When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I spoke with a Ford diesel tech yesterday that said that he doesn't like coolant filters because if you don't change them frequently they will degrade and pieces of filter medium will then clog the oil cooler. If this is true, then that would completely negate the purpose of the coolant filter. Has anyone else heard of this, or is this flawed thinking? I'm hopeful that it is flawed thinking as I am using a coolant filter system and would hate to find that it was a mistake.
I spoke with a Ford diesel tech yesterday that said that he doesn't like coolant filters because if you don't change them frequently they will degrade and pieces of filter medium will then clog the oil cooler. If this is true, then that would completely negate the purpose of the coolant filter. Has anyone else heard of this, or is this flawed thinking? I'm hopeful that it is flawed thinking as I am using a coolant filter system and would hate to find that it was a mistake.
It would appear that there is a solid, consistent track record of oil coolers plugging in filterless systems.
You have to decide if the solution has enough of a successful track record to have a net benefit relative to the risk of the alternative?
I vote for regular filter changes and the benefits associated with a continuous clean of the coolant system. Coolant filter degradation is way down on my list of 6.0 problems that keep me awake at night.
I just can't imagine any of the premium filter Mfgs knowingly building filters that self destruct.
Every mechanic has their theories, just not sure there's any foundation behind them.
A recent filter I had run for at least 10k, I sawed it apart to find any residue to help validate the need for a filter.
I didn't see any signs of deterioration.
Opinions are just that...
I didn't run that many miles, but it spent 3 years in a coolant bath. No degradation of media and I checked just because this subject/concern has come up before (don't remember any proof tho).
FWIW: I was running a Baldwin filter and now have a Napa in there...
I think it's more of who it was coming from, no offense to the Ford technician. But coolant filters, especially ones that work well, take labor away from technicians for doing oil cooler jobs. Just my opinion of course.
I spoke with a Ford diesel tech yesterday that said that he doesn't like coolant filters because if you don't change them frequently they will degrade and pieces of filter medium will then clog the oil cooler.
Ford doesn't install coolant filters in any of their light duty trucks. One might think they're not needed (and maybe aren't)
Most big trucks however get them for a variety of reasons.
Baldwin has pretty good info on filters, AF, SCA's and testing though. It might be good to have a look at the following stuff.
Good info here.
With all the cooling system problems of the 6.0L engine, I wonder if coolant testing should be done?
OK, well I guess I should at least consider changing the filter more often than not, just in case. I had thought that if the coolant filter was left on too long, the only consequence would be less filtration. I figured that was an OK thing to live with and didn't cause me much stress if I was overdue. Better than no filter kind of an attitude. Guess I should rethink that.
I just pulled the filter and it really doesn't look bad. A little bit of fine debris came out when shaking it up side down, but didn't notice any degradation of filter material.
JMOEN7, I will probably do as you suggested and change the coolant filter at each oil change from now on.
The Ford tech that told me about his concerns with coolant filters also, at one time, did give me a mitten full of test strips for the Ford gold coolant. He said to check it periodically for nitrates. I guess there is an additive to use if the ph gets unbalanced. I am using ELC now. I thought I didn't need to do that anymore since changing over to ELC, but after watching your video I am reassessing. I would also be curious to know the answer to your question, re. Gold AND ELC testing needs.
I thought I didn't need to do that anymore since changing over to ELC, but after watching your video I am reassessing.
That's what I thought too, until I saw the Baldwin videos......I would like to know also........... Maybe light duty truck diesels don't need the level of cooling system service that heavy duty engines need and maybe a once a year or once every 2 year check is enough.
You probably won't know unless you actually test it on a regular basis.
