Pre-charged filters and coolants...again

[Simplicity-SKO]

I've searched and read the skoolie.net and other forum discussions about using pre-charged filters, over-charging, dummy filters, pre-charged vs. non-charged coolants, test-strips and adding DCA's.

NOTE: Since SCA and DCA are synonyms, I'll use DCA only.

It appears that because the pre-charged filter is a slow release, it's more of a maintainer of DCA levels. In other words, it won't release enough additive soon enough to bring the DCA up to an acceptable level. So, starting with some pre-charge in the coolant appears appropriate.

Yet, what none of what I read clearly stated was if you are using a pre-charged filter, if you should use a:
1) pre-charged coolant
2) non-charged coolant and add sca additives
3) non-charged coolant and let the pre-charged filter do its thing
4) pre-charged coolant and dummy filter, then tested and when the DCA was starting to get low replace the dummy with a pre-charged filter

My T444E currently has a pre-charged DCA4 filter, so that's what I bought as a replacement. My coolant is green, which I'm assuming is not a pre-charged coolant.

I'm leaning towards #2.

Thoughts?

 

[s2mikon]

Always start with test strips first to establish a baseline. Are you changing coolant? And do you have test strips? I like to use non charged coolant and add DCA as necessary. Pre charged is fast and is good in a high volume shop. It doesn't matter to me as I'm retired and if it takes me a day or 2 to get it right fine. Just don't over charge. I test 3-4 times a year to watch for changes.

 

[Simplicity-SKO]

Always start with test strips first to establish a baseline. Are you changing coolant? And do you have test strips? I like to use non charged coolant and add DCA as necessary. Pre charged is fast and is good in a high volume shop. It doesn't matter to me as I'm retired and if it takes me a day or 2 to get it right fine. Just don't over charge. I test 3-4 times a year to watch for changes.

I'm draining the system and changing shaped hoses.

Do you use a dummy filter, or a pre-charged filter?

 

[s2mikon]

I used a pre charged filter. Tested 2 weeks later and added DCA to make up. 3 months later it got cold and I opened the heater valves and had to add DCA after I drove it. The heater circuit is big. Then I added a large tank type block heater and lost a gallon or more and had to re balance. It is balanced now but it will drift lower and I'll adjust it then. In another year it will be time to change it out. When I was at Detroit Diesel They told us to never over charge them. Under charge a little was ok but never over charge. The 53 series was very susceptible to liner pitting if run to low and would gel if over charged. The 71 series was far better in that regard. I miss them things. I had a picture of me in front of a 12v71T I rebuilt and hung it on the wall in the house and oil began running down the wall, god the wife got mad at me.

 

[s2mikon]

I should add make sure your test strips are not out of date. They do age depending on storage conditions.

 

[Simplicity-SKO]

I had a picture of me in front of a 12v71T I rebuilt and hung it on the wall in the house and oil began running down the wall, god the wife got mad at me.

LOL! Love it, oil running down the wall.

Then you are doing what I was leaning towards, non-charged coolant, pre-charged filter, add DCA as needed based on testing. Test throughout the year.

Sounds like the way to go.

Oh, if you're going to paint that wall, best to use oil based paint.