Davco 382 into a coolant filter?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Kruse Family Farms, May 17, 2026 at 6:38 PM.

  1. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Medium Load Member

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    Anyone ever turn a davco into a coolant filter? My recently purchased 12.7l doesn't have a coolant filter and I just changed the air compressor and water pump and the coolant was pretty scummy and gritty. I don't know the history of the coolant so I am switching it out to rotella oat elc, it is orange that is compatible with red so shouldn't be any issue going to red. Anyways I was wondering if you can turn the davco into a coolant filter? I have an extra one laying around, I figure it shouldn't be that much different that using it as a fuel filter? Not sure if I am missing something or not. Otherwise I will just order some generic remote filter mount for a coolant filter.
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Colour doesn't mean anything in terms of coolant compatibility anymore.

    I would do a very thorough flush of the system rather than a drain and refill due to the contamination you're describing. Plus you will know for certain that you won't have compatibility issues with mixed coolants.

    What's the micron rating of the Davco? I'd be very hesitant to use a fuel filter element for coolant since they're usually filtering down to a few microns.

    Since you are switching to OAT coolant I probably wouldn't put a coolant filter on there that has cooling system additives (SCA). Not really needed with modern day coolants.
     
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  4. Kruse Family Farms

    Kruse Family Farms Medium Load Member

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    You can do all sorts of different micron ratings. For fuel I typically run a 7 but I believe I can go up to 25 micron. I am basically flushing it twice. So it should be pretty clean at that point. I didn't have the right coolant on hand. I accidentally bought NOAT at the store and I wanted OAT. So I ran this coolant through some filters a few times to help clean it up some. Planning to flush it out next week again and thinking about a filter of some kind.
     
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