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bobriley44 · 10-11-2015, 04:58 PM

Been reading this forum for a couple years since I bought my first RV back in July of 2013. So decided to join and hopefully to help out when possible and get help when needed. I have a 2002 Monaco Diplomat with a 330HP ISC Cummins engine. Want to start doing some of my own maintenance and changing the coolant filter is something new to me. My question is, how much coolant will drain through the filter opening when I remove the filter? Want to be ready with the right container! Thanks in advance for the help.

Mr_D · 10-11-2015, 05:02 PM

There should be a shut off petcock with next to the filter, shutting it off should stop any flow. However, they do seize up and break off too.

FormerBoater · 10-11-2015, 05:11 PM

Once you shut the petcock off, the only coolant you will lose is a small amount before you can bring the old filter upright.

I then emply the filter contents into the overflow bottle. Lube the gasket on the new filter and HAND TIGHTEN only.

Easy peasy!

jacwjames · 10-11-2015, 07:31 PM

X3 on the filter change, you should loose very little coolant.

There is a stop chock type valve on the filter base, make sure you can turn it before you start, I've read that it sometimes freezes up.

I change my filter once per year. I had my coolant checked earlier this year and it tested good. You may consider doing this if you don't have any history on it. I got a kit from JG Lubrication, cost ~$35. Your type of engine has to have the right level of SCA, you can buy test strips for Cummins. Important criteria is PH, SCA level, and freeze point. Also look for any out of the ordinary contaminants.

Papa_Jim · 10-11-2015, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

There should be a shut off petcock with next to the filter, shutting it off should stop any flow. However, they do seize up and break off too.

If your shut off petcock is black plastic, I recommend not to touch it. Don't try to turn it. Leave it alone. They have a habit of breaking when you try to turn them, and then you have a whole new problem. The new replacement petcock is stainless steel.

My petcock is the black plastic, and I've never touched it. I simply drain a couple of gallons of coolant from the bottom of the radiator. That lowers the coolant level enough to allow changing the coolant filter without spillage. Then I simply pour the coolant back into the overflow tank, and all is good.

Jim

IASM · 10-11-2015, 11:36 PM

One trick is to have a helper put a shopvac on the expansion tank to hold a vacuum on the cooling system then quickly change it out.

HeapBigEngin · 10-11-2015, 11:41 PM

Silly, perhaps, but don't forget to turn the petcock back on after changing the filter. It can be overlooked in haste....trust me.

Also, suggest you find out if your cooling system already has the long-life OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant before you start. If so, you probably don't have to change the coolant. If you already have or switch to OAT coolant, you will need a filter that is not "pre-charged" with SCA (supplemental coolant additive). OAT coolant generally does not require SCA, and, as I understand it, too much of that stuff with OAT coolant is not a good thing.

Suggest you do a forum search on this subject....lots of good info here. Hope this is useful....

bobriley44 · 10-14-2015, 08:10 AM

Thanks to all of you with the suggestions and replies. I am going to have the coolant checked before I do anything else.

deandec · 10-15-2015, 09:30 AM

My petcock has been frozen for the last 13 years. I just spin off the filter and spin the new one on. Spillage is hard to catch but I would guess less than a pint.

Cummins C8.3L 300HP