers/Content.aspx (http://www.haydenauto.com/Featured%20Products-Transmission%20and%20Engine%20Oil%20Coolers/Content.aspx)

They have basically every size imaginable and they have really reasonable prices I've seen alot of them on ebay as well. They have a heavy duty section to their site as well. I'm not an expert in this but they seem to do exactly what your heat exchangers do.

Just a thought,

I'm leaving Sunday for a few days but when I get back I'll get in touch with you and come see the bus.
Rick Barron
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: luvrbus on April 14, 2010, 01:52:05 PM
That looks like the units ACC Climate Control in Elkhart made years ago I have no idea if they are still around or not   


good luck
Title: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: chuckd on April 14, 2010, 03:00:48 PM
luvrbus: !!   You are so correct !  Part number 20042 in 24 volt, will order tomorrow.  This board is unbelievable.

Chuck
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Zeroclearance on April 14, 2010, 04:06:36 PM
Chuck, when going to there website it looks like you can get the replacement coil/cores  Part number  11472000C
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: robertglines1 on April 14, 2010, 04:11:41 PM
Chuck I just posted a parts thread on Prevost...I don't think your part was originally supplied by Prevost....but for future needs don"t rule them out...
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: chuckd on April 15, 2010, 07:31:54 AM
zeroclearance (theoretically impossible)

I called ACC talked to really nice person who suggested I get the coils only as they were cheaper and they can ship today.  Over $300 for a complete unit, $64 a piece for the coils.

Thanks for the tip

Chuck
Title: Re: Heat exchanger removal
Post by: Zeroclearance on April 15, 2010, 09:06:23 AM
Chuck you wrote> zeroclearance (theoretically impossible)  ?????

I'm glad you could get your coils cheaper.