Had small coolant leak this morning after cold night

[neoneddy]

Attached are photos show what I saw.

I did a quick walk around and noticed a small puddle with green tinge, uh oh! Looked like it started not long ago as it was still dripping slowly , maybe 1 every 15-20 seconds.

It was dripping from a coolant cross member near the exhaust.  I tried loosening  the clamp ring  a bit and it dripped faster. (Wanted to make sure if pins the source) I then tightened and it stopped.

I'm thinking the heat cycling on the clamp , rubber hose and metal coolant tube created a bit of slack so when it got down to 30 or so it leaked. Sound plausible?

Thoughts?

[lostagain]

The more you run them, the less they leak.

JC

[neoneddy]

I should add, this was after I ran it 200 miles or so. I know, the ol' girl really wants to cruise for 500 at a shot, but I've got no where to go that far right now.   I hadn't noticed any leaking recently while sitting at home base, but  that's on dirt, so it's doesn't puddle and run like this either.

[buswarrior]

Yes, they can leak due to cold shrink.

Part of your fall maintenance isto go 'round all the clamps and be sure they are good, and draw up any slack.

Most older stuff will be fine, particular attention should be paid to anything you messed with during the last year.

What have you been doing to ensure the air brakes will work in the cold?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Mike in GA]

Couldn't tell from the picture whether you have the more expensive spring type or or constant torque type clamps. They are worth it and stand up better to swings in temperature. Mike in GA

[neoneddy]

@buswarrior Interesting you say that.   After fueling up (it was over 60f outside) my brakes didn't want to release.  Had to Re-apply and release again, then all seemed well, was a first for me.

Nothing more than draining my air tanks, what do you recommend?

[Stormcloud]

Minor coolant drips are common. I regularly check the hose clamps, and sometimes give them a quarter-turn of the screwdriver to snug it; especially if I had that clamp or hose off recently.

For air system, I have both an AD9 type dryer supplying an alcohol sniffer device. Following the dryer installation, I had the 'experience' of the system freezing up during a helluva snowstorm.

Adding the alcohol sniffer gives me a "suspenders AND belt" feeling, never have had an issue since.

HOWEVER, the system is SO dry that I put a small amount of air-tool oil in the line past the sniffer, to ensure the rubbers in the solenoids,etc stay lubricated.

[Dave5Cs]

Mark does it sniff out Jack Daniels? Ummm

[chessie4905]

You should use this style of hose clamp in correct size. Available most everywhere. Tighten to almost seat spring and it will keep constant tension.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnpla/61586145?cid=ppc-bing-New%20-%20Hose,%20Tube,%20Fittings%20%26%20Valves%20-%20PLA_acniPHQ7__be_74148365244833_t_&mkwid=acniPHQ7|dt&pcrid=74148365244833&product_id=61586145&msclkid=a09b2969e66c1b29021e72a430a8d533&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=New%20-%20Hose,%20Tube,%20Fittings%20%26%20Valves%20-%20PLA&utm_term=4577747943298470&utm_content=Clamps,%20Hangers%20%26%20Supports%20Ad%20Group%20-%20Supplier

[luvrbus]

I been using the special torque wrench made for gear clamps for years you tighten the clamps one time and your done ,any plumbing supply sells it for 20 bucks.If you read the instructions on clamps with the liners it tells you to lube the clamp between the inner surface and outer surfaces for best results.I use spray on silicone my self even on the constant torque clamps which I don't use many of because they take up to much room and are always a PITA and cost to much     

[chessie4905]

Too bad many use the clamps without liners leading to loose clamps or cut in to hoses from too tight.

[luvrbus]

Too bad many use the clamps without liners leading to loose clamps or cut in to hoses from too tight.

yep liner clamps is all I use for any type hose,my local NAPA sells me 3 inch liner clamps for 2 buck each

[Dave5Cs]

If you put a thin coating of RTV sealer or similar on all casting & steel tube ends before you put on the hoses you won't get many if any leaks. Let it dry overnight and then install your hoses and clamps. Tells you that in DA book.

[neoneddy]

Great info here, thanks.

Yeah I don't know, these clamps just came with the bus :-)

[Stormcloud]

Mark does it sniff out Jack Daniels? Ummm

Nope....tequila....