07-23-2025, 11:26 AM
My latest issue/fix was a scary one.
I was driving on the highway, about 45 minutes from home, when the dashboard flashed an overheating warning. The coolant temperature had climbed to 215°F (normally 186-191°F). I pulled over right away, let the engine idle, and sprayed the radiator with water for 5-10 minutes to bring the temp down. It dropped to 206°F, so I shut the engine off.
Checking the engine bay, I noticed the coolant level was low. I looked for leaks but didn’t see anything obvious. Just as I was about to call Newell’s emergency hotline, I spotted red coolant leaking from the Aqua-Hot bay door.
Turns out, these coaches have a coolant circuit running through the Aqua-Hot system to preheat the engine for cold-weather starts. Inside the Aqua-Hot unit, two coolant lines make a 90° turn and connect to a 75¢ black nylon 3/4" to 1/2" reducer that feeds a small circulating pump. One of those reducers had split in half, basically dumping coolant out the side of the coach.
Thankfully, there’s a roadside solution. In the curb-side engine bay, just north of the engine, you’ll find four ball valves that let you shut off the Aqua-Hot and driver heat circuits. I closed those valves, refilled the coolant tank with about 4 gallons, and the coach was back to running smoothly.
I ordered and replaced all 5 reducers as a precautionary measure. Since then, I've put about 700 miles on it without a hiccup so I think I am in the clear.
You've got great taste! And I love COTA, I've been there many times in my GT3 cup and M2.
I was driving on the highway, about 45 minutes from home, when the dashboard flashed an overheating warning. The coolant temperature had climbed to 215°F (normally 186-191°F). I pulled over right away, let the engine idle, and sprayed the radiator with water for 5-10 minutes to bring the temp down. It dropped to 206°F, so I shut the engine off.
Checking the engine bay, I noticed the coolant level was low. I looked for leaks but didn’t see anything obvious. Just as I was about to call Newell’s emergency hotline, I spotted red coolant leaking from the Aqua-Hot bay door.
Turns out, these coaches have a coolant circuit running through the Aqua-Hot system to preheat the engine for cold-weather starts. Inside the Aqua-Hot unit, two coolant lines make a 90° turn and connect to a 75¢ black nylon 3/4" to 1/2" reducer that feeds a small circulating pump. One of those reducers had split in half, basically dumping coolant out the side of the coach.
Thankfully, there’s a roadside solution. In the curb-side engine bay, just north of the engine, you’ll find four ball valves that let you shut off the Aqua-Hot and driver heat circuits. I closed those valves, refilled the coolant tank with about 4 gallons, and the coach was back to running smoothly.
I ordered and replaced all 5 reducers as a precautionary measure. Since then, I've put about 700 miles on it without a hiccup so I think I am in the clear.
(07-22-2025, 04:42 PM)justinn Wrote: Welcome Charlie! I agree with the others. Newer coaches still have problems, so it's great to see you guys are hands on! My coach is not nearly as new as yours, but I should do a better job about documenting the issues that I fix!
If my schedule allowed, I would also still go to all the tracks for racing! Now I am limited to COTA(my home town) for convenience. I have run my C5 Corvette(race car, since sold), multiple GT3's, my GT3RS and my R8 out there. Have fun and stay safe!
Justin
You've got great taste! And I love COTA, I've been there many times in my GT3 cup and M2.
Charlie-- Team Phenix
Coach #1512
Previous Coach #1285