Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

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chassIs InformatIon — 10
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
WARNING:
It is advised to shut off the engine should
the engine overheat. It may take several
hours before engine temperature has
lowered to a safe operating range. DO
NOT remove the coolant reservoir cap
as severe burns may result. Never add
cold water to an overheated engine as
this will cause uneven rapid cooling and
possibly result in further engine damage.
Freeze Protection:
Coolant freeze protection is checked using a
refractometer for accuracy. This meter checks at
what point the coolant begins to freeze. Refer to
the engine OEM manual for test procedures.
Coolant System - Thawing:
If the coolant system becomes frozen, the
motorhome must be towed. Place the motorhome
in a warm area until completely thawed.
If the engine is operated when the cooling
system is frozen, the engine may overheat
due to insufficient coolant circulation. Once
thawed, check the engine, radiator and related
components for damage caused by expansion of
frozen coolant.
Coolant Hoses:
Inspect
coolant hoses and connections when
checking engine or transmission fluids. Look for
any signs of chaffing at hose restraints or sharp
edges. Indications that hoses have reached the
end of service life include cracking or swelling
around clamps and connections. Oil leaks can
also deteriorate hoses.
Overheating can be caused by a collapsed
hose. Old hoses can also deteriorate on the inside
causing partial clogs reducing cooling efficiency.
Replace any hose found to be cracked, swollen
or damaged. Periodically check hose clamp
torque.
INSPECT:
Every 12 months - Inspect all hoses,
clamps, and fittings for leaks due to
cracking, softness and loose clamps/
fittings. Look for signs of fluid leaks,
damaged end fittings or ballooning;
chafed, kinked, or crushed hoses; and
loose clamps and fittings. Correct any
deficiencies found.
Radiator/Charge Air Cooler
The diesel engine uses compression to ignite
the fuel/air charge. To increase compression
inside the combustion chamber (resulting in
increased power output) a turbocharger is added
to the engine. The turbocharger is a paired
housing assembly with impellers inside each
housing connected by a common shaft. One
impeller is propelled by the engine exhaust,
which drives the other impeller. The function
of the other impeller is to increase compression
inside the combustion chamber by forcing air
into the intake manifold.
This process works well, however, the intake
air charge is heated two different ways: through
convection by the exhaust gases driving the
turbocharger and when air is compressed. This
negative effect inside the combustion chamber
results in lost power potential. Therefore, a
Charge Air Cooler (CAC) is installed to cool the
intake air before it enters the engine. The CAC
performs the same function as a radiator, cooling
air instead of liquid. Ambient air passing through
the CAC will cool the engine intake air charge.
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