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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How do bypass oil filters help our engines

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Drivetrain binding

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IF you have no objections to changing oil every 3000 miles, and only keep your vehicles for several years before trading for another, bypass filters are NOT for you! ;)



They ARE for guys seeking more useful miles from their oil, and who tend to keep their stuff for the long haul - guys like ME! :-laf
 
bypass filters take out much, much smaller particles. they are intended for extended oil change intervals, typically used with synthetic oils. a 50,000 mile oil change interval is not out of the question.



there are a few that never change oil. they sample their oil periodically and send it to a lab for analysis. then, only put in additives as required to bring the oil up to spec.



i personally am on the amsoil 25,000 mile change interval, with a filter change only at 12,500 mi. i do not have a bypass system. i am using the higher quality fleetguard filter.



jim
 
So does changing oil every 3k negate any bypass filter advantages?



Jim



The unanswered key issue to that question is, how LONG do you plan the keep the vehicle you'd consider a bypass for? A "short term" vehicle - 3-4 years and perhaps 60-80K miles between trades probably isn't worth it - after all, what's the point in rigging an engine for a million miles, when YOU only plan to use the first 60K of those miles? :-laf :-laf
 
So does changing oil every 3k negate any bypass filter advantages?



Jim



I don't see how frequent oil changes could negate the improved filtering of a bypass. It's more like frequent oil changes negate the cost advantage of extended drain intervals that is the typical reason for installing a bypass filter system.



Neil
 
I'm running the Amsoil bypass filter system, and I'm planning on going a minimum of one year, or basically 15k miles prior to changing my oil again. I changed it at the BOY and changed the filters as well. After four months of hard driving, lots of city driving and occassionally pulling my 5er, the oil is still golden brown. The reason for using it is that it filters out the much smaller particles that the standard filters don't get. By filtering the smaller particles, this causes less wear on the motor, meaning a longer service life. These motors are expensive to replace or overhaul, so if dumping an additional $200 into the filter kit and getting the seriously good oil helps to extend the life by another 100-200k miles, it more than makes up for itself. Again, as Gary indicates, this is for the person who is going to own it for the long haul. I bought my truck knowing that I'm going to keep it for a while. It's good preventative maintenance to do this so that bearings and such don't wear out more quickly than they should.
 
Also, I think that changing oil every 3k miles is wasteful. If there was an easier way to do an oil analysis, people would be able to extend their oil life way out. I've heard that most oils are good for around 5k-7500 miles, if not more. It's just that we have it ingrained in our heads that based upon vehicle service manuals, and warranty stuff, we have to change it every 3k. Also, FWIW, i just changed the oil in my Jetta, before the accident, and it doesn't have a bypass filter, and I'm planning on putting 10k on the change.
 
I can recall 2 or 3 Million mile trucks being documented in the TDR. I don't recall any having a bypass filter. I still advocate spending the extra money on making the rest of the truck last as long as the engine will without any help.
 
There are other more positive advatages of using a quality bypass filter.

1) By reducing the size of abrasive particles in the oil wear is reduced. Even oil that is changed every 3000 mile will have particles in excess of 15 microns in it that will wear on bearings, cylinder walls, rings, cam, etc. The smaller particles left in the oil (usually 1 micron or less) actually polish these parts like the difference between rubbing compound and very fine polishing compound.

2) Viscosity increase as the oil "ages". Viscosity is the ability of oil to stick to parts. Anyone who has a bypass filter and more than 50,000 miles on there oil (as long as there oil tests fine) can check this out by removing their dipstick and the oil will not drip off of it.

3) Reduced soot in the oil. With the advent of ULSD the ability of the oil to hold soot in suspension in has changed. The new specifications for diesel oil bear this out. The bypass filter removes most soot from the oil.

4) Sludge build up is eliminated. No matter how often you change your oil sludge will slowly build up in the pan. Bypass filters (some) help neutrilize acid build up.



We have used bypass filters in our Dump trucks for millions of miles. We see a large savings in oil, oil filters and the most savings in maintenance. We had one engine (a Ford Cummins 8. 3 Brazilian motor) that went over a million miles without any overhaul and it still uses no oil today. I am not affiliated with this company in any way www.Puradyn.com But I have been using their products with excellant results for over 15 years.
 
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So If I were to install a bypass filter on my truck I should be able to extend oil changes without causing additional wear? Sounds to good to be true.

I've used Fleetguard filters, Rotella T, changing them every 5,000 - 7,000 miles, and I pull my landscape trailer 6 days a week, 42 weeks a year, so any savings / benefit is right up my alley. I'm going to look further into this.
 
There are other more positive advatages of using a quality bypass filter.

