Coolant Level & Air Filter Service

[LegalEagle82]

Excuse what may seem to be an obvious  (dumb) question / answer to some,  but when it says to check your coolant level,  exactly what (where) is the measuring point on a Eagle. 

I have an 82 Eagle, Model 10.   I know where to add coolant, but a little unsure of where the full level is.?   Also, my upper tank where you fill has a sending unit on the opposite end, but no wires hooked up right now.  If anyone is familiar with the eagles, would like to hear your thoughts on the issue.

2nd issue Air Filters:  When it says don't over service the air filter for the bus and generator (4 cylinder kubota).  Just how much can you service them with air pressure and water  without destroying them vs. just replacing them.  I don't know the history on mine, so I'll probably just pick up some new ones, the engine filter looks good but is older.  My generator filter was a little nasty on the outside.   Curious just how much service you can do to the filter without destroying them.   

Thanks in advance for help and thoughts with my issues at hand.

Evan / LegalEagle82

[pete81eaglefanasty]

The sending unit is for the low coolant lite on the dash. the level of coolant should be to the tip of your finger down about 3 inches down from the neck.
When it comes to air filters I just replace them, I don't want to take a chance on a hole in the filter, that you can't see.You can also take a extension light about 25 watt light bulb and see if you can see it thru the filter or a hole in the filter.

         Pete & Jean
           Fantasy

[NJT 5573]

Evan, I think someday you should repair the warning lite. There is nothing wrong with parking your bus nose downhill and filling the water/antifreeze to the top when its cold. It will throw out what it can't keep from heat expansion and run at that level for a long time if you have no leaks. Your Eagle came with a sight glass on the top tank. If yours is gone they are inexpensive, but yours is probably just dirty. Wipe it out, shine a flashlite on the glass and you should always have liquid above the sight glass. If you just got this coach I'd take a close look at all the engine hoses and double check all the hose clamps. I double clamp my hoses where I can. If you are running without a low water lite, your water temp gauge will tell you if you dump your water. Many think that if your water temp is high its telling you something. Your water temp gauge is really telling you something if it goes to cold when you are driving though, as if there is no water, there is no temp. So, if it goes cold, shut her down fast.

[michal]

     Hey Evan,did you ever find out how to check your coolant level on your Eagle. I have the same question. I didn't see any "glass" anywhere? I guess I'm an idiot also,but I'm still trying to get to the bottem of this one. Any help would be appreciated.

[makemineatwostroke]

Eagles  did not have a sight glass unless someone installed it or it was special order for the buyer (so your not a idiot Michal)

[michal]

   Well,hey thanks for that. Can you tell me the proper way to check my coolant level? Another post talked about sticking your fingers in ,but I'm guessin they dont mean the filler neck cause I doubt if coolant is way up there when its cool..??..And if it's hot,aint no sticken fingers in it.

[TomC]

On my bus, I have an overflow tank with a working level warning that I know works.  When cold, you should fill the coolant up to the top, until it starts back flowing out and you can't put anymore in.

As to air filter-do not clean a paper element with air hose-it can create small holes that will let in a surprisingly alot of dirt to effectively ruin your engine.  A $85.00 new filter element is a whole lot cheaper than an engine overhaul.  Good Luck, TomC

[Dreamscape]

I check mine like pete81eaglefanasty. I think the theory is it leaves room for expansion.

I would replace the filters, as you don't want to take a chance to induce dirt through a hole you missed or caused by blowing them off.

Paul

[michal]

  Thanks guys. So Dreamscape,You say you just stick your finger in the filler neck(when cold) and feel for coolant? Am I understanding correctly? Or I can fill it till it overflows? I guess I'm still not tottaly clear.

[TomC]

You want to fill up the coolant as high as you can so that no air pockets are present when the coolant expands when hot.  If you maintain a low coolant level when cold you have the possibility of introducing air into the cooling system-which can create cavitation with the associated pitting and rusting problems-meaning premature engine failure.  When cold, the coolant should be as high as possible in the expansion tank.  Good Luck, TomC

[Dreamscape]

michal,

Yes, I just stick my finger in when it's cold and check. When it gets hot I get a rod and dip it. Works for me. I fill it until it is about 2-3 inches from top, need to leave room for expansion.

Hope this helps,

Paul

[pete81eaglefanasty]

Dreamscape Is right.If you don't want to get your finger wet, just get a small piece of solid Wire about 8 inches long and make a little hook on the end so when your done just hang it on a tail light wire, or something Its like a dip stick. Push It to the bottom of the tank and mark it down about About three inches.It's been working for me for years.

            Pete & Jean
              Fantasy