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Coolant Filters

How often do you REALLY change the coolant filter ( blank filter) with ELC coolant?

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #1 –
Good idea to change when you do oil change and filter.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #2 –
Speaking of coolant filters, this short one would be the one in question? Trying to learn something every chance I get

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #3 –
I use the WF2123 which calls for a 3 year change interval.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #4 –
Keith,

That Fleetguard WF 2077 is a " No Additive " antifreeze filter. This is what is used when you run the extended life coolants that don't require SCA. (Supplemental Coolant Additives )

Pamela & Mike

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #6 –
Yes, both the WF2077 and WF2123 are "zero units of SCA" which are correct with the new-generation coolant.

They are not/may not be the correct ones if you have the old-generation diesel coolant (which is usually green).

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #7 –
For me in the grand scheme of things, filters are cheap. If I can remove scale, or other particles etc. that can wear out the water pump I am all in. Further ( and I have to check for sure ) the filters I use have sacrificial metals in them which slows the corrosion from water running thru dissimilar metals. Therefore at oil change the rig gets oil, fuel and water filters. Also carry a full set of all filters, ( except air ) in the coach and two sets of fuel filters. Horror story's abound on this site concerning getting bad fuel.

Steve

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #8 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Further ( and I have to check for sure ) the filters I use have sacrificial metals in them which slows the corrosion from water running thru dissimilar metals.
Steve

Steve,

I suspect you are talking about SCA's.  And they are needed with "low silicate for diesel coolant" but NOT, repeat NOT for the new generation coolants.

Said another way, you have to know what coolant chemistry you have or you will either under-dose the old coolant or contaminate the new-generation coolant.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #9 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Yes, both the WF2077 and WF2123 are "zero units of SCA" which are correct with the new-generation coolant.

They are not/may not be the correct ones if you have the old-generation diesel coolant (which is usually green).
ok so my coolant is green, so I assume it is not extended life so I have the wrong filter???  sounds like I need to do a coolant flush to the extended life stuff

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #10 –
Keith,

A little more complicated than that.  With the old style green coolant (which is fine as long as you DO check SCA concentration and keep it around 1200 PPM) you have to test it.  Test strips are available do to this.  You don't want to over or under dose the SCA.

So, if testing reveals SCA at or above 1200 PPM, a zero unit SCA filter is just perfect.  Test again next year to see what you need then.

The test strips (again ONLY for the old style coolant) also test freeze point and pH.  IMPORTANT: If coolant even becomes neutral and certainly if it becomes acidic, change it immediately. Normal life for the old-style coolant is 3 years assuming SCA concentration is maintained.

Yes, diesel engines/linered engines ARE more finicky about coolant than parent bore engines. And, all this goes back decades-- nothing new except that there are some newer-generation alternatives. But, if you have the old style coolant and it tests OK, I would not run out and change it.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #11 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Keith,

A little more complicated than that.  With the old style green coolant (which is fine as long as you DO check SCA concentration and keep it around 1200 PPM) you have to test it.  Test strips are available do to this.  You don't want to over or under dose the SCA.

So, if testing reveals SCA at or above 1200 PPM, a zero unit SCA filter is just perfect.  Test again next year to see what you need then.

The test strips (again ONLY for the old style coolant) also test freeze point and pH.  IMPORTANT: If coolant even becomes neutral and certainly if it becomes acidic, change it immediately. Normal life for the old-style coolant is 3 years assuming SCA concentration is maintained.

Yes, diesel engines/linered engines ARE more finicky about coolant than parent bore engines. And, all this goes back decades-- nothing new except that there are some newer-generation alternatives. But, if you have the old style coolant and it tests OK, I would not run out and change it.
where do  I get these sca test strips?  would this be right. man there is a lot to learn on these damn diesels!!! Amazon.com: Cool-Trak 311519 Coolant Testing Strips - Set of 50: Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #12 –
Keith just flush and refill with the ELC stuff and don't worry about it. Also don't worry about your coolant it's not going to eat the motor tomorrow.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #13 –
Here are the SCA/freeze point/pH test strip I use: http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=22873

They are individually foil wrapped.  BUT, like all of the test strips, they only have a one year shelf life.  DO NOT BUY/USE IF EXPIRED.

Any shop that works on diesels will have them, and if you are just checking your own coolant, swing by a shop with a few ounces of coolant.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #14 –
What is the change interval on the newer OTA coolants?  I have seen several varying opinions (good for life, or only 6 years is two I have seen).

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #15 –
Most published schedules are based on a LOT more miles/year than RV's generally do.

Most suggest 6 years/600,000 miles for changes with a "booster" at 300,000 miles.

With annual testing starting at 6 years, I could see stretching it another 2 years to 8 year change intervals.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #16 –
Good point Brett, coolant life like many things may be based on the number of stress cycles, the less the better. Every coolant change or flushing brings in tons of fresh oxygen and corrosion occurs until that oxygen is depleted either by corrosion or driven out by high temperature. Fire protection piping in buildings hopefully sets for many many years without corrosion protection because the initial oxygen that causes corrosion is used up, once that happens rusting stops.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #17 –

I am using Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT  Organic Acid Technology (ES Compleatâ„¢ OAT) | Cummins Filtration and this is their video explaining the product https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekiPi3Svr20  and will be locating the best place to buy the following 4-way test kit.  Fleetguard also reccomends to "Test and Maintain ES Compleat OAT Coolant Regularly" with a
4-Way ES Compleat OAT Test Kit
â–  Easy to use test strips measure Molybdate, Nitrite, Freeze point, and pH
â–  Results in 45-75 Seconds
â–  Designed specifically for use with ES Compleatâ„¢ OAT

Amazon.com: Fleetguard Chemicals ES Compleat OAT 4 way Test St Part No:...  Using what I believe is the best of Cummins Fleetguard coolant, maintaining and testing it properly, is inexpensive compared to other issues that I have seen occur over the years in engine and cooling systems.  I use the WF2077 and for approx $11 can change this each year.  I found the following short 4 minute Cummins Fleetguard video a good overview of the issues.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuBAAtlOZA4

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #18 –
When I started ES Compleat many years ago they recommended 3 year intervals, 150,000 miles or 4,000 hours. I don't see any reason to change to a one year change interval for my miles/year usage.

Re: Coolant Filters

Reply #19 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
When I started ES Compleat many years ago they recommended 3 year intervals, 150,000 miles or 4,000 hours. I don't see any reason to change to a one year change interval for my miles/year usage.

We may have two different things being discussed here:

Change interval for coolant filter (blank/no SCA if an OAT-based coolant).

Change interval for the coolant itself.