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tjshively · 08-01-2020, 04:32 PM

2005 Alpine Coach 36 FDDS
I had a 2002 Alpine Coach and it had a coolant filter on it. When I got this 2005 Alpine Coach there was no coolant filter. Has anyone installed an aftermarket coolant filter and is it a good idea or not necessary?

twinboat · 08-01-2020, 05:02 PM

Its not actually a filter, its a container for a pellet of DCA coolant additive.

The additive can be added from a bottle or be incorporated in the antifreeze.

wolfe10 · 08-01-2020, 05:14 PM

Actually coolant filters can be EITHER:

Filtration ONLY

Filtration plus SCA

Many of the coolant manufacturer's sites give the micron rating of the filters.

An example (with 27 micron element):

https://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/Pa...spx?Part=15637

Old Scout · 08-01-2020, 05:18 PM

Interesting--the "filter" comes in several models from "0" units of SCA/DCA, 1 units, 2 units, and perhaps 3 units....so not sure what the purpose of a "filter" with "0" units would be???? Anyway, the "filter" was discontinued with the Cummins Pegasus engine in 2005. Would have to conclude the "filter" is no longer considered essential for the newer engines?????

wolfe10 · 08-01-2020, 05:34 PM

Zero unit SCA coolant filters are used with the new-generation OAT-based coolants.

They provide full filtration (27 micron in the example I posted) but add no SCA which would contaminate the new generation coolants that do not use SCA.

Old Scout · 08-01-2020, 06:43 PM

What Brett said--exactly!

RVPioneer · 08-02-2020, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjshively

2005 Alpine Coach 36 FDDS
I had a 2002 Alpine Coach and it had a coolant filter on it. When I got this 2005 Alpine Coach there was no coolant filter. Has anyone installed an aftermarket coolant filter and is it a good idea or not necessary?

In conclusion, the coolant filter is not necessary for your coach.

Some may consider not doing something that is not necessary to be a good idea.

wolfe10 · 08-02-2020, 09:32 AM

Actually filtering out large crud from the cooling system (27 micron element in the filter I mentioned above) IS a good idea. Rust, scale, etc circulating in the smaller passages of the engine, heater core, radiator, water pump, etc do not add to system longevity.

Mandatory-- or course not.

Part of how important it is is how religious one is about changing coolant, monitoring and adjusting coolant SCA level if the old generation coolant, etc.

Eliminating the filter was a COST SAVING ISSUE (read that bean counter, not engineer decision). The bean counters were correct-- very unlikely that eliminating the filter would result in failures during the warranty period.

Gary Arnold · 08-02-2020, 06:06 PM

I have a 06 with the factory installed filter. 2 times I have cut the filter open for inspection ------- There is always some scale and a little bit of sand.

W5CI · 08-02-2020, 06:14 PM

Regardless if you have the water filter or not, do yourself a favor and have the coolant conditioner level tested at each oil change. this simple test will save you an overhaul . don't ask me how I know.