DIY automotive coolant filter install

This is a quick tutorial on how to install a budget style coolant filter on your vehicle which will be just as effective as an actual coolant filter yet cost 6-10 times less, and most likely be easier to install and access.

Note:: 99.99% of gasoline engines on the road don't use coolant filters, and 100% of vehicles with gasoline engines don't have coolant filters from the factory. Reasoning behind this is that unlike diesel engines, gasoline engines don't have a dirty combustion process which quickly contaminates antifreeze. Other reasons may include cost reduction and practicality in the sense that most cars these days are not manufacturered with longevity as the priority and have an average lifespan of only 12 years in the U.S.

That being said, there are still SEVERAL situations where gasoline engines would benefit from the addition of a coolant filter.

Applications & Benefits of retrofitting a coolant filter to your vehicle:

-Classic cars: Typically have iron blocks AND iron heads. That, in combination with their age, will typically result in a seemingly never-ending problem of rust particles constantly flowing through the cooling system and eventually damaging water pumps, thermostats and other components prematurely (regardless of how many times you flush/clean the system).
-severely neglected cooling systems: these typically have very deep layers of rust in the cooling system from years of topping off a radiator with tap water due to neglected coolant leaks. As mentioned above, these can be extremely difficult or not possible within one''s means to effectively flush/clean out all the rust.
-New vehicles: believe it or not, almost all gasoline or diesel engines are made via a method called Sand Casting. This process can lead a brand new vehicle to have mild-heavy residual sand deposits which can eventually wreak havoc on the cooling system (e.g leaks, clogs, water pump/thermostat failure, etc.)
Dexcool sludge/rust: This is a frequent problem with vehicles using Dexcool coolant (orange in color) because it creates a sludge/rust problem if mixed with Incompatible coolant or if not changed at intervals recommend by the manufacturer.

[antbonyziemiak]

Please tell us about the baking soda and vinegar cleaning methods. Thanks for pointing out that the coolant line from the radiator to the expansion tank is bi--directional. Also the warning about using a plastic filter....which I was considering !!

[whzone]

wouldn't the glass brake from all the heat