Thread: Tefba coolant filters GROUP BUY !!

I think there is another solution, but like archemedes said.... at what cost?

Could make an Inline one with extra radiator hose, some type of couplers and clamps to connect the hose's together. See my primitive text drawing.

In ----[=v=]---- Out

Key
--- existing hose
[ , ] couplers
= new hose
v filter

My design would be pretty much disposable. But you could use old radiator hose necks off of old radiators (sawzall them?) or just plain metal pipe and hose clamps.

Just trying to stir up the creative process.

Originally Posted by archemedes

but how would the home depot stuff hold up under the heat and chemicals?

I don't think chemicals and heat are a problem. Have you seen an IC kit? The T fitting with the cap is something I've seen at a mom and pop atuo parts store. You know the kind before AutoZones popped up. The kind I still try to buy all of my autoparts from. Then there is just the matter of getting a screen.

However as I mentioned before since this is available I would buy it.

Originally Posted by SyntheticShield

I have given CONSIDERABLE thought to this, even drew up my own designs and let me tell you what I came up with.

1. The screw on cap. Thats the killer right there because its got a gasket. Being round and threaded thats easy enough to do, but then you run into issues with the inlet/outlet set up. Because its a cylindrical filter, it makes it tough.

2. The internal screen is directional. It only goes in one way and so you have to have the filter oriented correctly to the coolant flow. In addition to that, there is the tray thing that traps larger stuff (they call it the sediment trap I believe) that isnt trapped by the filter screen itself. This trap makes it so you dont have to remove the entire filter to clean out all the gunk. Otherwise you would have to have some way to clean out the heavier stuff that settled to the bottom of the filter.

3. You could make it square in shape and that would take care of the inlet/outlet issues (sealing against a flat surface rather than a curved one) but then you would have issues with trying to recreate the cap that screws down and seals that way.

I totally believe it could be done with plumbing supplies, but you would be introducing so many other sealing surfaces, I wonder how reliable it would be. You just have three place to seal now and Ive been using mine for a while now, probably more than a year and no leaks.

As well, the screen is in a V type shape so that it gets trapped and is harder to knock loose by the coolant flow. There is also two different screens with the filter. One course filter screen and one fine screen.

Im not saying it cant be done, Im just saying I have spent a great deal of time in the Lowes plumbing section trying to figure out just how to do it. You also have to keep in mind the different hose sizes as well, though with our cars all you'd have. to have is 1-1/4". Ive tried but Im still open to ideas and suggestions. I could be entirely possible Ive missed or overlooked something.

These are all good points and you have the advantage buy actually owning one of these. It doesn't look like much but a good idea in the pictures.

I thought Steven was in too.

I went back to Lowe's again today just to make sure I hadnt overlooked something. I bet I spent over an hour there. While I could buy bulk PVC pipe, we're again back to sealing up the joints and such. Plus I not sure whether or not PVC would hold up to the temps and the coolant itself.

So while I would love to make one of these, its just going to be tough to do and not spend either A.) a ton of time doing it or making it, or B.) a ton of money in buying stuff and trying it out to find the right combo.

For the price, the Tefba filter is probably the best option for normal daily driven passenger vehicles. If you want to spend a little more you can always step up into what the over the road truck drivers use, but good luck in mounting it.

Count me in if there's a group buy.

You said you were quoted $62 +/- $1. The normal price I've seen for these is $62.65 before shipping, so it looks like we're getting free shipping, which is still a good deal.

Here ya go. Here's some alternatives. Take a look at the very last picture. That is just like the crap I pulled out of my radiator except I pulled out enough to fill up the the Tefba filter container at least once.

Also, keep in mind that all the alternatives presented still dont offer the advantages that the Tefba does, most notably, being able to clean the filter without dumping coolant.

Coolant Filters

heres a more industrial/heavy duty type coolant filter. Notice its size and I dont want to even fathom the cost. I know the filters alone, just the filters, can run as much as $125 in some cases. Of course there are much cheaper ones but that just gives you an idea of what the cost could get to.

Lee of course I am in! I can't wait to get it. I thought I posted in here already, how many people we got so far that are 100% other than me and lee?

Edit: Excuse my improper language Lee and I. haha

bayareagtp, if you could keep a list in the first post of the ones that have agreed to participate in the group buy, it may make it easier to keep track of things. Just a suggestion.

Synthetic, are you in, also? I thought you had one already?

I do already have one. Just trying to help the group buy go smoothly. I love mine, and there wont be another vehicle I ever own that will be without one.

That is what I thought and I feel the same way about unflitered coolant now.

Originally Posted by s1795so2

That is what I thought and I feel the same way about unflitered coolant now.

You bought a Tornado when they first came out didn't you? j/k

This seems like a really good idea. I can't wait to see if there is crap in a relatively new system. All of the factory sealing tabs should have setup by now so this should be interesting.

i will be making a list of everyone that has agreed to get 1 today . sorry i would have done it this weekend but only go online at work .

Thats fine, I just wanted to make sure everything was still on track and good to go.

ok here is my list so far (if i missed anyone please let me know) :

1-IndeedSS
2-Rebos00GTP
3-Warhellride
4-s1785so2


so we are still short by 6 people . come on member you know you want 1 of these . we need 10 member total to place an order . just so everyone know the price is $63 + or - and $1 . basically we are getting free shipping . the guy says he doesnt have much room to work with on the price because these are made in Australia (basically the US dollar has gone down in value) .

Originally Posted by IndeedSS

You bought a Tornado when they first came out didn't you? j/k

This seems like a really good idea. I can't wait to see if there is crap in a relatively new system. All of the factory sealing tabs should have setup by now so this should be interesting.

How'd you know I got a tornado? haha jk, you know better than that.

I guess we will be the newer test vehicles since we both have 04's

Well if I knew that we'd have the wife a new car in short order I would get on the list so we'd have one for her new vehicle. But right now we are still putting funds aside in the hopes we can buy one outright or put a major down payment on it.