Disappointed in the TDR 71 Oil Filter review

[AH64ID]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...71-tdresource-lube-oil-filtration-update.html



Well I was a little disappointed with the article, here is why.



J1985 is not a pressure drop test, it's a single pass fuel filter efficiency test. But that's not a big deal.



I am very surprised that he did not cover any micron ratings or dirt holding capacity. He talks a little about microns in the next article, but not in the oil filter article, where it's important. Filter quality and life are directly related to how good it filters, and how much it holds.



Under the full synthetic section he has the Wix 557620XE, which is an old part number, the current number is 57620XE. He lists the filter as full synthetic, when in fact it's a "glass enhanced cellulose" filter, so not even partial synthetic.



His next article then goes to state that the OEM filter is 40um, which its actually rated at 35um (from all the research I have done on filters, but current data (3/2/11) from Fleetguard just puts it at 30um @ 95%) and that the Stratapore is 25um and the best in the industry, well that's a false statement. The Amsoil Eao80/Donaldson ELF7349 are rated at 15um absolute, the Purolator PureOne is 20um @ 99. 9%, and the Pureolator is 20um at 98. 87%. The Pureone is not an extended interval filter, but still a good filter. So there are 4 filters that exceed the filtration rating of the Stratapore. I went into the article excited, but ended up being disappointed.

 

[GCroyle]

AH64ID,



I don't have the article on my desk, and can't take the time to read it right now. And I do not have any technical additions to your comments.



But I do want to point out what I'm considering as your constructive criticism of the article. No flames, just interesting points with information.



I'm gonna pick up the issue and read it at my leisure to go in depth.

 

[AH64ID]

It is criticism, the TDR is a highly regarded magazine and I feel this article dropped the ball.



Bring on the flames, if they are needed

 

[AH64ID]

I'll say I am impressed, over 100 views and no discussion at all...

 

[04blackcherry]

I guess I found some of the info in the article to be helpful but definitely not the final answer for all questions relating to oil filters. I'm an engineer by trade and usually don't take one source as the end all. I felt it could be a good start for a companion article in another issue. I think you (AH64ID) seem to be up on filters and what the numbers mean. Maybe you could work with the magazine to define a followup in later issues.

I actually went around my own decision tree and a bunch of internet searching to realize that when I go with fuel filtration I will do something very similar to what you have done. So, I believe, when it comes to filters you know your stuff. Maybe a lack of responses reflect the respect the others have for your opinion on filtration.

 

[amsoilman]

Studying filters, and going to many lubricaton/Filter educational courses over the years, I too was dissapointed in the report.

 

[mwilson]

Maybe a lack of responses reflect the respect the others have for your opinion on filtration.

X2



Mike.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks guys!



I made a few phone calls this morning to reverify the info I have in my notes. Fleetguard gave me a different set of numbers on the LF3972 and LF16035 than I had previously received. The numbers coorelate, so it could just be different systems? Here is what I have for popular filters, from worst to best.



Donaldson P558615 40 @ 98. 7%, 20 @ 50% Cellulose

Fleetguard LF3972 30 @ 95% (35 @ 98. 7% last info) Cellulose

Wix 57620 30 @ 95%, 20 @ 50% Cellulose

Wix 57620XE 25 @ 95%, 14 @ 50% Glass Enhanced Cellulose

Baldwin BT7349 30 @ 98. 7%, 12 @ 50% Synthetic blend

Fleetguard LF16035 30 @ 100% (25 @ 98. 7% last info) Stratapore Synthetic

Purolator L45335 20 @ 97. 5% Cellulose

Purolator PL45335 20 @ 99. 9% Synthetic

Amsoil EaO80 20 @ 100%, 15@ 98. 7%, 7 @ 59. 97% Nanofiber Synthetic

Donaldson Elf7349 20 @ 100%, 15@ 98. 7%, 7 @ 59. 97% Nanofiber Synthetic



I had always thought the PureOne was a synthetic blend, but the Purolator hotline told me full synthetic today, thou it's still only reccommended for 3K or OEM intervals.



The other thing I find odd is the Donaldson has a lower rating than what I have understood as the OEM rating, but it matches the rating Mr. Martin published for the OEM filter. I wonder if the LF3972 has been upgraded in recent years? I find it hard to beleive a 40um absolute filter will be 95% at 30um, thats more along with a 35um absolute filter.



I haven't tracked dirt holding, but what I know is that synthetic media offers more holding capacity and improved flow, along with better filtration.



I also just noticed that Baldwin wasn't in the article either, which is also a popular filter.

 

[jray]

I'll chime in on the discussion. I read the article too and agree with AH64ID that report was lacking probably the most important element and that is, filtration. When I began reading the article I anticipated reading something on filtration quality. I generally don't criticize writers, especially if their work is for the greater good. I save most of my criticism for liberals.

It's obvious in reading the article, a great deal of time and effort went into study and writing it. Thank You, Mr. Martin for your time and effort.

 

[AH64ID]

It's obvious in reading the article, a great deal of time and effort went into study and writing it. Thank You, Mr. Martin for your time and effort.

I agree, and don't want to come off as blowing off the time Mr. Martin invested, I was just hoping for a little more technical data.

