Proper oil level with a mesh filter?
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
Proper oil level with a mesh filter?
Did an oil change today and installed a reusable mesh type oil filter. I put in the same amount of oil as always, 3 qts and 20 ozs. Warmed up the engine, waited a bit and checked the level. It's normally about halfway between the add and full marks. It was definitely over the full mark. I took out 8 ozs to bring it to just under full.
I'm wondering what the proper level should be now. Unlike a paper filter, the mesh filters have no anti drainback valve. So is whatever is in the filter going back into the sump when the engine is shut down? Or is the difference in oil levels simply due to the mesh filter's smaller size?
Anyone had this issue before?
I'm wondering what the proper level should be now. Unlike a paper filter, the mesh filters have no anti drainback valve. So is whatever is in the filter going back into the sump when the engine is shut down? Or is the difference in oil levels simply due to the mesh filter's smaller size?
Anyone had this issue before?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Agreed! I can't see that a change in type of filter should have any significant affect.
M, perhaps after a decent ride your new filter will fill with oil and you can top it up to a similar total quantity as before. Don't throw that 8 ozs away!
M, perhaps after a decent ride your new filter will fill with oil and you can top it up to a similar total quantity as before. Don't throw that 8 ozs away!
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
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From: NW Illinois
I'll definitely save the 8 ozs, it'll need it again somewhere around the 4k mile mark.
I'll leave it at the current level and check the air filter occasionally. The reason I run it a little short in the first place is due to the crankcase breather spitting it out into the air cleaner. The mesh filter has a smaller volume than a paper filter, so the system requires less oil in total.
I'll leave it at the current level and check the air filter occasionally. The reason I run it a little short in the first place is due to the crankcase breather spitting it out into the air cleaner. The mesh filter has a smaller volume than a paper filter, so the system requires less oil in total.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
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From: San Diego, CA
Some media in the paper filters will absorb and hold oil, when first saturated with oil. When I pre-fill the large oil filter on my diesel truck, I can pour a full quart into the filter and watch it disappear as the filter media soaks it up. I can then turn it sideways and only a dribble might come out....
Since the mesh won't absorb & hold any oil, and if the filter has a smaller container than the OEM filter (OEM are pretty small), I suspect it could affect the amount of oil in the system..... seems unlikely it would be 8 oz.....
Bottom line, go by the dip stick...
Since the mesh won't absorb & hold any oil, and if the filter has a smaller container than the OEM filter (OEM are pretty small), I suspect it could affect the amount of oil in the system..... seems unlikely it would be 8 oz.....
Bottom line, go by the dip stick...
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Bear Flag, lower end
I have a the K&P reusable filter on my 14 FLHTK. I don't remember any difference in oil quantity. However, I good be wrong, I use 3 qts 8 oz's to the full mark on the dipstick.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
No anti drainback, just in through the 3 outer slots, back out through the threaded hole. I'm sure the oil level is reading high because of oil drainback.
What I'll have to do is measure the difference in volume between the old paper filter and the mesh one so I can have the proper oil level when the engine is running. I'll do that next oil change.
I was just wondering if anyone had noticed this difference before.
Last edited by Mertoid; Jul 17, 2018 at 09:54 AM. Reason: Add photo
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
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From: NW Illinois
I agree, 3 qts 8 oz's is looking about right.
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