APU coolant leak ... below freezing temps

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by GAShog19, Dec 8, 2024.

  1. GAShog19

    GAShog19 Bobtail Member

    36
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    Dec 28, 2022
    Englewood, Oh
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    I had my 2019 Kenworth in the shop last weekend when the highs were in the low 20s .. I have a Tripac Evolution APU unit on it ... when I picked it up they had turned the APU off at the motor switch ... I started the truck to let it warm up and I noticed a leak coming from the APU box ... opened it up and couldn't really tell where the leak was coming from so I shut the valves off to keep the coolant from going back to the unit ... today it was warmer and I pulled the top and bottom covers ... I could see coolant but couldnt tell where it was coming from so I wiped it off and tried to recreate the situation ... coolant valves open APU off truck running ... but I had no leak that I could see anywhere ... left the valves open truck off and turned the APU switch to on and on the inside as well ... APU started ... still did not see a leak

    could this have been from the frigid temperatures ... maybe an overflow (but I didnt notice any wetness on the overflow tube) ... I went ahead and shut the valves back off and turned the APU switch off for now but Im not sure where to start looking

    any ideas ...TIA
     
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  3. Stringb8n

    Stringb8n Road Train Member

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    Check the hose clamps tightness for the hoses. Also check for any cracking on the water pump itself is what I would probably look at.
     
  4. GAShog19

    GAShog19 Bobtail Member

    36
    13
    Dec 28, 2022
    Englewood, Oh
    0
    Couldn't get a great look at it for where the APU is mounted but I didn't see any leaks after recreating the situation ... Wouldn't it have leaked now if it was a hose or the pump itself... I mean it was a pretty good leak
     
  5. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Could be a Crack in the metal housing or motor. It doesn't leak until it gets to operating temperature and pressure.
    Good luck.
     
  6. GAShog19

    GAShog19 Bobtail Member

    36
    13
    Dec 28, 2022
    Englewood, Oh
    0
    When I initially found it after picking it up from the shop the truck was still cold ... It had only been running for a minute or two ... Wasn't warmed up yet
     
  7. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
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    Earlier post mentioned tighten hose clamps.
     
  8. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Oct 20, 2013
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    You most likely have spring clamps and the hose has compressed over time. The cold temps cause the metal of the hose fitting to shrink and the clamp is not able to apply anymore tension.
    If that’s the case, then you’ll have to use a worm clamp.
     
    Stringb8n Thanks this.
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