'06 Freight liner hydraulic fan motor leaks,$4K ?

[bob_b]

My '06 Allergo bus was in for an oil change and the tech noticed the oil leak coming from the radiator area. It is from the remote fan drive, a hydraulic motor to drive the fan. A new motor is over $2,000 plus labor, 5 to 10 hours. I understand that it can blow a seal and leave me stranded, which would not be fun, but I'm wondering how long can I let it leak. The tank was only down a quart so it has not leaked much but I don't know how long it's leaked. Also, is there an option? Someone who rebuilds the motor? Just looking for advice, thanks. Bob

[Ivylog]

B S on it not being rebuildable...any hydraulic repair shop with a micrometer can measure the seals and order new ones. Does not need to be from DanFross.

[bob_b]

I appreciate all the responses! I posted the same message over on another forum and all advised me to fix it prior to failure. I've learned from Freightliner that the motor is backordered and expensive. I've also learned that if it is just weaping oil it may last awhile but if it is dripping it could fail at any time. I've also learned that the motor is not rebuildable. Great news!
I've not heard from anyone that theirs had been leaking for years and never had a problem. You should all go outside and look under the radiator for signs of an oil leak, I hope that I'm the only one. Bob

[hostage]

DSDP Don wrote:
"bob b".....On the newer Freightliner chassis' they're having issues with the vent tube on the fan drive. Mine was covered in oil and Freightliner opted o replace it under warranty. Six months later, covered in oil again. I washed it off and extended the vent tube. It was easily reached from the floor cover inside the coach. No more leaks.

With that said, my friend has a 2011 Allegro Bus with the same fan drive, but has a plug where my vent is located????

The plug or vent, which ever you have is on top of the unit, dead center. You can look at your through the engine doors with a flashlight. If you have a vent, spray thoroughly with some degreaser and then inspect after your next trip.

TO NOTE:
a 2011 Allegro Bus is shaft driven not oil driven as is the one in your picture;; the situations being discussed are for Oil driven fan systems

[DSDP_Don]

"bob b".....On the newer Freightliner chassis' they're having issues with the vent tube on the fan drive. Mine was covered in oil and Freightliner opted o replace it under warranty. Six months later, covered in oil again. I washed it off and extended the vent tube. It was easily reached from the floor cover inside the coach. No more leaks.

With that said, my friend has a 2011 Allegro Bus with the same fan drive, but has a plug where my vent is located????

The plug or vent, which ever you have is on top of the unit, dead center. You can look at your through the engine doors with a flashlight. If you have a vent, spray thoroughly with some degreaser and then inspect after your next trip.

Here is a photo of the vent line:

[DSDP_Don]

"bob b".....On the newer Freightliner chassis' they're having issues with the vent tube on the fan drive. Mine was covered in oil and Freightliner opted o replace it under warranty. Six months later, covered in oil again. I washed it off and extended the vent tube. It was easily reached from the floor cover inside the coach. No more leaks.

With that said, my friend has a 2011 Allegro Bus with the same fan drive, but has a plug where my vent is located????

The plug or vent, which ever you have is on top of the unit, dead center. You can look at your through the engine doors with a flashlight. If you have a vent, spray thoroughly with some degreaser and then inspect after your next trip.

[Harold_Fairbank]

Time to trade 'er in.

[Ivylog]

Run...5 hours is absurd. Any good hydraulic repair shop can reseal it.

[Lancslad]

noteven wrote:
bob b - have a scout around your area for an industrial hydraulics repair/rebuild shop. The motor should have a tag with numbers / model / make on it. They will advise which is best route to take to repair.

X2 Run away from Freightliner and your RV shop. All they will do is quote replacement rather than repair.

[chuckftboy]

If its leaking now it won't ever get better but probably will get worse. You are lucky to have the problem now when you can weigh your options rather that 1000 miles from home with it leaking to the point that you need to be towed.

If it were me, I would pull the motor and take it to a Hydraulic shop for evaluation or repair.

[hostage]

bob b wrote:
My '06 Allergo bus was in for an oil change and the tech noticed the oil leak coming from the radiator area. It is from the remote fan drive, a hydraulic motor to drive the fan. A new motor is over $2,000 plus labor, 5 to 10 hours. I understand that it can blow a seal and leave me stranded, which would not be fun, but I'm wondering how long can I let it leak. The tank was only down a quart so it has not leaked much but I don't know how long it's leaked. Also, is there an option? Someone who rebuilds the motor? Just looking for advice, thanks. Bob

if the hyd drive unit is 2K how did u come up with 4 K?
I looked at mine and theres no way its 10 hours at all;; even 5 seems ludicrous;; as far as fire risk ? I just don't see it(fire risk) when its just seeping as u indicate yours is

[slickest1]

It sounds kinda high. Like said above get the numbers off it and check with big truck parts places as well. I have never changed one but 5 to 10 hrs. sounds like a lot.

[noteven]

bob b - have a scout around your area for an industrial hydraulics repair/rebuild shop. The motor should have a tag with numbers / model / make on it. They will advise which is best route to take to repair.

[FormerBoater]

I would be concerned about a fire hazard and have it taken care of immediately.

I read somewhere that hydraulic fan leaks are a significant cause of DP fires with hydraulic fan driven side radiators.