I have been doing this on spin on oil filters for over 20 years. I don't know if the filter element will catch the particles or not, but I have found particle stuck to the side of the filter housing when I opened them. It makes me feel better as I can actually see the particles, and know they are out of the system. It may be mental masturbation, but it's cheap, the magnets are reuseable (using clear silicone to adhere), and I see the particles. This can be applied to the coolant filter system, which can be made relatively cheaply or purchased at a reasonable cost. The system from IPR is twice the cost of others systems and I need to stretch my dollar as far as I can. The IPR system may be excellant and it is the best looking set up I've seen but I have so many things to replace I'll need to be judicially selective. I do want the best for my truck not necessarily the most expensive. I will not rule anything out until I know more about the item, but have been burned before with my FICM. I bought the 58v version from Innovative diesel and it has never even consistently put out 48v much less 58v. When I called they told me that I couldn't get a reading from AutoEnginuity because it didn't read higher than 48v. This is not true. The max reading can be changed, which I did. They said I needed to back probe because if I opened the cover the warranty would be void, so I did. My reading was between 46.5 and 47.5v occasionally, very briefly spiking to 48v but never higher. I learned a lesson and could have saved several hundred dollars by ordering the stock version that I seemed to have recieved anyway.

Sorry for the novel and thanks for allowing me to vent about the FICM. I feel better now.

 

The spin-on filters that have had magnets put on them "for years" have typically been in oil (lubrication) service. Totally different. In lubrication service, it is an issue of wear particles. All you are trying to do in the coolant system is to NOT clog passageways (passageways that are MUCH bigger than the micron size range).

As far as "what is best" for the truck, I don't have an opinion one-way-or-the-other on IPR filters vs others (like my dieselsite). I do want the mods that I install to have a valid reason though - that is why I question the magnets in this service. The main thing is that if they make you feel more secure, then that makes them worth it.

Sorry about the FICM experience. Ed from FICMrepair.com has said for years that there is little benefit from higher FICM voltage (and a few significant downsides).

 

I have heard since that there may be drawbacks to a higher voltage such as possible damage to the spool valve. I decided not to persue the issue as it would mean my only vehicle being down while I sent it in for replacement. It is disappointing how folks can be so dishonest for the love of money. I did keep my core with the intent of sending it to FICM repair as I heard good things about him. I still intend to do so in order to have a backup, but I have an extremely expensive laundry list for the truck as it has 150k and is stock save for the FICM, a new ICP (when under warranty) and two Optima batteries.

 

berick, the more I compare available systems the more I agree with your opinion on these filter systems. Good call.

 

Thank you sir, it makes pretty good sense to me anyways!

I researched the heck out of coolant filter kits and actually purchased a PMM unit originally. I was about to put it into my truck when I read about this new setup and it just makes much more sense to me, so I sold the PMM unit. Everyone else kind of has the same cookie-cutter setup..... which is fine if they work (and they do) but I just think the IPR kit is way more functional and effective! May cost a bit more but at the end of the day you get what you pay for.... a re-usable stainless filter and a "full-flow" filter setup.