Anybody here run coolant filters on their gas powered Fords? Is there any noticable difference, good, bad, otherwise?

 

I think we should run the filters then tell everyone about them .............
Jon

 

Yeah, I think that is the only way anybody will respond to this post- if we come in here and say "I run this".

 

I agree I think next week I'm going to buy that filter sysyem..Jon

 

By a coolant filter, I take it that you guys just mean something to filter the engine coolant? (I'm asking because I can't seem to connect that to Ford_SIX's question about the 'difference', but the truck doesn't run any differently.)

Anyway, yes, I rigged up a coolant filtration system to my truck - though I'm sure it isn't a style you're thinking about.

Every now and then I take it apart, clean off the screen (catches a sandy-like debris - could be mineral deposits, could be something else - but the particles didn't surprise me as I've seen them in many a coolant system), then put it back together.

I believe that every fluid should be filtered (somehow), and I would think that filtering the power steering fluid might be a bit more important. But I have yet to rig a system up for that (I have, however, run the engine to get particles in suspension, shut the engine off, suctioned out PSF, and replaced it with clean PSF).

Best,

GammaDriver

 

I'm glad to see that the 'Search' function of the new site not only works, but is quicker than ever before.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hlight=coolant

and

https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/general/2577.html

I searched for my posts, but I would advise you guys to use the Search to find out about other people's filters.

Best,

GammaDriver

 

I meant a difference in radiator crud, wp life, etc. I know alrge trucks and diesels run them, they look like a remote oil filter, just plumbed into the cooling system. Did you notice any difference in you heater output with the screen installed? I figure if that doesn't stop up flow, a filter sure wouldn't.

 

Ideally, the canister-type of filter is what I wanted, and I would like to find that type for the power steering too, but I figured I might as well try this setup since it was cheap.

Did it restrict the heater flow? Well, proabably at one point it did to some extent, but that was during the summer... so I really didn't notice. I think what I did was to install it at the beginning of summer (or sometime in the spring - I forget), then I made sure to take it apart to clean it a short while after installing it. Then I let it go for a long time - so it probably restricted flow - then cleaned it again. Then, right before this terrible, infernal winter came around I cleaned it once more. I no longer work for a garage, so as long as it is as cold as it has been I probably won't (want to) clean it. This many months into winter, thus far I haven't noticed any heat-flow problems whatsoever.

Not sure how old your system's radiator or its coolant is, but even with a oil-filter-sized canister (if that is what you go with) I would bet that you ought to plan on changing the first one out at a short interval since it will catch a bunch of crud - more than likely more crud than mine due to the finer media - fast.

Whatever system you choose, guys, I'll bet you'll be happy you did it.

Best,

GammaDriver

 

Thank you very much for your feedback. That's about what I wanted to know.

 

I was swapping out radiators this past weekend, and have always liked the idea of something to screen and collect any particles in my cooling system. After draining and flushing the cooling system and exchanging the life-time warrented radiator at O'Reilly's, I went to putting it all back together. I had stopped by the local Ace Hardware store, and found what it sounds like you would like to find. I got hose couplers to fit a 5/8" ID hose that have well-form, solid brass fittings with flats for a cresent wrench to tighten them. Also, the female fitting is swivel, so I don't have to remove the fitting from the hose (you are right, that is a tricky task with a barbed fitting). I put in the screened washer in the heater core inlet hose, and now we'll see.

My cooling system was, admittedly, a bit neglected, but not super-crusty. I completely backflushed the whole block, pump, and heater core. By the way, these fittings make an excellent and simple connection for backflushing a cooling system. I'm going to find the fittings needed to build my own flush valve. I've never liked the idea of leaving the plastic Prestone piece in my cooling system--too likely to be a weak link. I plan on cleaning or replace, as needed, my washer screen each time I change the oil, unless it seems to be clean already.

All told, this set-up cost me $9.88, including the two hose clamps, and a two-pack of screens. If it catches some junk, I say it's money well spent. And just for the flushing access, I say it's worth the time and money involved.

Thanks for sharing your idea and experience with is. I plan on putting one on my 4X4 when I rebuild it's cooling system, hopefully this summer.

Matt

 

Glad to be of service MAHinton. Sounds like you've got the winning setup there.

I reckon I could expand on my methods since you put the same system in, or I'll describe them just because I like to communicate in the hopes of more quality input from people such as yourself... but either way - when I take it apart I use some basin under the hose (I didn't cut any length off of the stock hose when I put the ends in it). This, of course, prevent coolant from messing up the engine compartment - which is somewhat important since my MSD-6A is right below the connection.

I find that just pointing the hose with the screen down into the basin puts a back-flush of some fluid against the particles and it cleans the screen off to some extent.

But even after this I find that sometimes particles remain on, or around, the screen. A finger wipe, or a folded-to-nearly-a-point paper towel works to clean the rest of the screen enough to service it as far as I can tell.

As mine sits I have taken to using a pair of channel-locks (ideally two sets of them) to take it apart and put it back together, but this is only due to the round female fitting made of stamped metal (brass?). ( Thanks for the tip on where to find the better hose-ends! )

Best,

 

a classic mustang parts catalog has a coolant filter that goes in your upper rad hose. you can get it metal or clear. it has a screen in it. it wont filter out everything like a canister filter, but it's something. i think its from national parts depot. they are about 30 bucks. i was gonna get one for my 66 mustang. not only do you filter the coolant, but you can see the coolant flow as well.

 

Where can you get that catalog I would like to check out that set up !

 

go to http://www.npdlink.com/ and get a free catalog. i'm 99% sure its this company.