Oil filter question?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Sure be nice if we could develop a web-page on this site that lists some of the key capabilities, features, aspects of oil filters.
For example, what the is the micron filtration size, what is the first pass efficiency, what is the surface area, pressure drop at clean, etc.
I think this would benefit us all and we can use quantitive facts instead of emotions to decide which is the best oil filter
For example, what the is the micron filtration size, what is the first pass efficiency, what is the surface area, pressure drop at clean, etc.
I think this would benefit us all and we can use quantitive facts instead of emotions to decide which is the best oil filter
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 11,083
From: San Diego, CA
To all you wix filter users just a FYI. HAve been using the Napa branded (WIX) filters for years and recently started having issues with fit and gasket leaks. After some back and forth with WIX reps they finally admitted that just about 100% of thier filter componets are now being supplied from foriegn countries and only final assy is taking placed here in the states.
I have been using Wix and/or Baldwin filters on all my bikes, cars, trucks, and the Detroit Diesel engines in my boat, for about 15 years...
I have found them to be well built filters with superior filtering. I don't think you can find better....... Maybe similar and/or comparable, but not better....
I guess I'll have to keep an eye on the Wix filters now....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
Likes: 2,526
From: CT/FL
I have to find an email that forwarded that oil filter comparison on Hondas. http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo...tml#OilFilters
It said the Purolator One filter and the Mobil 1 filter were the best. They had two layers of filter element and the most square inches of filter, so they trapped the most and didn't clog as fast. Fram, Pennzoil, Penske, Castrol, and Quaker State are made by the same company, and he didn't like the cardboard filter element end caps or the single layer filter element. They didn't test Wix.
As far as re-usable filters, he noted that it's hard to clean 15 micron holes correctly. Also, once one of those holes catches something it's plugged. Disposable filters are thicker, so oil can continue to flow around a particle.
Too bad about Napa/Wix going chinese, I thought they were the best, too. Joe
It said the Purolator One filter and the Mobil 1 filter were the best. They had two layers of filter element and the most square inches of filter, so they trapped the most and didn't clog as fast. Fram, Pennzoil, Penske, Castrol, and Quaker State are made by the same company, and he didn't like the cardboard filter element end caps or the single layer filter element. They didn't test Wix.
As far as re-usable filters, he noted that it's hard to clean 15 micron holes correctly. Also, once one of those holes catches something it's plugged. Disposable filters are thicker, so oil can continue to flow around a particle.
Too bad about Napa/Wix going chinese, I thought they were the best, too. Joe
Last edited by Joe12RK; Mar 28, 2014 at 04:17 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
Are you sure it's leaking from the filter? After an oil/filter change here I usually drip oil for a couple of days. It was the oil I spilled all over getting the filter out of there. But yes you should have matched up the filters to make sure the gasket was the same size and thickness. Wix is a good filter but they do make different sizes!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
On another note, all this micron rating per HD specs sounds good on paper but is junk in the real world. I recently participated in an extended oil drain interval tests for over 1,000,000 combined miles, where the mileage was doubled. A 4 micron low pressure filter was installed, and oil was tested every 5000 miles for chem pack and particle size at 4,6,14,21,38, and 70 microns. The most harmful particles are between 3-10 microns, less than 3 will fit between a ring and cylinder wall without damage and over 10 is too big to fit through most bearing clearances and will lodge in the filtration medium. So a 15 micron rating that HD tells you is just a warm fuzzy feeling and nothing else. These tests I speak of were done by GM, military, SAE, and others.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
Likes: 2,526
From: CT/FL
It's easy if you have an ultrasonic cleaner. I don't and neither do 99% of the motorcycle riding public. A brush and a bucket of kerosene isn't gonna do it. 15 microns is less than 0.001".
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
There is a difference. My 93 FLHS uses a 15 micron filter. My 07 Ultra uses a 5 micron filter. Cam chains wear and the particles are quit small. Cant use an 07 filter on the 93 because the oil pump does not put out enough pressure. Buy the harley filter. Save trouble down the road.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
The Advance Auto Parts store near me has several brands of oil filters that they cut the cans off and have them mounted on a board at the counter for review.
I will never use a Fram on my riding mower again!
AC's look good, Purolator looks good, K/N also.
Interesting to see what is inside some filters...
I will never use a Fram on my riding mower again!
AC's look good, Purolator looks good, K/N also.
Interesting to see what is inside some filters...
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