Coolant filter assemblies

A coolant filter assembly for use in an automobile cooling system including an engine block, a radiator, radiator outlet and inlet hoses and a pump for circulating the coolant therein, the coolant filter assembly comprising:

• (A) a filter housing including first and second housing valves each comprising an end connector tube, a transition portion and a central portion, the housing halves being adapted for being removably attached together in a coolant tight seal with the central portions of the housing halves together forming a central portion of the filter housing which is enlarged with respect to the radiator inlet hose and the connector tubes being adapted to mount the filter housing in the cooling system with the coolant inlet flow path through the filter housing;
• (B) a filter cartridge having a cartridge shell being open at one end to admit coolant, the cartridge shell being perforated with openings to permit coolant to exit, and filter material deployed within the cartridge shell for filtering coolant passing therethrough;
• and
• (C) means removably supporting the filter cartridge in the central portion of the filter housing with the open end of the cartridge she-1 receiving the coolant flow, whereby the coolant filter assembly cleans the coolant and the filter cartridge can be removed and replaced when dirty, wherein the filter cartridge is sized to permit coolant flow around it in the central portion of the filter housing, whereby coolant flows both through and around the filter cartridge and coolant flow is maintained if the filter cartridge becomes clogged.