easy coolant filter - Diesel Forum

dieselwelder · 02-19-2010, 01:55 PM

Didn't want to spend $120 on an oversized coolant filter so I made one from a fuel filter. The 3/8 tee is actually a 1/2 pex tee from Lowes. The 3/4 by 3/8 tee had to be made from fittings from the auto and hardware store. The heater hose is 3/4 so I used a two 3/4 by 1/2 NPT fittings,(auto parts heater hose to water pump fitting) a 1/2 brass tee (Galvanized water pipe fittings are cheaper but I already had this one) and I bushed down to the 3/8 hose barb. Anyway for around $30 to $35 dollars I have a filter that I think is better sized for a 3/8" hose. I used a filter from a fuel injected car as they are higher in pressure ratings. Plastic tees were available but I don't trust them. I did cut a section out of the 3/4 hose rather than make one cut because if you left it long it placed the other end of the hose too close to the turbo downpipe.

Smiley1 · 02-19-2010, 10:14 PM

Nice idea. I like it!

However, I would strongly encourage you to consider a better location for your filter. I would be afraid that engine components might be susceptible to damage by engine vibrating the canister in this location.

After a about a 1000 miles you should cut it up and post back with pics.

Gregs96 · 02-24-2010, 11:44 AM

Title of this thread should be easy and cheap coolant filter! I'm following your gameplan except I'm using a pex 1"x 1"x1/2" tee to tap into the heater hose. It fits perfect into 3/4" hose, the 1/2" pex into 3/8" line is a bit of a biatch though.....

$5.92 for pex fittings
$7.99 for filter
had the hose clamps
had the fuel line

Once I get it installed I'm going to look into making a bracket for the filter. Until then, I'm going wrap it in rubber and tie wrap it to whatever is handy.

dieselwelder · 02-25-2010, 08:54 AM

The filter doesn't have to be located where I have it. I might move mine but i want to see how much sand and debris is in it first. From other pictures I have seen I might go to an even smaller filter after the first change.

blueoval4ever · 03-04-2010, 08:49 PM

That looks like the fuel filter from a 88 Mustang. Does anyone know how many microns of filtration this will cover???

csf250 · 03-04-2010, 09:00 PM

I does look like a ford fuel filtter and by the way great idea!!!! This filter is use on ford fuelinjected engines from mid 80's throughout the 90's and being they did not want any trash in the injecters they have great filtration!!

blueoval4ever · 03-06-2010, 01:47 AM

Here is a link to photos of my filter install. Have about $35 in all the parts. Info on filter says it is a 19 Micron.

http://s328.photobucket.com/albums/l...lant%20Filter/

topgun35 · 03-06-2010, 09:07 PM

so if i am not mistaken the filter tees into the heater hose to the overflow line
tony

klutz1 · 03-06-2010, 10:18 PM

What I have been looking for. Great idea. Tell me. Why didn't you tap into the thermostate pipe thread plug and run it to the overthrow?

blueoval4ever · 03-07-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topgun35

so if i am not mistaken the filter tees into the heater hose to the overflow line
tony

That's right Tony. I have looked at using only a 1/2"NTP to 3/8" hose barb to the tee and put the tee in closer to the heater vacuum control valve and just use fuel line hose. Mount the filter closer to the tee and run the hose over to the 3/8" tee to the coolant tank.

topgun35 · 03-07-2010, 10:56 PM

thank you , i will have to get set up to install one.

Tony

blueoval4ever · 03-08-2010, 08:28 PM

Update.........

I have keep a close eye on the coolant flow into the degas tank. I noticed it was not flowing any coolant at idle. I have put 350 miles and have left the A/C on Max to get 100% flow through the filter. I removed the filter and put the end of my garden hose to it and water would pass through. I decided to try to back wash it by running water back through the filter. I reinstalled it and it still would not flow at idle. After removing the filter the coolant was flowing good. Went to go get another filter and was looking around the store when I noticed this Tee fitting pictured below.

I have seen this brand of HELP Products in many auto part stores. It has 3/4" on the 2 ends and 3/8" on the tee. It was $3.99 at an O'reilly Auto Parts.

I have not change the coolant in my truck, unless it was changed when they replaced the Turbo back in 2005.

I was hoping to get some of the stuff out before they changed out the EGR Cooler on Wednesday.

444-4D · 03-08-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval4ever

Went to go get another filter

You should have picked up a few dozen of them.

lubbockguy1979 · 03-10-2010, 07:12 PM

just a fyi most of those plastic plumbing parts are not rated for temps above 180*. i like the ideas though. just keep a eye on the plastic fittings. brass is alot more durable. also avoid steel it will rust and corrode.

blueoval4ever · 03-11-2010, 12:08 AM

The following is from http://www.plasticpipe.org/pdf/chapter03.pdf

There are several tests that have been developed which give a reliable guide on the quality of stabilizer and anti-oxidant protection that is included in a PE piping composition. One of these is the thermal stability test that is included in ASTM D3350. In this test a specimen of defined shape and size is heated in an oven, in air, at a predetermined rate of 10°C (18°F) per minute. Eventually, a point is reached at which the temperature rises much more rapidly than the predetermined rate. This point is called the induction temperature because it denotes the start of an exothermic
reaction that results from the exhaustion of stabilizer and anti-oxidant protection. The higher the temperature, the more effective the protection. To qualify for a piping application a PE composition is required to exhibit an induction temperature of not
less than 220°C (428°F).

Normal stress-rupture evaluation of a PE pipe is tested at 140 and 176°F for a life expectancy of 50 years.

I think these fittings will be OK.