Coolant Filter

[Hedgehog]

I am getting ready to change the coolant on my 2006 Monaco Knight and I was just wondering, where is the coolant filter. I want to locate everything ahead of time so I can aply some penetrating oil on them. The engine is a 8.3 Cummins ISC. Thank you in advanced.

[Rex]

Don't think you have a coolant filter.

If you do, it is on the driver's side hear the oil filter. Will have a twist valve at the top that you turn 90-degrees to close fluid flow. If you have this be careful turning the valve as they can easily be broken, and DON'T forgot to turn it back on after changing the filter.

[Hedgehog]

So, what is the purpose of the coolant filter? If I dont have one, should I install a aftermarket one or just leave it the way it is and flush and refill my cooling system?

[Rex]

Monaco quit installing them to save $$$. No I don't think you need one or should not install one either. Wish I didn't have one and see no reason for it, but I am stuck with it anyway. Yes I could use a blank (empty) filter but they cost more than the regular filter and also must be changed every 6 months. So just be happy you don't have it.

[TEDDE]

I am following your advice regarding coolant filters..I have a question as to what type of anti-freeze to use...Prestone or ??????? Is it the same as a car.... or is there special diesel anti-freeze..Thx in advance

Ted

[Diplomat Don]

Hedgehog and TEDDE.....I know the Scepter doesn't have a coolant filter because they elimianted them in the ISL before 2005. I changed my coolant over to Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant three years ago. Most diesel coaches now come with OAT coolant. It doesn't require any testing for SCA's or DCA's and you can literally run the stuff without a coolant cap. It doesn't get hot.

[Coma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEDDE I am following your advice regarding coolant filters..I have a question as to what type of anti-freeze to use...Prestone or ??????? Is it the same as a car.... or is there special diesel anti-freeze..Thx in advance Ted

The coolant is different. The heavy duty diesel motor is built different than the light duty motor, wet sleeve cylinders vs dry sleeve. The coolant has to cool under a more adverse environment. For example; wet sleeve motors can form microscopic bubbles around the cylinder which acts as a barrier to heat transfer. The chemical make up of heavy duty coolant resists that.
The coolant filter is used to keep particulate out of the mix. Small particles are boiling point precipitators and reduce the efficiency of cooling.

The older coolants require periodic test to insure the balance of borates and nitrates are correct, there are test strips for this. The new coolant, OAT for Organic Acid Technology, has a longer life.

My experience with heavy duty motors is limited, so feel free to correct.

[H. Miller]

Our '04 era ISC has a spin on coolant filter on the drivers side of the engine just in front of the huge oil filter. With the "old style" coolant a filter is required as it is impregnated with a required chemical and it is added to the water over time.
Newer diesel coolant is available that does not require this additional chemical and if you have a filter, a "blank" filter is required. It still filters but is minus the additional chemical. The anti freeze and either filter can be found at a truck maint. operation. You'll get a blank stare at most auto parts places.
Do Not use auto anti freeze.

[TEDDE]

Thanks for all the info..I used auto antifreeeze as a top up in my overflow tank..I will add the correct fluids whenever I have to add.. Hope it hasn't caused a problem yet..Thx

Ted

[moisheh]

http://www.oem-oil.ru/sources/SEBU6250-15-01-Mar09.pdf

Antifreeze Requirements for Diesel Engines

AF requirements for diesel engines is a very complicated subject. My first link gives you the Cat manual which is excellent. The second is an article that Cruzer wrote. Very good but may be a little dated. I think the Freightliner Club also has a good article on their website. Auto AF is not what you want. Cummins asks for at least a ASTM D6210 AF. This is a fully formulated HD Diesel AF. Each MH mfr. uses different coolants. The colour does not always indicate the type. My 08 Dynasty did not come with the OSA coolant. Or at least it is not mentioned in the manual. Changing your own coolant can be difficult due to the disposal problem. Sleeved engines always requires an AF that has SCA's added or is fully formulated but non sleeve varies. The ISB uses ordinary diesel AF while the Ford's were using an SCA due to cavitation. OSA's will be damged if you add anything other than OSA coolant. Read the water requirement in the Cat guide. NEVER use tap water!!

[TEDDE]

Thanks to all the coolant guru's who replied..I think that I am in trouble. I only used auto antifreeze as a top up in my overflow cannister...do I have to drain the entire system? I did run the coach for awhile so the coolant is mixed with each other. Next time I will contact this forum BEFORE I do anything..story of my life...oh boy

Ted

[Rex]

Ted if your coolant has never been changed, now would be a good time to do so.

Contact your local Cummins shop and discuss with them what type to use to properly protect your engine. They will need to know what engine you have (isc - isl - etc) and the engine serial number. You can call Monaco Tech Support 877-466-6226 and ask them to send you a Build Sheet. It will list everything on your coach and should have the engine serial number.

[bobinaz123]

I read the posts on this subject and I'm concerned I may have created a problem for myself. I have an 08 Camelot with an ISL 400 engine. It has about 27,000 miles on it. In the course of the past 3 years I have topped of my coolant with regular AF. I'd guess the amount at a couple of gallons. Have I created a problem for myself?

Bob F

[Rex]

Bob F, yes you have. Time to get it flushed and change. Use one of the newer Cummins products that does not require additives like SCA / DCA. Carry an extra gallon with you as it is not readily available like automotive antifreeze.