Coolant Filter?

[tbryanh]

A few questions about installing a coolant filter.

First off, these instructions are real good:
http://www.oilburners.net/articles/coolfilter4.html

DO I NEED SHUTOFF VALVES?
Since I will install the filter head above the level of the top of the radiator, it appears I do not need to install shutoff valves at the filter head. It seems that the radiator, engine block, and heater core will not lose their coolant when the coolant filter is removed.

DO I NEED AN AIR BLEED VALVE?
Since the filter head will be the highest point, it seems that air bubbles will collect there instead of at the top of the radiator. It appears that a valve might need to be installed at the filter head to bleed out air bubbles and to top off the coolant level.

 

[icanfixall]

I think you will be fine without valves. Reasons for valves is to be able to change anytime no matter what pressure is on the system. So asking yourself this. How do we know the filter is spent. We don't. The system is run by a pump. So coolant it pushed where the pump pressure is making it go..

 

[The Warden]

The shut-off valves aren't strictly necessary...the reason to put them in is to make sure that you don't lose any coolant when changing the filter, or so that you can bypass the filter if it develops a leak or anything on those lines. Basically, for peace of mind...but, they're not required.

I actually never thought about an air bleed valve...I think, as long as you get the rest of the system filled up and you fill the filter before installing it, you'll be okay, but I'm honestly not sure. My filter and cooling system have been working fine without a bleed valve...certainly, it couldn't hurt, and it'd be interesting to see what you come up with.

BTW, I'm glad you liked the article thank you!

 

[yARIC008]

Wouldn't it be easier to install the filter just in series with the heater core? Seems like less fittings and such that way. I don't get why the filter needs to be installed as a bypass like you say. Even if the filter 100% plugged you'd just lose heat, it wouldn't really hurt anything.

 

[79jasper]

Wouldn't it be easier to install the filter just in series with the heater core? Seems like less fittings and such that way. I don't get why the filter needs to be installed as a bypass like you say. Even if the filter 100% plugged you'd just lose heat, it wouldn't really hurt anything.

IMO, that's the way to do it.
Real easy to tell when you need to change it, by the loss of heat.

 

[fordf350man]

what is the actual benefit from a coolant filter? wondering because the pick and pull yard by me has one and i can get the whole set up for about 20 to 30 bucks

 

[79jasper]

Cleaning out casting sand.
And sca's once they've dropped out.

Prevents clogging of radiator and heater core, saves water pump seals.

 

[tbryanh]

The series install is probably no good because it probably only filters when the heater is on.

Also, the coolant filter might have a restrictor in it that it limits the flow through it when connected in bypass. This would restrict flow to the heater when connected in series with the heater.

 

[79jasper]

Not really.
As long as you haven't done the "cooler air mod" (putting a valve in to stop flow) the coolant is always circulating.

Everyone I've seen that did it inline, never complained.

 

[CDX825]

All the coolant filters I have ever seen have a restrictor in them. Trying to run one in series with the heater core would result in little to no heat.

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

there are plenty of us running coolant filters without bypass valves directly in the heater core line issue free.
my truck still cooks me out of the cab in short order in the winter months with the heat on high.

 

[icanfixall]

there are plenty of us running coolant filters without bypass valves directly in the heater core line issue free.
my truck still cooks me out of the cab in short order in the winter months with the heat on high.

Your heater lines are run in an interesting direction. The lines are supposed to be run differant from the factory. That fitting in the passenger side heat has an orifice in it but that fitting is no longer available from Ford. But anyway that line from the head runs directly to the heater. Then the line from the heater returns to the water pump and a small line is directed to the botom of the radiater. That small line is to warm up the trans cooler faster. The standard trans truck do not have the bypass line. BTW that small line entering the bottom radiater tank has an orifice in it also.

 

[War Wagon]

I'll have all the parts to install my coolant filter in a few days. I've debated to put it in series or bypass. I would do it in series if works. If FORDF250HDXLT says his works on his that way I'll probably give it a shot. I can easily change it if it doesn't provide enough heat.

 

[idiabuse]

FORDF250HDXLT you are in desperate need of an intercooler! Holy sheet! I though I could manage without one, I was wrong. Glad I got mine installed! Huge Difference! I saw your picture and really, You don't have enough add ons under your hood yet!


Javier

 

[idiabuse]

My coolant filter is mounted next to the fuel filter, coolant is pumped from the coolant pump into my coolant filter and returned to the bottom of the radiator next to the coolant pump inlet.
I don't have a heater core, I live in Miami Florida...


Javier