Diesel coolant filter for MB diesel cars - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strelnik · #1 01-14-2016, 09:39 AM

I know that many larger diesels use diesel filter systems to clean the crud out of the water passages on a continuous basis.

I am looking to do the same with a passive system that uses the flow created by the coolant pump to move the fluid through the system.

My plan for each car that I do is to:
1. drain the coolant
2. do the citric acid test after washing
3. replace the coolant
4. add a filter for the future

Has anyone done this?>

The truck filters are very large and some have their own pump, which might disrupt the flow through the smaller car water jacket.

Any and all info appreciated, especially brands, prices and discussion of problems

There's an engineer who writes a column called Bob is the Oil Guy and he is doing this but I have too many questions and his experiment involves a small $1.00 fuel filter.

If I did this, it would be with brass and glass, so it could be reused and cleaned. Plus no chance of leaks due to action of the coolant on the glue holding the filter together.

Thanks!

vstech · #2 01-14-2016, 10:24 AM

I've never heard of a citric acid test for coolant.

do you mean a citric acid flush? in the winter months, it may be prudent to remove the radiator from the system prior to the flush, and connect the upper hose directly to the lower one for the circulation portion of the flush, then have the radiator itself professionally cleaned/retanked... puking a radiator due to acid cleaning and poorly flushing it out would be bad...

Zulfiqar · #3 01-14-2016, 10:55 AM

You can buy the whole kit from NAPA - buy a filter with no SCA charge units in it, install it in a bypass fashion in the heater pipes.

In large diesels I think it makes sense because they hold near to 10 gallons of coolant and can get pretty expensive to change out. Our cars take 2 gallons on changing and a change out every 3 years with correct coolant will keep the system pretty clean.

dkr · #4 01-14-2016, 11:02 AM

I use a Gano coolant filter on the upper radiator hose. I check it about twice a year and generally find some crud in it. My car is/was a victim of the DexCool issue.

Dkr.

Mxfrank · #5 01-14-2016, 11:34 AM

Gano or Tebfa filters are often used for this. I think Mr Gasket made one at one time, as well. And dexcool...let that be a lesson. Dexcool works best in brand new engines with airtight caps. On a 30 year old engine with years of silicate deposits, it's just going to mobilize that old protective coating and turn it to sludge.

vstech · #6 01-14-2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

Gano or Tebfa filters are often used for this. I think Mr Gasket made one at one time, as well. And dexcool...let that be a lesson. Dexcool works best in brand new engines with airtight caps. On a 30 year old engine with years of silicate deposits, it's just going to mobilize that old protective coating and turn it to sludge.

+1

our motors need MB coolant, or the approved replacement, ZEREX G05

either is fine.

they have a 5 year replacement life. if each 5 years, a good flush is performed, and fresh 50 50 mix with distilled water is used, problems are minimal.

babymog · #7 01-14-2016, 12:12 PM

A main function of the coolant filter in large diesels is to maintain the correct SCA levels in the coolant, the "filter" wears out as the SCAs are consumed.

Although this is more important in a large wet-sleeve engine than in our little dry-sleeve engines (to prevent cavitation pitting), you can buy SCAs and diesel coolant from many sources, mine usually comes from Caterpillar. For the Mercedes though, replacing the coolant every 2years with the correct HOAT (Zerex G-05 or Mercedes) will work for most of us.

vstech · #8 01-14-2016, 12:36 PM

why 2 years?

the zerex and MB coolant has a 5 year flush schedule...