DIY Coolant Filter

[jml93]

To my knowledge, there isn't a write-up about doing a coolant filter on 7.3's. So after deciding to not buy a kit, I went ahead and gathered all my parts and figured I'd try to take a shot at some sort of write-up.

The parts:

Filter base-NAPA 4019-eBay-$25
Filter-NAPA 4071-NAPA-$12.67
12' 3/8" heater hose-NAPA-$13.20
Pex T fitting-Lowe's-$1.92
Barb fittings-Lowe's/Parker-$5.57
Bag of 10 hose clamps-Lowe's-$4.67

Total: $63.03 vs. Dieselsite $109. Savings of $45.97

Also used:

Teflon tape
Black paint
Primer
Misc. hardware
Precious time



I first wanted to make the filter base black, so I scuffed the base and plugged the inlet and outlet holes.



While waiting on my paint to dry, I fabbed up a bracket to hang the setup and used the three bolts included to mount the base to the bracket. I then used two other bolts to hang the bracket.



I also prepped all my fittings with teflon tape for a better fit and hopefully prevent leaks.



I plan to remove my CCV catch-can, so I will mount the filter in this location. This is on the drivers side near the IDM.



For the outlet of the filter, it needs to be tapped into the line the connects the overflow tank to the radiator. This is where you use the T fitting.



To get coolant to flow all the way through the setup, you obviously need a pressure source. Some engineer was nice enough to locate a 3/8" NPT plug on the side of the water pump.



I ran the line from the water pump behind the serpentine belt and under the power steering pump. From it just went anywhere I felt it was safe from anything.



To make the hose look as stock as possible, I ran it through the bundle near the firewall, as seen in the upper right hand corner.



Here is the filter tucked away in it's new home, ready to roll!



An under-the-hood shot for a full view



I know this write-up has a few open ends, but I was trying to help answer most of the FAQs in one thread. Hope this helps anyone and feel free to PM me with any questions regarding the install!

**3/12/12-Since doing this install, I have eliminated the crappy looking bracket and just directly mounted the base. I plan to move the location of the filter and actually am due for a filter change. I'll post back with some results.

[catlinB]

i had a brain fart. and it may just be that. lol could we not just T into a heater house and have the coolant flow through the coolant filter thath way ??? just curious

[nine6stroker]

Dang... Now you got me thinking about building my own kit! It looks pretty straightforward! Thanks for the write up

Sent from my DROID X2 using AutoGuide App

[sgg93]

Pretty straightforward if you have a 95+ with a pressurized coolant overflow. The 94's aren't so blessed. I was pondering heater hoses.

[Patrick Feeley]

It's pretty straightforward on a 94 as well using the heater hoses. There was a writeup for this by a guy called Carpentractor from way back in the early to mid 2000's using the same NAPA base. Here's a pic of the one I had on my 94: TheDieselStop.Com Photo Hosting - NAPA Coolant Filter

You can see the hose routing on it. Cheers!

[Chiller]

Sub. nice work!

[ianstew]

looks good, only thing that scares me is the proximity to the idm.....

[jml93]

Originally Posted by Patrick Feeley

It's pretty straightforward on a 94 as well using the heater hoses. There was a writeup for this by a guy called Carpentractor from way back in the early to mid 2000's using the same NAPA base. Here's a pic of the one I had on my 94: TheDieselStop.Com Photo Hosting - NAPA Coolant Filter

You can see the hose routing on it. Cheers!

Location is very ideal if there isn't an intercooler being used!

Originally Posted by Chiller

Sub. nice work!

Thanks? lol

Originally Posted by ianstew

looks good, only thing that scares me is the proximity to the idm.....

It's not too close actually. Doesn't hit the IDM or anything. Considering moving it to a different location, just not sure where.

[mjonesjr]

The only thing I would worry about putting it there is leaks. If any leaks come up, it could fry the PCM or IDM.

[jml93]

Originally Posted by mjonesjr

The only thing I would worry about putting it there is leaks. If any leaks come up, it could fry the PCM or IDM.

I agree. As stated, I may relocate.