1) By reducing the size of abrasive particles in the oil wear is reduced. Even oil that is changed every 3000 mile will have particles in excess of 15 microns in it that will wear on bearings, cylinder walls, rings, cam, etc. The smaller particles left in the oil (usually 1 micron or less) actually polish these parts like the difference between rubbing compound and very fine polishing compound.

2) Viscosity increase as the oil "ages". Viscosity is the ability of oil to stick to parts. Anyone who has a bypass filter and more than 50,000 miles on there oil (as long as there oil tests fine) can check this out by removing their dipstick and the oil will not drip off of it.

3) Reduced soot in the oil. With the advent of ULSD the ability of the oil to hold soot in suspension in has changed. The new specifications for diesel oil bear this out. The bypass filter removes most soot from the oil.

4) Sludge build up is eliminated. No matter how often you change your oil sludge will slowly build up in the pan. Bypass filters (some) help neutrilize acid build up.



We have used bypass filters in our Dump trucks for millions of miles. We see a large savings in oil, oil filters and the most savings in maintenance. We had one engine (a Ford Cummins 8. 3 Brazilian motor) that went over a million miles without any overhaul and it still uses no oil today. I am not affiliated with this company in any way www.Puradyn.com But I have been using their products with excellant results for over 15 years.



Hmm... .



How often do you change the bypass filter?



Jim
 
if it works we will put one on

we are keeping our truck as long as we can it's payed off

thanks for the help

can we in stall this ourselfOo.
 
That varies from one type and brand to another - and to VHolloway, most of us here using bypass filters have installed our own - not a real difficult chore.



OK fair enough. I guess my question was that if it is removing so much "gunk" then isn't it going to clog pretty fast?



Do they have a D/P indicator on them?



Sorry for my ignorance;

Jim
 
OK fair enough. I guess my question was that if it is removing so much "gunk" then isn't it going to clog pretty fast?



Do they have a D/P indicator on them?



Sorry for my ignorance;

Jim



Generally speaking, the ones needing the most frequent changing are likely to be doing the best job of cleaning the oil - the ones good for the MOST miles, well... . :-laf



BUT, the easiest test is to simply lay your hand on one after the engine is up to temperature - if it's HOT, there is oil passing thru it.



All that said, probably the best bypass for most owners are the spin-on type (Amsoil, etc. ), especially for guys who might not be on real friendly terms with their tool box or workshop. ;)



Most of the filters proven to be most effective in trash removal tend to be a bit more hands-on intensive than the spin-on type, and while the extra effort isn't really all that much, it's better to use a somewhat less efficient filter that's serviced properly, than a superior one that's neglected and not getting the job done.



My Frantz is probably as good and efficient as any money can buy - but many guys simply don't want to have to manually install the new clean cartridge into it's canister - and then later remove the oily dirty one from it - it's just a matter of goals and priorities.



Mine is to have the purest lube possible, and I don't mind a couple of extra minutes, and getting a little oil under my fingernails to make it happen! ;) :D



OH, I should at least provide a pointer for more detailed info on the Frantz I use:



www.wefilterit.com





ENJOY! :)
 
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how is your oil pressure

with the bypass filter this is what I want to know

I like what I hear

does it need a high output oil pump to keep the pressure up

and it's easy to install this system

thanks
 
I agree with Gary that the TP filters probably do about the best job. I personally use the Amsoil unit. I'm running OTR right now and putting on a lot of miles real quick so changing a TP roll often out on the road is not something I feel like doing. I have run as high as 75k miles on a single drain with some filters and makeup oil along the way but 50-60k is my current schedule. My oil always tests good and doesn't leave any soot stains (wipes clean from skin). I might go with a TP filter once I stop driving this fall (might try the motorguard unit). The truck has 360k. Yeah I know that's a small number compared to many out there who don't even run a bypass filter but it still makes me smile.
 
how is your oil pressure

with the bypass filter this is what I want to know

I like what I hear

does it need a high output oil pump to keep the pressure up

and it's easy to install this system

thanks



As far as I can see by the oil PSI gauge, my pressure was not affected at all - the bypass filters are flow restricted for very LOW flow volume for best cleaning efficiency, and should not affect system pressure of engines in good condition.



I agree with Gary that the TP filters probably do about the best job. I personally use the Amsoil unit. I'm running OTR right now and putting on a lot of miles real quick so changing a TP roll often out on the road is not something I feel like doing. I have run as high as 75k miles on a single drain with some filters and makeup oil along the way but 50-60k is my current schedule. My oil always tests good and doesn't leave any soot stains (wipes clean from skin). I might go with a TP filter once I stop driving this fall (might try the motorguard unit). The truck has 360k. Yeah I know that's a small number compared to many out there who don't even run a bypass filter but it still makes me smile.



YUP, I can sure understand the resistance to the TP filters of the OTR guys piling up high daily/weekly mileages - for them, the longer life spin-on filters make lots more sense. ;)
 
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