MCI radiator seals

[Chopper Scott]

Ok all. After reading countless posts and advise from many I set about the task of sealing them radiators off. Several weekends ago I resealed the doors and that in itself made a huge difference. However the po had had the rads redone but along with discarding the shutters and such he didn't see no need for any radiator seals.  I scratched my head and pondered as to the best method. The expanding foam did it's job in some areas but there had to be something better. Alas I figured it out. I used foam pipe insulation. It is real cheap and comes in various sizes to fit various pipe sizes. It worked great and is easy to get shoved into the areas that needed sealed off. The volume of air going through the radiators has increased ten fold. I had to laugh and think of this board when someone stated that the air should hold a piece of paper against the radiators. It does that easily. In fact on high idle it'll suck my hat off my head! One more issue taken care of.  Tranny cooler, fan and thermostat and 24 volt relays for the trailer wiring on the way. I also got the 12 volt charging system driven off the engine installed last weekend. I'm gaining.... Later

[buswarrior]

Excellent report!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[JackConrad]

Isn't it a great feeling when a plan comes together?  Jack

[RickB]

Scott,

The only possible drawback to using foam is if it is an open cell foam it will absorb and retain water and or coolant which could mask a leak and cause some serious hidden rust as well. I used a closed cell window air conditioner seal that is sold at Home depot for home ac units. It was about $2 for one kit.
I rebulit most of my seals out of heavy gauge 1/4" rubber and I closed off the side of the radiator (which actually points toward the back of the bus) completely.

It may be overkill but I don't ever want to have to deal with this again.

keep an eye on the foam after driving in a hard rain....

Best of luck to you,

Rick

[Singing Land Cruiser]

Hi Scott, you are way ahead on the learning curve. I am still learning how to shift this beast. Keep paving the way and posting about it. All the Best, M&C

[busshawg]

Have you decided to replace the shutters? The reason I'm asking is mine is also missing the shutter system.

Grant