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Engine oil filters specifications, claims and factsEngine oil filters specifications, claims and factsPaul Dilger

As we continue our series on oil filters, let's look at engine filtration needs with respect totolerances and lubrication oil films and then compare those needs to the claims madeby today's oil filtration products. We will also look at some research General Motorsconducted on 22 diesel engines with respect to quality oil filtration.

Typical engine specifications show how critical it is to have an effective oil filtrationsystem. http://www.shoclub.com/lubricationoil/lubrication-oilpart5.html Web site andshows the bearing clearances for three different engines. This is the SHO club Web sitedesigned to help club members select the best filters for their engines in order to reduceengine wear caused by abrasive particles.

The sizes of the minimum tolerances are hard to comprehend. The smallest totaltolerance for the V8 SHO engine on the chart is 0.0004 inch. This means the oil film oneach side of the crankshaft and the block's main bearing is 0.0002 inch, or two tenthousandths of an inch. What then is the largest particle that we would consider safe topass through the oil filter, measured in microns? My best guess would be about 70percent of 0.0002 inch or 0.00014 inch. If 1 micron is equal to 0.000039 inch, then0.00014 inch is about 3 microns. Keep this number in mind as we go through our study.

If 1 micron = 0.000039 inch, then 10 microns = 0.00039 inch (or 0.0004 inch), thesame as the minimum total oil film tolerance in the V8 SHO engine main bearing. It iseasy to see that when abrasive particles are the same size as the oil film, wear willoccur. Most automotive engines do not meet these tight tolerances. We will normally seearound 0.001-inch oil film on each side of the crankshaft or about 25 microns. You wouldthink it would be fairly safe to look at using a 10-micron filter to achieve excellentfiltration on such engines.

What happens to the life of an engine when the oil filter does not remove all the particleslarger than the oil film tolerances? In an article about oil filters in January 2006 OPE, welearned that typical efficiency numbers for paper element filters are 40 percent at 10microns, 60 percent at 20 microns, 93 percent at 30 microns, and 97 percent at 40microns ( http://people.msoe.edu/%7Eyoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilters.html ). We can seefrom these percentages that the larger the particle, the more efficient the filter medium.For the V8 SHO, only 60 percent of the 20 micron particles are removed, while at thesame time, some larger particles are still passing through that will slowly erode thebearing surfaces.

There is a new filter test, the SAE J1858, that provides particle counting and gravimetricmeasurement to measure both filter capacity and efficiency. The particle count testmeasures the number of particles of all sizes combined per fluid volume before and afterthe filter. The beta (B) ratio is then used by the filter manufacturers to determine afilter's efficiency. Beta calculation of filter efficiency [beta] = #of particles upstream/ =10,000 particles/ = 10 #of particles downstream 1,000 particles Filter efficiency = (a-1)* 100/ = (10-1) * 100/ = 90% efficiency

[beta] 10 - The particle count leads to the measurement of the filter's capacity, while thegravimetric process measures the weight of the particles before and after the filter todetermine the filter's efficiency. Keep in mind that when a filter manufacturer says itsfilter is 90 percent efficient, it could be based on either the particle weight or on the sizeof the particles. If the filter's efficiency is based on particle size, the manufacturer mayspecify, for example, that it removes 90 percent of all 20 micron-sized particles!

This gives the specifications for the Wix 51060 filters. ( http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/ResultsPart.asp?PartNo=51060 ).

All the information for both filters is consistent down the chart to the anti-drain backvalve. The differences in the two filters show up in the beta ratio, the burst pressure, the

With the article below in mind the best filtering filters to be found atthis time are the AMSOIL EaO filters. Continuing on the path torevolutionize the filtration market, AMSOIL has introduced the new EaOil Filter line. Ea Oil Filters feature advanced full synthetic nanofibertechnology, making them the highest efficiency filters that are availablefor the auto/light truck market.

Extensive testing shows that AMSOIL Ea Oil Filters achieve a near-perfect absolute efficiency rating. The exclusive new technology used inAMSOIL EaO Filters provides filtering efficiency to 98.7 percent at 15microns. EaO Filters are the most efficient filters that are available forauto/light trucks.

These AMSOIL EaO filters are available here:http://www.modernoils.com/EaO_Oil_Filters.html

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1. Choosing the right oil.2. Choosing the right oil filter. 3. Changing your engine oil. 4. Disposing of your used oil.

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2/27/09 12:08 PMMotorOilWorld.com - Choosing an oil filter

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maximum flow rate and the nominal micron rating. Since both filters use paper media,the difference in the maximum flow rate is due to either larger pore size or greatersurface area of the media.

The consumer information on the 51060 racing filter's box says: "NASCAR performance,proven improved horsepower, no dry starts, no-leak positive gasket seal, and extremeburst pressure." (I'll cover these later with respect to all filters.) Here are some moreinteresting points printed on the racing filter's box that the manufacturer specificallywants you to know.

* "Not intended for street use."

* "Warning: Wix racing filters are designed for racing purposes only, and if used onstreet-driven vehicles, pre-mature engine wear is possible."

* "New vehicle and equipment warranties are void when this product is used incompetitive racing or on modified high-performance engines."

In addition, following are some of the "exclusive features" written on the racing filter box.

* "Advanced Performance Media; providing high volume, low restriction." Because Wix isusing paper media, I am left to assume it is using a larger pore size or greater surfacearea in the media to increase the flow rate.

* "Heavy Can and Cover." This implies the metal is thicker than the standard canister. Iwill be measuring them later and will let you know.

* "Zinc Chromate-plated Base Plate." This is not found on inexpensive filters!

* "Fully Perforated Spiral Steel Center Tube." This is necessary for extreme automotiveoil pressure.