 

[04blackcherry]

So, I went on line to look at the NAPA filter I use (likely a WIX) and they show Beta Ratios on the WIX site. So I research Beta ratios. Then there is "nominal micron rating". I found a nice little chart that deciphered the beta ratios and I guess the nominal is the smallest particle it will filter. The beta ratio tells you at that particle size what the efficiency is. AH64ID; you have obviously did all these calcs for us. Thanks. Now that I understand this stuff better I will be looking at other oil filters soon.

 

[AH64ID]

Nominal is commonly the smallest particle the filter captures at a 50% rate, so if there were 100 14um particles in the oil the Wix 57620XE would capture 50 of them, where the Amsoil filter would remove approx 96-98 of them.



Nominal can be anywere between 50 and 98. 6%, 98. 7% efficient is absolute. But most companies use B2, or 50%, for nominal ratings.

 

[GCroyle]

Nominal is commonly the smallest particle the filter captures at a 50% rate, so if there were 100 14um particles in the oil the Wix 57620XE would capture 50 of them, where the Amsoil filter would remove approx 96-98 of them.



Nominal can be anywere between 50 and 98. 6%, 98. 7% efficient is absolute. But most companies use B2, or 50%, for nominal ratings.

OK, this is getting good, but now a question.



AH64ID, what filter is on your truck? And I'm looking for one that fits the Cummins as issued, not some add on mega system. If I missed your recommendation, sorry bout that.



Thanks,



Gary

 

[AH64ID]

I run the Donaldson ELF7349 (which is the exact same filter as the EaO80, just cheaper) on my truck.



I also have a Amsoil EaBP-110 2um bypass.



Here are my presonal reccommendations on filters.



OEM change interval

1) Amsoil/Donaldson

2) Stratapore

3) Baldwin



Shorter than OEM interval



1) PureOne

2) Stratapore

3) Baldwin



Longer than OEM interval



1) Amsoil/Donaldson

 

[amsoilman]

Thanks guys!



I made a few phone calls this morning to reverify the info I have in my notes. Fleetguard gave me a different set of numbers on the LF3972 and LF16035 than I had previously received. The numbers coorelate, so it could just be different systems? Here is what I have for popular filters, from worst to best.



Donaldson P558615 40 @ 98. 7%, 20 @ 50% Cellulose

Fleetguard LF3972 30 @ 95% (35 @ 98. 7% last info) Cellulose

Wix 57620 30 @ 95%, 20 @ 50% Cellulose

Wix 57620XE 25 @ 95%, 14 @ 50% Glass Enhanced Cellulose

Baldwin BT7349 30 @ 98. 7%, 12 @ 50% Synthetic blend

Fleetguard LF16035 30 @ 100% (25 @ 98. 7% last info) Stratapore Synthetic

Purolator L45335 20 @ 97. 5% Cellulose

Purolator PL45335 20 @ 99. 9% Synthetic

Amsoil EaO80 20 @ 100%, 15@ 98. 7%, 7 @ 59. 97% Nanofiber Synthetic

Donaldson Elf7349 20 @ 100%, 15@ 98. 7%, 7 @ 59. 97% Nanofiber Synthetic



I had always thought the PureOne was a synthetic blend, but the Purolator hotline told me full synthetic today, thou it's still only reccommended for 3K or OEM intervals.



The other thing I find odd is the Donaldson has a lower rating than what I have understood as the OEM rating, but it matches the rating Mr. Martin published for the OEM filter. I wonder if the LF3972 has been upgraded in recent years? I find it hard to beleive a 40um absolute filter will be 95% at 30um, thats more along with a 35um absolute filter.



I haven't tracked dirt holding, but what I know is that synthetic media offers more holding capacity and improved flow, along with better filtration.



I also just noticed that Baldwin wasn't in the article either, which is also a popular filter.

very GOOD info!

 

[EDankievitch]

I thought the article was direct and to the point. Not all filters are equal, and you get what you pay for sometimes. Years back a well known parts house sold Lee filters at an really low price. Only problem was the can's were so thin that they would tear off the base when you went to remove them. The article showed what was inside the can. Yes Baldwin filters were left off the list I'd liked to see how they would have placed on the list, as I've used them on every truck I've owned. One thing that seems to keep popping up is what the manufacture says should be done to maintain the engine and the truck. Use the products they say to use and change them when they say to change them and guess what it will last. Don't be cheap. My first truck I used basic Shell rotella 15-40 and Baldwin filters, I got over 500,000 miles while doing heavy towing. Today I use Synthetic Shell rotella 5-40 and Baldwin filters..... Not much towing, wonder how this engine in my 05 will last, I'm sure that the truck will fall apart long before the engine does.

 

[AH64ID]

That part of the comparison was great, but I still don't think that's majority of the important info.

 

[amsoilman]

You know, if you used ONLY what the manufacturer suggests or says to use inorder to maintain warranty, there would be NO INDEPENDENT PARTS houses!

 

[AH64ID]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...topics/228804-what-oil-filter-do-you-use.html

 

[ENafziger]

AH64ID,

What are your thoughts on: Venturi Combo Lube Filtration

--Eric