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Bypass coolant filter or IPR full flow coolant filter
I am going to install a coolant filter on my 2004 6.0 E350 van. I have read threads about bypass filters and full flow filters and I started asking myself "Why use a bypass when I can filter all of the coolant?"
Is there any reason why someone should use a bypass filter?
I bought the van used knowing I would eventually have to do most if not all of the 6.0 repairs. IPR sells a complete coolant filter for about $250.
I talked with the people at FICM repair and they suggested I do my research but leaned towards the IPR cooler. Ed spent a good 30 minutes on the phone answering all my questions and never asked if I wanted to buy anything. If anything, he was trying to stop me from throwing money at the van until I isolated what needs to be repaired.
I already bought the Sinister Kit and requested a return.
One advantage of a bypass filter is if it plugs up you will still have full coolant flow. On a 100 degree day you don't want a restricted cooling system.
I've got one and really like it. It filters everything. You wouldn't believe the amount of crap I still get out of it after having it on for 50K miles. The disadvantage is that it will plug, and you do have to watch your temps. I've been seriously considering building a manual bypass using the side port on it so I can go around it if it plugs up when I can't clean it.
I've got one and really like it. It filters everything. You wouldn't believe the amount of crap I still get out of it after having it on for 50K miles. The disadvantage is that it will plug, and you do have to watch your temps. I've been seriously considering building a manual bypass using the side port on it so I can go around it if it plugs up when I can't clean it.
I am on top of all my fluid changes. I check the dip sticks every week on all my vehicles even though I know the oil and fluids are full. I have a Scan Gauge and monitor my coolant temperature.
I think a full filter with with the manual bypass is a good idea in case it's plugged.
I am waiting for my return authorization from Sinister Diesel.
Realize the IPR filter isn't truly "full flow". It's filtering 100% of the flow to the heater core. That flow is pretty small compared to the full output of the water pump. A full filter for the whole system would be very large as it does upwards of 75gpm!
Most kits just tee into the heater line and return the water back to the degas bottle (point of lowest pressure in the system).
Whats funny is Ford uses a valve to shutoff flow to the heater core that shuts when you arent heating the cab. Meaning when you aren't using heat 100% of the heater flow actually goes thru the "bypass" filter.
Also on the "full flow" when the filter plugs you lose heat to the cab until you go change the filter. Not so with the bypass.
Marketing at its finest.
In my opinion, the bypass is the better setup.
If I were you I would save your money and keep the sinister kit. Mine caught a lot of stuff. After 6 months I no longer get stuff in it.
Realize the IPR filter isn't truly "full flow". It's filtering 100% of the flow to the heater core. That flow is pretty small compared to the full output of the water pump. A full filter for the whole system would be very large as it does upwards of 75gpm!
Whats funny is Ford uses a valve to shutoff flow to the heater core that shuts when you arent heating the cab. Meaning when you aren't using heat 100% of the heater flow actually goes thru the "bypass" filter.
Marketing at its finest.
In my opinion, the bypass is the better setup.
This is what I like about forums-brutally honest and lots of opinions.
I live in California and don't use the heat much-I use the AC almost every day.
Sounds like both types of filters are "bypass". If I don't use the heat, does this mean I am not filter on both types?
This is what I like about forums-brutally honest and lots of opinions.
I live in California and don't use the heat much-I use the AC almost every day.
Sounds like both types of filters are "bypass". If I don't use the heat, does this mean I am not filter on both types?
Thanks Dave!
Mark
Just noticed you've got a van so it might not have the valve. Easy to check, at least on the truck. I've looked at a van engine bay and ran away in fear!
Without the valve you have less chance of flow. But you will still get flow. The heater core will have some pressure drop (probably 3-4 psi) so the filter will still get flow, until it plugs to where its pressure drop gets bigger than the heater core.
Just noticed you've got a van so it might not have the valve. Easy to check, at least on the truck. I've looked at a van engine bay and ran away in fear!
Without the valve you have less chance of flow. But you will still get flow. The heater core will have some pressure drop (probably 3-4 psi) so the filter will still get flow, until it plugs to where its pressure drop gets bigger than the heater core.
You ran in fear of the van bay? It was never designed to hold the 6.0. I have the same van with the 4.6 V6 and it's a dream to work on (comparatively). Not much goes wrong with a lawn mower engine mounted to a van.
I don't plan on wrenching on this engine a whole lot. It's a sweet rig to camp in. I plan on changing the filter elements on a regular basis as preventative maintenance.
I have platform beds and we sleep 4 of us in total comfort-whether in the mountains at 10k feet or in Walmart parking lots. Nobody ever gives an ugly window van a second look. The front of the van still has part of the "Air Shuttle" showing as I have not bothered to clean it on the outside. It's part of being a stealth camper. It's like a pick up truck with a permanent camper mounted on it.
I bought the manifold from IPR that fits on the oil cooler where it used to go to the EGR cooler, so the way I've got it hooked up it is full flow. But you're right, if you tied into the heater line, you're not running full flow.
I bought the manifold from IPR that fits on the oil cooler where it used to go to the EGR cooler, so the way I've got it hooked up it is full flow. But you're right, if you tied into the heater line, you're not running full flow.
it appears that this is a good kit to use if you are replacing the ol and EGr coolers. Having a coolant filter whether bypass or inline full flow is better than not having a filter.
Take the IPR filter. For the E-series you will need the 6.4version mounted at the frame. Use the egr delete from him. This system filters the entire amount of coolant that flows through the oil cooler.
heres a video i made of cleaning the filter (german language)
Take the IPR filter. For the E-series you will need the 6.4version mounted at the frame. Use the egr delete from him. This system filters the entire amount of coolant that flows through the oil cooler.
heres a video i made of cleaning the filter (german language)
