Fleetguard Stratapore on 12v

[Midnite]

When I went to Cummins this morning to pick up a couple of LF3552 filters (the normal Microglas filter I've been using in my '92 for a long time), the parts guy told me that the Stratapore filter (LF3974?)for the 24v engine would work just fine on mine, plus it was a dollar cheaper.



I know that the stratapore filters for the 24 valvers is a heavier filter, but will it actually work on mine? Are any of you guys using them on yours instead of the LF3552?



Thanks,

Mike

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Works fine on mine. I've used them on the last 3 oil changes and purchased a case for future use. All 3 oil analysis have come back excellant at 6000 mile intervals

Happy trails

Bob

 

[Lordsman]

Stratapore

Yup, They told me the same thing. It's beefier on top vs. the other fleetguard oil filters to handle higher oil pressures. I use the Stratapore on both my trucks. No problem, just better filtered oil.

 

[Midnite]

Huh--interesting!



I could have sworn I read something somewhere about the Stratapore filters not being appropriate for the 12 valve engines.



Any words from anyone who's had problems with the newer Stratapore filter on a 12 valve, before I go ahead and exchange these 3552s?



Thanks,

Mike

 

[JLEONARD]

I just talked with a tech rep (Russel) at Fleetguard and asked him to educate me on the differences between the 3552 (microglass element) and the 3974 (Stratopore element).



First of all, he said the correct part number for our Cummins engines is LF 3894. So verify the part number before you buy.



The Stratopore element is a little better than the microglass. It has multiple layers that are consistant and that lets the oil flow a little more freely. . as in a cold morning start-up it will get thru the filter faster.

The microglass is a single sheet with somewhat random sized openings.

The filtering efficiency of the stratopore is slightly better :approx 100% at 30 microns and 60% at 10 microns.



He never mentioned "beefiness" , but the better flow characteristics would help the pressure aspect , I suppose.



Bottom line is that the stratopore is slightly better, but the microglass is a good filter too. Both blow the satndard cellolose element out of the water.



Hope this helps clarify things.

 

[JMorrow]

What about the K&N oil filter? Are they O. K. for our Cummins? I have been using them for several years and no problems?



John

 

[Power Wagon]

I just put on a K&N oil filter too.



The box said 10-20 microns, 90% efficient filtering. I just got it because I could get it for less than the dealer wanted for one that said Mopar on it. No way was I putting a Fram back on...

 

[JMorrow]

Originally posted by Power Wagon

I just put on a K&N oil filter too.



The box said 10-20 microns, 90% efficient filtering. I just got it because I could get it for less than the dealer wanted for one that said Mopar on it. No way was I putting a Fram back on...

They are also easy to remove with the nut on the end.

 

[CToney]

Oil filters



Up here north of the 49th Cummins says the latest and greatest filter is the LF3959. That's what I use and what cummins gave my buddy to use in his 2001 24v. They do filter better and are well priced. The filter head part is beefier to handle the higher oil pressures of the 24v's. Other than that flow more oil and filter better is reason enough for me. Also I wouldn't use any other filter the K&N are not made as well as the fleetguard. buy both and compare. Look at the number and size of holes. Number of pleats and general construction. Always have used Fleetguard and no problems except the rubber sticking on the filter head once.



CR Toney

 

[Paychk]

A piece of trivia, Fleetgard was started by Cummins in 1958, this was the result of a study of all the available filters on the market at that time. Cummins determained that no 2 filters were of the same quality and even the best on the market didn't meet their standards for quality and cost. So they started manufacturing their own in "58" and by 1963 the brandname Fleetgard was introduced. This made it more palitable to competing engine companys, I guess that it wouldn't do to have a Cummins brand filter on a Detroit or a Mack engine.

 

[rdodd]

So what sratapore filter works best for a 1992 cummins. I see members are using 3 different part #'s--------- LF 3959, LF 3974, and LF 3894. Are they all statapore filters for our trucks?

 

[Lordsman]

Stratapore

LF3894 Stratapore. Fits both my '93 & '99.

 

[paccool]

Brandon has a lube shop and I got my 3894 filters from him. He said they are using them on all years of Cummins. Had them on mine for the past year or so, no problems.