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Filter block valves closed
Hey Guys, I had my coolant changed with blank filters. I drove 1500 miles after the service with no issues. I noticed when returning home that the valves on the filter housing are closed. If I am not mistaken the valves are there to add treatment filters between coolant changes. I assume these valves should be opened all the time otherwise. Please advise. Thanks, Jeff.
Jeff and Lindsay
91 Marathon XL -
10 Replies
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If the coolant that was new was OAT (organic acid technology) it is a 6 year coolant instead of 2 and the cartridges will contaminate it and make it a 2 year coolant. But if it is a conventional coolant it needs SCAs and typically you run it about six months because it is already precharged with SCA (supplemental coolant additives) and then replace the old cartidges or if they are new just open the valves.
Jeff and Lindsay
91 Marathon XL -
Jon, so new blank filters with new 2 year precharged coolant valves should be opened. The coolant should be checked at 6 months and treatment release filters added if needed. I think I finally understand the use of blank and treatment release filters. But… I have heard of others who install sca release filters and leave the valves closed until an sca charge is needed. Is it not important to have filters exposed to the system at all times so the coolant is being cleaned? Thanks, Jeff
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Yes, the cartridges do provide filtration, but I know a Prevost OTR system also has filters and a sediment bowl.
If the cartridges are new, and blank I agree with opening the valve. If they are not blanks I would leave the valves shut and open them in 6 months. But again, make sure you have the 2 year coolant or the cartidges are blanks.
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Got it. Thanks!
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Napa sells coolant test strips for diesel engines to check nitrate and pH levels. Too little SCA is definitely not good (liner cavitation and other corrosion), but too much SCA is not good either (abrasive fall out).
Gerald
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Thanks Gerald. I have read so much about the importance of coolant maintenance especially with the 8v. I think I finally have my mind around all of the aspects. Thanks for adding that. I will definitely be checking that in the fall and adding the sca filters if needed. Jeff
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Just to be clear..
The purpose of the shut off valves are to keep coolant from draining when the filter is removed. The valves need to be open, it’s a filter….
2 year coolant – SCA filter – valves open
6 year extended – Blank filter – valves open
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OkTom, But you said 2 year coolant sca filters. But not until the testing indicates the need for a charge. Until then I should use blank filters since the fresh coolant is precharged. Correct?.
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The cartridge used with the extended life coolant is a blank cartridge and therefore does not add any sca to the system….Yes valves should be open, I know of no negative effect of being closed with a blank cartridge in the system..
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If you have pre charged coolant, it’s extended.
My term of 2 yr coolant just means standard heavy duty coolant with no SCA. 2 yr is just the suggested change interval and you’ll find many out there that has been in service for years and not changed. The pre charge filter eventually runs out of SCA, that’s the purpose of using the test strips.
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