Can my local welder repair my Butler heat exchanger

[Steve Lawrence]

Hi all,

My 8 year old Butler has developed a leak in one of the welded seams of the box heat exchanger. Had this happen 2 times before (different trucks) and both times I just swapped with Butler for a rebuilt. It was okay but took a while and was $500 or $600, I forget. It's just 2 tiny pinhole leaks next to one another and looks like a simple fix for a good welder. Wondering how to approach this one. Any input much appreciated.

 

[Mark Saiger]

Hi all,

My 8 year old Butler has developed a leak in one of the welded seams of the box heat exchanger. Had this happen 2 times before and both times I just swapped with Butler for a rebuilt. It was okay but took a while and was $500 or $600, I forget. It's just 2 tiny pinhole leaks next to one another and looks like a simple fix for a good welder. Wondering how to approach this one. Any input much appreciated.

I would many just consider the exchange if the offer. Might be something else....

 

[Lee Stockwell]

At least let a good welder look at it

 

[jcooper]

Better question...

Why has there been three issues in eight years?

 

[Steve Lawrence]

3 issues on 3 different vans over a 25 year period. I'm not complaining especially after my last tube heat exchanger TM. Butlers are top notch and they work incredibly hard every day. Failures like this are normal and I'll deal with it, no biggie. I gots backup, too.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Actually failures like this are rare but they do happen. If it's a machine, it will break.

 

[jcooper]

(different trucks)

Didn't see that.....

 

[dgardner]

The only question in my mind would be if you tried the welder and it didn't work - would Butler still exchange?

 

[Mark Saiger]

The only question in my mind would be if you tried the welder and it didn't work - would Butler still exchange?

I was told by them NO when someone else had this situation

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Ordered the rebuilt. $1295 plus I'll get $500 back when they get my old core. They don't sell new ones for older machines.

 

[Brian H]

We do all our own repairs on the Butler heat exchangers. About once a year or so we have one that will develop an internal leak. We'll cut them open, fix the leak in the coil and then reweld them. Takes 3-4 hours start to finish.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

I've never had a Butler heat exchanger develop an internal leak. Does that kind of failure overflow your coolant system? I would think it does. Seems like a more complex repair. Thanks, Brian.

 

[dealtimeman]

If your welder has experience with welding up stainless that goes into a pressurized operation he should be fine .

Don't take it to the muffler shop nd expect a. Long term solution.

 

[Brian H]

I've never had a Butler heat exchanger develop an internal leak. Does that kind of failure overflow your coolant system?

That's how we know when it has a leak. The vehicle coolant system overflows and you get hint of antifreeze odor at times while cleaning.

Your repair does sound very easy. As Mike says, it's a very inexpensive repair for a qualified welder.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

Got it installed. Had an issue with filling the heat exchanger with coolant. With a high heat unit the liquid heat ex is mounted kind of high so you need to elevate the front of the van several inches then pour coolant through the upper radiator hose (must remove it) and pour the coolant in through the hose to get the heat ex filled to the petcock.

 

[bob vawter]

most Hx have a petcock to release air as its being filled

 

[Bill Soukoreff]

I'm getting the 5 year coolant flush before my van goes off warranty this week. Should the dealer figure it out, or should I talk to Butler first for instructions?

 

[Steve Lawrence]

I'm getting the 5 year coolant flush before my van goes off warranty this week. Should the dealer figure it out, or should I talk to Butler first for instructions?

I'd have him call Pete at Butler for a quick rundown of how it's done. 1-800-535-5025.

 

[Bill Soukoreff]

Thanks Steve.

 

[Steve Lawrence]

You're welcome, Bill.

BTW, where has Kellie been? Hope she and hubby are okay.