DIY Coolant Filter – Here is how I did mine

[tubular031]

I wanted to add a coolant filter to my truck. It’s a very good idea to do. I like the setup that Bob sells at dieselsite, but I would rather build my own – cause that’s how I roll!

The hardest part of this for me was getting that stupid plug out of the water pump. There is not much room in there and mine would not come out without a MAJOR fight. I ended up using the vice grips and beating it out of there. Took me longer to get the plug out then all the rest of it (including cutting/drilling/bending the bracket!)

First make the bracket. Then drain the radiator. I also replaced the upper hose to the around the belt style when installing this filter. I suggest you do the same. The hose costs $14.99 at my local orielly. I also suggest doing a coolant flush at this time if you are up for one.

Then pull the plug out of the water pump (good luck!!), mount the filter, hook up all the lines and you are done! It’s pretty simple.







Here is the BOM. I did not pay shipping because I ordered these parts with other orders. If you factor in shipping the price will go up some.

[superxcrewfx4]

That is a nice write up, good job. I have never seen a green belt, I am irish now I want one.

[tubular031]

Thanks.

The belt is a gates belt. I got it with the new pulley and tensioner I bought from a gates distributer online. The coolant base was green too, but I paited it black since some rust was starting to show.

[tdeal823]

I just copied your post now i'm going to go shoping.
Thanks for the write up nice job

[no-tel-in]

I have all of the stuff laying around at home, how did you get the damn plug out of the t-stat housing??

[tubular031]

Originally Posted by no-tel-in

I have all of the stuff laying around at home, how did you get the damn plug out of the t-stat housing??

I am glad it was not just my truck that was a pain!

Since I was changing the hose to the around the belt style I removed it to make room. I could not get it out with a box wrench so out came the vice grips. Took me maybe 2 hours to get it out of there and LOTS of blood, swet, and TONS and TONS of colorful language. My neighbor came out to see what I was screaming at.... I could get it to go about half a turn from tight and then it stopped and the pain came. By the time I was done, the 4 sided pipe plug was no longer a square, it was round and much smaller from all the metal I shaved off with the vice grips.

I wonder if some heat from a tourch would have helped it any.

[blowinsmoke7.3]

And the purpose of this is....?

[alberta 7.3]

At least the plug was an outside square. When I put the coolant filter on my OBS, the plug was 5/16" inside square. I had to grind down an old 3/8" extension to make a tool to get it out. Later, I found a kit in a store with the tool, but it was around $75.00

[no-tel-in]

yeah, i think i only have about 35 bucks in mine, if i can get that plug out. I have tried twice now and given up...

[lcducote]

what are the benfits to having a filter system?