Correct Oil Filter- READ - IMPORTANT!!!

[Dkevdog]

Guys- I had the opportunity to see what happens when an incorrect oil filter is used on our trucks. It can (and in this case did)separate and clog the piston cooling nozzle and total the engine. Complete loss. In or out of warranty, DC will not be responsible for repairs if an incorrect filter is or was in use. My father in law had a Fram on his 99, and I removed it the day I saw that blown engine. These are the accepted and reccommended filters from a TSB that DC had circulated:



05016547AC - Mopar

LF3894 - Fleetguard Stratopore

LF3552 - Fleetguard Microglas

LF3959 - Fleetguard Cellulose

3937695 - Cummins Engine Co. Cellulose

FL896 - Motorcraft Cellulose

L45335 - Purolator Cellulose

PF1070 - AC Delco Cellulose



If you don't have one of these in your truck, better do something about it now. The TSB covers ALL cummins 5. 9 trucks, any valve from 1989 to current. Take note that several of the filters listed in the recent review of filters in TDR issue 32 are not on the list.



Kev

 

[Scott Elliott]

What about the Fleetguard LF3349 (Cummins part # 3932217)? Isn't this the standard (regular) filter for '93's?

 

[Lil' Dog]

As long as it isn't a cheapy I think its OK. The LF3349 is the one I use, recommended at Cummins.

 

[Dkevdog]

The TSB SPecifically addresses 1989 - 2001 model year trucks. I would imagine that the LF 3349 is acceptable although not covered in this TSB. My neighbor also uses that filter on his 92.



Kev

 

[Scott Elliott]

ok, thanks. I figured that since it is the Cummins equivalant, and made by Fleetgaurd (a subsidiary of Cummins) for Cummins, it was ok.

 

[R.E. Miller]

Oh great, I hate to but have to ask, does this mean that the WIX filters that I have been running on all of my trucks are now a problem too. This is not one of the best filters, but it did get good remarks and it is not a FRAM. Thanks for the help and head's-up guys!

 

[Lil' Dog]

R. E.

The Wix filters were spec'd out in my 89 manual. I think they are OK.



I know for sure that Baldwin is a NO NO in all Cummins as they are one of the culprits for blocking oil spray nozzles.

 

[Matt S]

What about NAPA Gold filters? Are they WIX?

 

[DJP]

I've been running Fram oil filters in my truck for over 130,000 miles. What is the problem with the Fram oil filters? Is the type of filter media prone to clogging and causing separation?

 

[J DeMaio]

Hey Matt S:

If you read the article in the last TDR which was the oil filter comparison it showed that Wix was a Very Good filter and that they made the NAPA filters. So I think that they are a good filter and about the same as Wix.



Now, what is wrong with Baldwins? I thought these were also good filters. I'm not running a Baldwin oil filter but rather a fuel filter which was ~$14. It seemed to be very well constructed. Thanks for the info.

 

[F Simkowski (In Memory)]

A suggestion... run the Fleetguard filters. Oil and fuel as appropriate for your year Cummins.

You'll sleep better.

Moved to the Products/Accessories Forum.

 

[Dieselman359]

Couldn't of said it better Old School!

 

[Dkevdog]

Originally posted by DJP

I've been running Fram oil filters in my truck for over 130,000 miles. What is the problem with the Fram oil filters? Is the type of filter media prone to clogging and causing separation?

Answer- Yes- they can be. The totaled engine I saw, (without going in to too much detail for reasons I can't discuss here) was not running a Fram, but a Purolator. Problem was it was not the correct number Purolator. Cummins engine failure analysis determined that the filter separated and clogged one of the oilers. Whether or not it was that specific filter that caused the failure, I can't say. But I do know they have had cases of engine failure caused by Fram.



Only thing I can say is, be real careful- them engines ain't cheap!!!



Kev

 

[PHuckleberry]

Ive got to give credit where it's due, my neighbor has a 98 or 99 (it's a 24V) ran fram filters for a while, engine blew. Dodge wouldn't warrenty motor 'cuase of "non-approved filter". To make a longe story short new motor went in Fram paid the bill. I won't run them but nice to see they "stepped up".

 

[Sled Puller]

I have a suggestion, lets all get horses!



What is this about Baldwin? Oil spray? Culprit? Hearsay? I need more info!

They Are top of the line filters.



gene

 

[hdm48]

Not meaning to jump on Fram here but I build motorcycle and atv race engines and I quit using Fram filters a few years ago because of engine failures. The failures were traced to the oil filter. I don't see much of a diferance between a lunched engine at 12,000rpm@160mph or 2500rpm@70mph pulling a laoded trailer up a 6% grade. I am very picky about what filter I put in a motor. It's a cheap investment and one that's overlooked all the time. most aircraft engine[piston] builders will void a warranty if you use synthetic oil in their engines but not a word is mentioned about filters. protect your investment, do your homework and buy the best filters you can get. all the fancy oils and additives do ZIP if you have sand in your oil.

 

[Sled Puller]

What????

Now I have heard it all... Aircraft IS where synthetics were designed to be used first of all. Since about 1930.

Gene

 

[Ragin Ram]

So am I safe using the Fleetguard LF3935 for my '01?

 

[DieselDog]

FRAM

Well not to rag on FRAM but I'll say this... I bought a used 96 CTD last Sept from a Dealer. AFTER I bought the truck the Used car manager and I got to talking. He just wanted me to know that this truck had been owned by his next door neighbors son. Well it seems the enginge had developed an loud knock and so he took it in to find out what happened (60,000 mi on engine). The problem was traced to the #5 cylinder. The FRAM filter had collapsed and starved the engine for oil

DC would not warranty the engine because of the filter used, however a FRAM rep came out and ended up paying for the work.

Long story but a happy ending for me!!

I ended up getting a real nice "properly valved" CTD with a brand new engine and only 60,000 mi. on the clock

However all you CTD fans out there-don't run a cheap filter on that beautiful motor!

Compared to an engine, a filter is cheap.

 

[illflem]

At least it sounds like Fram stands behind their product. Perhaps it would be a good practice to start running Fram filters when your engine hits 400k. Better they pay for a rebuild than me!