I was planning on replacing the radiator this weekend, in order to re-install the OTW transmission cooler (that the PO disconnected). Then I started thinking... (never a good thing)....

While the coolant's drained - should I install a coolant filter kit?
The Dieselsite kit looks decent, any others I should consider?
Should I make my own? (how much will I really save?)

What's the deal with mixing green & gold coolant?
What should I be running anyway? (the PO was a bit of a hack)

 

You can, it's straightforward and simple. (Not much by the time you get all your fittings, brackets et.al.)

Not much. Most of the modern ELC's can be mixed.

2001 came with green. Gold started sometime in the 02 MY.

If you plan on running one of the HD ELC's you can do so without additives. Any of the "regular" coolants on the parts store shelf will require coolant additive.

I use plain ole green with NAPAcool additive, and I use NAPA's FIL 4071 coolant filter, which has a maintenance charge of additive in it. Otherwise the fil 4070 is the one that fits the dieselsite head.

 

Alright, Just got off the phone with Carquest - the 89019 filter kit (per Guzzle's write-up) is $40. Add a filter for another 8 or 10 = $50-ish. I think I have the other odds and ends in the garage.

I guess I'm all set

 

i have seen two ways to mount the filter base, one up high by the radiator and the other down low by the front tire. id be interested to see how you make your bracket and where you mount it.

 

I've seen both too. I'm shooting for a 'up high near the radiator support' bracket. Too much potential for trouble down low, and messy filter changes. But, I guess it all depends on what kind of materials I have laying around my garage.
I'll take a few pics.

 

I did mine just a little different than many people on here have done theirs so I built my own kit. I just got a filter base from Carquest and then the fittings and hose and some clamps. I didn't like the way the filter hangs out there on the drivers side so I mounted mine on the passenger side, it is a tight fit but it is tucked out of the way nicely.

Only bad thing is I have to clamp the hoses to change the filter or you have a geyser.

 

I just cut a piece of angle and mounted it to the alternator.

 

I am leery of mixing gold and green coolant...remember MC gold is re-badged Zerex G-05. A HOAT based coolant that is not an ELC in the sense most people on forums reference. Those meet Cummins 14603 or Cat EC-1. Nothing wrong with it at all...it just doesn't play well.

If too much green is mixed with gold you get this...



My entire cooling system was soo nasty.

 

That is nasty. I've never seen that happen before. Thanks for adding!

 

There was definitely sand in my coolant - I could see it in my drain pan (sorry no pics).


As promised:

Attempt #1 at a bracket ended in the 3/8th plate steel cracking....


So, for #2, the pieces were welded into place




Then, I did the rest like everyone else does:

But I couldn't find any split loom - instead I just split some trans hose and used it to protect the "possible rub" areas.

 

Good stuff! Just a heads up the napa in holbrook has split loom

 

I've found a good source for some smaller sizes:

Harbor Freight!
Wire Wrap - Harbor Freight Tools

I've been using a lot of it lately on the travel trailer.

Pop

 

I think I have some loom, just lost it in my garage somewhere. Holbrook napa Has a lot of things most "parts stores" don't. Like plow parts/hydraulic hoses.

And there's a HF not far from me too (Braintree). Love that place (But not all the stuff in there).

 

Just noticed today's date: 7/8/12 !!! Ha! I wrote 7/10/12 on my filter... Can't even keep track of what day it is anymore (partly in thanks to my almost 3 month old son)!!!

 

Ahhh, so you've been getting lots of restful sleep lately, eh?

.......... NOT!

Pop