Switching Tri-Pac APU to closed loop

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 86scotty, May 7, 2022.

  1. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Twice lately my Tri Pac has decided to dump all my coolant on a hill. First was water pump shaft seal failure, second time not yet known, unless I got a new bad water pump. It is a TK factory part, not cheap aftermarket. Weird thing is I can't get it to leak again.

    All this leads me to wonder why I even keep it plumbed to the truck. I don't run up north or anywhere really cold. I don't need the pre-heating function. I've already bought the controller to separate my Espar from the Tri pac system, just haven't done it yet. I just wonder why these systems are all integrated and with Tri-pac one error code and everything shuts down. One small coolant leak and you might burn up your $25k truck engine.

    This can be done and I'm gonna research the cost. It's less complex than I realized, I basically need an expansion tank and for some reason the CLC manifold. I'm not 100% sure why this part is necessary.

    Anyone ever do this?

    https://www.thermoking.com/content/...ts/TriPac Closed Loop Cooling 55827-19-IM.pdf
     
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  3. simonsocm

    simonsocm Light Load Member

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    I'd imagine all you'd need is a radiator, fan and a pressure cap on the radiator. Not much else as long as the engine has a thermostat.
     
  4. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Yep, look at the link above. The Tripac already has a small radiator, called a pre-cooler, behind the fan in the diagram (inside the case). I didn't think it would be big enough the APU dedicated but you can according to that diagram, just add expansion tank.

    I'm hoping to hear from someone that has done it.
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2022
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  5. mtoo

    mtoo Road Train Member

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    The simpler the system is the better. I agree, if you don't run up north then get rid of potential leaks. I never converted mine, but I did think about it. Good luck
     
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  6. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    This is the reason I went with the EPU on new truck from them. On another note there is a group on Facebook for thermoking APU that might be a good question for them.
     
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  7. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    The only thing I miss about FB was those niche groups.

    Need to create more on here I guess.
     
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  8. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    Yeah I like a couple of the groups on Facebook. But most of it just sucks the life out of you.
     
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  9. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    I checked things out under my truck today and I'm not sure I can do this like the diagram I linked above. All of my APU wires go through the floor just about where the bracket, tank and manifold would go, and those need to be high like that to work correctly. Of course it's all hoses and I could mount the tank about anywhere. I can also fab the bracket. Currently thinking about using the other side of the APU case.

    This week I'll talk to some TK dealers and see how crazy their prices are on the parts, or if they are even available.
     
  10. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    does your apu have the shutoff valves for the coolant, running from the APU to the main engine water pump?
     
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  11. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Ask Texas Truck AC in Dallas. They are very knowledgeable.

    As far as TK dealers go, ask the one in Tolleson or Gulfport.
     
    Siinman Thanks this.
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