I'm planning on draining the coolant in the near future, as I need to mess with some things on the front of the motor (don't ask - and yes, I'm fixing a ****-up ) and I'd like to try to strain the coolant while it's out.

Nothing too serious. Like run it through some cheesecloth or something to get out any major bits of crap/crud that may be in it. AFAIK, the coolant itself is still fine - I just know that it'll bug me if I see crud floating in it and I pour it back into the motor without trying to clean it up a little.

Any suggestions on what to use for a 'filter'?

 

Panty hose maybe? Probably a few layers would do a good job of straining.

 

I use a coffee filter in an old coffee maker filter basket in a big funnel. You have to use the filter basket because the coffee filters won't drain right unless there are air gaps between them and the walls of the container holding them. (takes FOREVER if you just use the funnel).

DISCLAIMER... I strain the old fluid to put in my beater truck cause it drinks it like i drink guiness. NEVER, would i put strained/ used fluid in my 7,., nor should you!

 

Man, I'll send you some Canadian Tire money, to buy yourself a new jug of Prestone and some de-ionized water....

 

I just did this on my HC3S Mazda 929 while changing the thermostat. I used a measuring cup to scoop the antifreeze out of my drain bucket, a handheld kitchen strainer (removes pulp, sifts flower, etc..) to strain the antifreeze, and a funnel to get it back into the radiator.

 

It just seems a waste to toss the current mix if there's nothing wrong with it...

 

Just put in new, unless maybe you're running Evans coolant.