Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

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chassIs InformatIon — 10
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Engine Coolant Reservoir:
The engine coolant reservoir is connected
to the radiator by a hose. Coolant heats and
expands as the motorhome is driven. Coolant
displaced by expansion overflows from the
radiator into the reservoir. Coolant contracts as
it cools and is drawn back in the radiator by a
vacuum. Thus, the radiator is filled to capacity
with coolant at all times, resulting in increased
cooling efficiency. The coolant level should be
at, or slightly above, the appropriate mark on the
reservoir tank when the system is cold.
The reservoir is marked MIN (cold check)/
MAX (hot check), or the reservoir has upper
(hot check) and lower (cold check) sight
windows. Maintain coolant between the
appropriate reservoir indicators.
CAUTION:
DO NOT remove the reservoir cap while
the engine is running or if the engine is hot.
Cap removal can result in severe burns and
damage to the engine cooling system.
Check coolant level before each trip,
when refueling, and when checking the
oil level.
A low coolant alarm will sound and a
low coolant indication will appear on the
instrument panel if coolant level drops
below acceptable levels in the reservoir.
Stop the motorhome and
inspect the
coolant level before continued operation.
Coolant level should remain between
the MIN and MAX indicators on the
reservoir when the cooling system is
properly filled.
Coolant Reservoir Petcock
When the engine is being filled with coolant,
it is possible for air to become trapped in the
cylinder head. A petcock is added so trapped air
can escape. If an air pocket exists, it is possible
for that part of the cylinder head to overheat
cracking the cylinder head due to temperature
differential in the casting.
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CAUTION:
Open petcock when filling coolant
reservoir to prevent trapped air in
cylinder head.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Refer to the engine OEM manual for detailed
information regarding cooling system service
and maintenance intervals. Services include
draining and replacing the coolant, flushing the
cooling system, inspecting the water pump and
standpipe and replacing the thermostat, gasket or
seal.
Coolant Overheated:
The engine can overheat for a number of
reasons. Before engine temperature reaches a
critical point, it is preceded by illumination of
dash indicator lamps as well as above normal
temperature gauge readings. It is best to adhere
to these indicators and take corrective action
before the engine is subjected to extreme heat
and potential engine damage.
If the engine should begin to severely
overheat, engine protection software will begin
to decrease fuel regardless of throttle position
(derate) to reduce heat created by combustion.
Damage to the engine will occur if engine
operation continues and cause of the overheat
condition is not immediately corrected. At this
point it is best to shut off the engine as soon as
possible to avoid further engine damage.
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