In most cases, you won't find any detailed specifications on oil filters unless you godirectly to the manufacturer. For example, an AC Delco "Duraguard PF1218" oil filterprovides the following information to the consumer: 1) Offers superior engine protection;2) Removes engine-damaging particles; 3) Provides a durable, high-quality filter.Durable? Are they talking about the media or the shell? Don't all oil filters pretty muchclaim the same things? How would you compare this PF1218 filter to theinterchangeable Wix or Fram filters?

Some years ago, General Motors sponsored a basic research study on diesel engine wearand fuel economy with respect to oil filtration. Fodor & Ling, affiliated with the ResearchInstitute of Automotive Industry, conducted oil filtration tests on 22 6V-53 turbochargedDetroit Diesel Allison engines.

Three technical papers (SAE 881827, SAE 881825 and SAE 95255) were written on howultra-fine oil filtration affected an engine's performance. These papers described theresults of micro-micro filtering crankcase oil to determine the affect of by-pass filtrationin the 3- to 10-micron range. Five engine components were tested: rod bearings,bushings, compression rings, oil control rings and main bearings. The emphasis of thetest was to control particles in the 3-to 10-micron range. The test proved that removingadditional particles in the 3- to 10-micron range will have the greatest effect in reducingengine wear. Particles in this range have traditionally been ignored, but this size range isvery significant as a long-term wear factor.

Some interesting findings of this research are as follows:

* Micro-micro filtering gravimetrically reduced the particulate contamination from 0.016percent to 0.0025 percent, which reduced the number of particles by a factor of 6. It alsoreduced normal engine wear by a factor of 14.

* Fuel economy was increased 0.9 percent. This may not seem like much, but is aconsiderable amount over the life of the engine.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range create a significant amount of unforeseen wear.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range create friction and power loss.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range increase fuel consumption.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range micro-erode engine rings.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range micro-erode soft seals on the crankshaft.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range micro-erode rolling surfaces.

* Particles in the 3- to 10-micron range cause the engine to wear about six times fasterthan it would if these particles were removed.

The ultimate benefit of these tests resulted in greater diesel engine performance over anextended fife, along with lower operating costs. These tests showed the significance ofreducing the proliferation of particles generated by the engine below the 10-micronrange is phenomenal. Each grain of contaminant (wear debris, mineral grain, metallicoxide) produces a small but finite amount of friction, abrasive wear and catalytic oilbreakdown. Because of the vast number of harmful microscopic particles, the total effect

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2/27/09 12:08 PMMotorOilWorld.com - Choosing an oil filter

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breakdown. Because of the vast number of harmful microscopic particles, the total effectof this abundance of debris is abbreviated oil life, substantially higher engine friction,and propagation of engine wear.

You have probably noticed very large oil filters bolted on the outside of the cab on large,line-haul trucks. These large filters are by-pass filters that filter a percentage of the oilbeing pumped. After the oil is filtered, it is dumped directly back in the crankcasewithout any of it passing through the engine. The aforementioned test results can easilyrelate to the benefit these large engines receive from low-micron, depth-type filtration,since these large diesels average 300,000-500,000 miles between overhauls.

In conclusion, today's engine and filter manufacturers maintain levels of cleanliness tokeep consumers satisfied with their products. Keep in mind that engine manufacturerssuch as Detroit Diesel, Cummins and Caterpillar strive for bragging rights on whoseengine will last the longest. The automotive market is more into sales and parts.Therefore, if consumers want their automotive engines to last as long as possible, theyneed to research the highest quality replacement parts for their application.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more comprehensive studies on OPE engine, electrical and hydrauliccertification, visit Paul Dilger's Web site at www.imslo.com. These study programsdevelop professional mechanics.

Paul Dilger is a retired professor of agricultural engineering at Cal-Poly State University.He worked as a mechanic in the US. Army before attending college. After graduatingfrom college, he taught mechanics for 25 years. He is currently a private consultanthelping companies develop quality service training programs.

Figure 1--Engine bearing clearances

Bearing Clearances

V8 SHO--1996

Min (") Max (") Journal Dia (")

Rods 0.0009 0.0023 1.9680Mains 0.0004 0.0012 2.4800Pistons 0.0008 0.0016Cam 0.0008 0.0024 0.9826

V8 SHO--1996

Microns Min (")

Rods 40.6 0.0009Mains 20.3 0.0011Pistons 30.5 0.0012Cam 40.6

3.0L V6 SHO--1989

Max (") Journal Dia (") Microns

Rods 0.0022 2.0463 39.4Mains 0.0012 2.5187 29.2Pistons 0.0020 40.6Cam

Chevy SB 283-302 CID--1958-1969

Recommend (") Journal Dia (") Microns

Rods 0.0025 2.0000 63.5Mains 0.0025 2.3000 63.5Pistons 0.0050 127.0Cam

Figure 3--Specifications for the WIX 51060 oil filter

Part Number: 51060 Standard 51060 Racing

UPC Number: 765809510609 765809129269

Principal Application Chevrolet/GMC Racing Applications Trucks (91-05), Only Hummer (93-06)

Style: Spin-On Lube Filter Spin-On Lube Filter

Service: Lube Lube

Type: Full Flow Full Flow

Media Paper Paper

2/27/09 12:08 PMMotorOilWorld.com - Choosing an oil filter

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Height: 5.178 5.170

Outer Diameter To 3.660 3.600

Outer Diameter Bottom Closed Closed

Thread Size: 13/16-16 13/16-16

By-Pass Valve Setting None None

Anti-Drain Back Valve Yes Yes

Beta Ratio [beta] 2/20 = 17/41 NA

Burst Pressure-PSI 270 NA

Maximum Flow Rate 9-11 GPM 28 GPM

Nominal Micron Rating 19 NA

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