TM 5-3895-346-14
COOLANT FILTER AND CONDITIONER
ENGINE OVERHAUL
COOLANT FILTER AND CONDITIONER
The engine cooling system filter and conditioner is a compact bypass-type unit with a replaceable canister-type
element (Fig. 1), a spin-on-type element (Fig. 2) or a clamp-on-type element (Fig. 3).
A correctly installed and properly maintained coolant filter and conditioner provides a cleaner engine cooling
system, greater heat dissipation, increased engine efficiency through improved heat conductivity, and
contributes to longer life of engine parts.
The filter provides mechanical filtration by means of a closely packed element through which the coolant
passes. Any impurities such as sand and rust particles suspended in the cooling system will be removed by the
straining action of the element. The removal of these impurities will contribute to longer water pump life and
proper operation of the thermostat. Figure 1. Coolant Filter and Conditioner (Canister-Type)
The filter also serves to condition the coolant by softening the water to minimize scale deposits, maintain an
acid free condition and act as a rust preventive.
Corrosion inhibitors are placed in the element and dissolve into the coolant, forming a protective rustproof film
on all of the metal surfaces of the cooling system (refer to Coolant Specifications). The other components of
the element perform the function of cleaning and preparing the cooling passages while the corrosion inhibitors
protect them.
Filter Installation
If a coolant filter and conditioner is to be installed on an engine which has been in service, drain and flush the
cooling system prior to installation of the filter. Figure 2. Coolant Filter and Conditioner (Spin-On-Type)
Figure 1. Coolant Filter and Conditioner (Canister
Type)
Figure 2. Coolant Filter and Conditioner (Spin-On-
Type)
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