Side or rear radiator diesel pusher
What are the advantages/disadvantages of side vs rear radiator on a diesel pusher?
Forum Discussion
About the only advantage is to get to the engine to change the belts. Other then that there is really not that much of the engine exposed to do anything else.
Side radiators do take some horse power off the engine because they are hydraulic. Also side radiators do take up where a valuable compartment could be (especially)for full timers. And side radiators are right behind the rear wheels where debris will be kicked back and could damage your radiator.
Rear radiators about 15 years ago had a problem with both Cat and Cummins engines with a slobber tube that was not extended long enough and oil condensation or just over filled crank cases would throw the oil out the breather tube and into the radiator causing radiators to plug up and engines would overheat. Problem was solved with the Cat engines by extending the breather tube and cutting the amount of oil from 24 quarts to 19 quarts.
On the Cummins engine the extension of the tube solved their problem.
Side radiator coaches did not have that problem with oil getting on it.
Side radiator coaches usually cost more because of the hydraulic pumps they have to add.
They both work good once the modifications are made and both have to get a cleaning with a cleaner and water every so often especially if you drive much on dirt roads.
Side radiators do take some horse power off the engine because they are hydraulic. Also side radiators do take up where a valuable compartment could be (especially)for full timers. And side radiators are right behind the rear wheels where debris will be kicked back and could damage your radiator.
Rear radiators about 15 years ago had a problem with both Cat and Cummins engines with a slobber tube that was not extended long enough and oil condensation or just over filled crank cases would throw the oil out the breather tube and into the radiator causing radiators to plug up and engines would overheat. Problem was solved with the Cat engines by extending the breather tube and cutting the amount of oil from 24 quarts to 19 quarts.
On the Cummins engine the extension of the tube solved their problem.
Side radiator coaches did not have that problem with oil getting on it.
Side radiator coaches usually cost more because of the hydraulic pumps they have to add.
They both work good once the modifications are made and both have to get a cleaning with a cleaner and water every so often especially if you drive much on dirt roads.
