Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Filter Change Interval

April 09, 2015, 03:55:51 pm

I changed filters just about one year ago so these (fuel, fuel-water, coolant) have been on the M11 for 12 months during which time it has travelled only 6,500 miles. We'll likely fire up and take off in the near future. Anyhow, in that I've got a year on these filters, would this be an appropriate time to replace them? Oil, by the way is on a different schedule. Thanks.
jor

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #1 – April 09, 2015, 09:46:20 pm

I would change the fuel filters and go on down the road.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #2 – April 09, 2015, 09:59:03 pm

Jerry,

We change fuel filters every couple of year, but carry 3 of each including generator in case we get bad fuel.  Fuel filters are also water separators, so if we don't get bad fuel and don't let fuel tank sit partly empty for days we will probably not have any water.
We change coolant every 4-5 years with our extended life coolant, but may change the coolant filter (with zero additive) every couple of years.  We generally follow a calendar schedule rather than a mileage schedule for filter, oil & lub maintenance.
Our oil & filter change schedule is more or less based on a convenient place to change, which turns out to be 6 months to a year.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #3 – April 10, 2015, 08:46:18 am

I change the Fuel Filters every two oil changes. Coolant filter get a change every two years and I have not had to change my coolant out yet.  Blew an elbow in the AH and lost a lot of coolant then lost a radiator hose. And then a stick hose and finally a new radiator.  So no schedule for that on this coach.  But if it holds together I will do it in five yrs. 

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #4 – April 10, 2015, 09:16:59 am

Just an observation since the subject of coolant filters has come up.

The type of coolant filter depends on:

Type of coolant-- many, particularly the OAT-based coolants use ZERO UNIT FILTERS. 

And, if you are using the old "low silicate for diesels with added SCA" coolant, test before determining what filter to use-- they come with SCA from zero to 16 units.  Only by testing can you determine the correct amount of SCA to use.

Remember, SCA is used up in protecting the cylinder liners-- it is used up and has to be replenished.

Good test strips test for SCA concentration, freeze point and pH.  Do not use a strip that has expired-- they do have a limited shelf life.

Again, with the newer OAT-based coolants, you do NOT add SCA.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #5 – April 10, 2015, 09:45:21 am

I change fuel filters every 15,000 miles, but carry spares.  I use the W2123 coolant filter which has a three year change interval. 

Brett, I've always wondered about the coolant test strips.  Mine come in individual sealed packages.  Yes, they have an expiration date, but why?  How do they degrade?  I've checked current strips with 5 year old ones and they both read the same.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #6 – April 10, 2015, 11:32:24 am

Yes, the SCA test strips degrade.  No idea how quickly/factors, etc.  But, I would NOT use an expired strip.

Remember, the test strips are ONLY for the low silicate coolants, not the OAT-based coolants such as Texaco, etc.

At least I have never found test strips for the new generation coolants.

Here are the ones I use: http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=24105

The problem is that is 48 test strips, so I only get them just before a Rally where we will be distributing them.  No point in buying 48 and only using 2 before they expire.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #7 – April 11, 2015, 07:58:52 pm

Cummins sells test strips for OAT coolants.

Quote Selected

Re: Filter Change Interval

Reply #8 – April 11, 2015, 09:47:10 pm

Thanks, Brett.

Going by Cummins on Monday.  Will check with them then.

Quote Selected