Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Is a coolant filter really necessary ? (Read 568 times) previous topic - next topic

Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

The reason for asking , I'm replacing the heater hoses and eliminating the coolant lines to the water heater....the branch lines have more branch lines and it's just another place for leaks. Then looking at the filter only a small amount of coolant runs to the filter and the purpose is for the additive . Given the fact that have switched to ELC no additive is needed. So why keep the filter..??

Thoughts

Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #1 –
The coolant filter can serve either one of two functions:

All provide filtration-- so yes it is important.

Some add SCA.  With ELC you will use what is known as a BLANK which has the filtration, but zero units of SCA.

Keep it!

Coolant does not need to all be filtered  each "cycle", but it is important that it is filtered.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #2 –
At a seminar some years ago a Cummins engineer remarked that aside from SCA additive replenishment, there is no need for the filter after the engine is run an unspecified period of time to remove impurities from the block casting.  That being said, I have continued to use a blank with ELC coolant.  Do what makes you happy since you are your own warranty provider at this point.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #3 –
I would question the Cummins guy's answer.  To believe that with the different metals and the complexity of the cooling system in a DP will never generate scale or other contaminates that you don't want circulating through the water pump or small passages in the system is well ......................

Do you recall who the guy was-- I know most of them from doing the Caterpillar Engine Maintenance Seminars at the FMCA Conventions.  They were always opposite the Cummins seminar so we got to know each other pretty well-- even traded AV equipment on one occasion when theirs was broken and we had a spare.  Some had a  good technical background, some were sales guys.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #4 –
Even if all the iron casting material was gone, there is the issue of maintenance done later. Hose particles from hose changes, something falling in the tank during coolant flushes etc. Filter would catch these.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #5 –
I'm like craneman, I'd worry about something getting in the system at a later time inadvertently.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #6 –
I also would not remove the coolant filter.
I also would maintain the coolant lines to the water heater because it is convenient to have hot water after driving a few miles, and when traveling for two or more days with cool weather, the engine warms faster due to the heat transferring from the hot water in the hot water tank to the engine coolant.
Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #7 –
A farmer friend of mine has a Dodge Ram truck with 350,000 miles on Cummins engine that does not have a filter. I am confused?
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: John/Pat –
A farmer friend of mine has a Dodge Ram truck with 350,000 miles on Cummins engine that does not have a filter. I am confused?
A truck cooling system is a LOT less complex with a lot fewer components/metals.  Have not seen a PU with transmission heat exchanger, motor-aid water heater and the 1/8 mile of hoses that can break down over a LOT longer life expectancy.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Is a coolant filter really necessary ?

Reply #9 –
All of the OTR trucks come with the filter, even the little DT 466 International.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean