Coolant filter install

brando4905 · March 21, 2010, 07:18:13 AM

Upon doing some test runs with my "new" to me engine from Wildbob, I found some coolant leaks. Other than a few leaks here and there, this replacement 8v71 is awesome!! Thanks Bob!

I drained the coolant so I could replace the bottom radiator hose, and decided now would be a good time to install a coolant filter. I have tried using the search, but no luck on where to add the filter. The bus is 1980 H8H-649 (4905), where is the best spot, which line? I was thinking the 1" line coming off the transmission heat exchanger? What flow rating should I be looking for when I buy the filter set-up?

Also, the hose I need to replace is a short piece of 2 7/8" id, it is a "coupling" to the outlet of the radiator to the pipe that goes back to the engine. Where can I get one of those silicone "couplings" with the double hose clamps on each end? Wildbob, If you are reading, i'm talking about those blue couplings on some of the other pipes on the engine.

Thanks Folks!

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 08:26:36 AM

Brando,

I am going over to the shop today. I will take some photos for you of my 4905 factory coolant filter set up. It is a 1970 but I would not think it would make a difference.

Bryan

brando4905 · March 21, 2010, 08:37:03 AM

Bryan,

Thanks, I would really appreciate that. After a closer look at my engine bay, this isn't going to be as easy of a job as I thought.

Brandon

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 09:04:01 AM

I know that mine ties into the drain at the lower right front of the engine and I believe one of the lines from the compressor as well. The one from the compressor I think runs along a rail that sits between the blower and the right valve cover. I will take enough pictures to hopefully figure it out.
I looked thru my maint. manual and did not see any routing there.

Bryan

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 01:43:45 PM

Brando,

I uploaded all the photos to my Photobucket. Here is the link. Each photo is labeled as to where it goes. There are 13 photos so I thought it might be easier to view it there. Let me know if you have questions.

http://pbckt.com/sZ.dUOg

Bryan

luvrbus · March 21, 2010, 02:15:10 PM

The simple way is tie into the plugs on the water pump both plugs are on the water pump on the same side

good luck

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 02:20:31 PM

Brando,

I added one more photo. Here is the new link. http://s940.photobucket.com/albums/ad245/bryanhes/GMC%20Bus%20Conversion/GMC%20PD4905%20Coolant%20Filter%20line%20routing/

Bryan

brando4905 · March 21, 2010, 02:47:48 PM

Bryan,

Thanks for the pics. I didn't even think of that spot to mount the filter.

Clifford,

Tapping into the water pump sounds like the easiest way. How do I tell which plug is the inlet and which is the outlet, or does it matter?

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 04:00:12 PM

Brando,

That was how they were placed from the factory. I like the fact that it is picking up from one end of the engine, running it through the filter then back at what looks like the beginning.

Clifford,
Would it function the same off the water pump?

Bryan

johns4104s · March 21, 2010, 04:02:03 PM

Bryan,

Great photos, nice clean engine,

John

luvrbus · March 21, 2010, 04:42:32 PM

Brando, top plug in, bottom plug out when you buy the filter if new cost about 50 bucks complete from Napa it will have instructions telling you to keep the hose runs as short as possible and as close to the water pump as possible It shows the 2 plugs on the water pump as hook up locations in one of my service bulletins from DD but they work will any place you can make a loop just like a heater .
FWIW if you are not going to use it with chemical filter for balancing the cooling system to me they are a waste of time and money

good luck

bryanhes · March 21, 2010, 05:19:32 PM

Thanks John, I thought it was kind of dirty

Bryan

brando4905 · March 22, 2010, 07:53:08 AM

I can only find one plug on the water pump and there is a few choices of plugs on the thermostat housing. If I am using these ports, would the one from the t-stat housing go to the inlet on the filter, and then return from filter to water pump? Or do I have it backwards?

I am planning on using the chemical filters, just want to make sure I have the flow direction right.

Thanks,
Brandon

luvrbus · March 22, 2010, 09:02:00 AM

Brando, look on the water intake for the oil cooler should be one there

good luck

wildbob24 · March 23, 2010, 10:19:45 PM

Brandon,

You're welcome. I'm glad the engine is working out for you.....I knew it was going to be a good one.

As for the silicone couplers, I'm pretty sure my brother bought those off of eBay. I don't know who he got them from, but maybe somebody like these guys:

http://tinyurl.com/HumpHose

If you use the silicone hose, make sure you use constant-torque clamps on them.

Bob