Off and on, there have been discussions on TDR forums concerning coolant filters - what are they, how do they work - and are they really needed.
This thread will present a setup as sold by
DIESELSITE - DIESEL MAINTENANCE and PERFORMANCE - this outfit offers coolant setups tailored for specific brand and model trucks, which means everything is included for the installation except tools. This particular set, for my '02 Dodge/Cummins, was $119.
These are more accurately described as bypass coolant filters - the main coolant flow remains undisturbed, but a small bypass coolant flow is taken off a port on the engine head, run thru the added coolant bypass filter, then the filtered flow is returned to the system thru the heater return hose.
The filter itself - a Baldwin brand - has a built in restriction, as seen below:
BUT, I'm getting ahead of myself - here's what comes in the box:
Note the nice touch of the included inlet/outlet ball valves, seen above at the upper center - these make filter changes a snap, with no coolant loss during a filter change, other than what's contained inside the filter canister.
There's lots of flexibility regarding actual location of the filter itself, as well as routing of the hoses - so I won't dwell specifically on that, but just show how I did mine overall. Here's where the coolant flow is picked off the existing port in the head - and this is the only place where I deviated from what the instructions called for - they used a straight fitting and 3/8 barb that stuck straight up - requiring the attached hose to make a sharp bend to get to wherever the filter itself was mounted. I didn't like that, so bought and installed the fittings to allow the far neater installation seen here:
The return coolant flow requires that the heater return hose be cut, and a "T" fitting installed:
And finally, the actual site I selected to install the filter bracket and canister, is on the passenger side frame rail just behind the front bumper - and camera perspectives can be deceiving - NONE of the added filter or attachments come even CLOSE to other truck components - no potential contact, and the coolant filter itself is easy to get to for changing.
So, again - WHY a coolant filter? Here's what the seller says:
Quote:
Detailed Description
Shut off Valves are included in this system.
Coolant filters are not a new idea to the diesel engine world. They come in most OEM applications for medium duty and OTR tractor trailer rigs. The idea was somehow tossed aside for light duty applications, most likely due to cost. For our light duty trucks it is a very important issue that needed to be addressed. Many diesel engines - like the Powerstroke - are cast with sand in the process. This sand is NOT completely removed from the system. In fact, much of this sand leaches out of the casting over time. The sand wears away at water pump seals, hoses and radiators. Removal of this sand can greatly increase your water pump life.
In addition to sand, there are other things that the filter is removing. SCAs, or supplemental coolant additives used in protecting against cavitation, often flake off the walls. This "precipitate" is a very abrasive particle - like a scale - floating around freely in the system unless caught by a filter.
The DIESELSITE Coolant Filter Install system will remove the loose particles in your cooling system and give your water pumps, radiators, water necks and radiator hoses the protection they need from these abrasive materials. Wear is virtually eliminated by the removal of undesirable elements in your system. The desirable elements, like the actual chemical used in the SCA is not removed.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The DIESELSITE Coolant Filter Kit is a bypass-style system that filters a small amount of the coolant on each pass. By using a spin on filter we make it easy for you to change your coolant filter at regular intervals. These filters will remove all solid particles -- new or old. It is never too late to install a coolant filter in order to extend the longevity of your cooling system components. While you cannot reverse the damage that is already done, you can eliminate further damage from occurring. This kit is a must for every truck.
In the past 9 years of doing business, we have seen a pattern of water pump failure. If you are one of the unlucky owners who have lost your pump between 40,000 and 80,000 miles it isn't too late to protect your new pump. While some damage to your pump may already be done, a coolant filter install kit will extend the longevity of your pump before it fails. AND, it will definitely insure that your next water pump will last much longer than your first one did.
The DIESELSITE Coolant Filter Install Kit includes all fittings, hose and stainless steel clamps needed for installation.
Recommendations on filter changes:
Use one filter every three months for the first nine months after installation. After the 4th filter is installed your filter should be changed once per year.
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SO, there ya have it - mine's all installed, and when the first filter change is done, I'll cut the canister apart, and post what the element caught in my system. I've serviced my cooling system at better than required intervals - used Prestone coolant, steam distilled water, and Prestone water pump lube. I also have a zinc anode radiator cap device that supposedly eliminates cooling system electrolysis damage. SO, we'll see what visual benefits this setup provides - stay tuned!
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