What are the functions and the replacement periods of an oil filter? What is a bypass? What is the importance of an oil filter in the engine’s operation? How important should oil filters be ?….?
The engine’s main defense against premature wear and wear is the oil filter. The oil filter removes solid contaminants from the oil, such as carbon, dirt, and metal particles, before they damage bearings, shafts, journals, and cylinder walls. The better the oil filter can hold, it is the more valuable.
Today’s engines have an oil filter that filters all oil collected from the pump. This oil then goes to the cam bearings, crankshaft bearings and valves. This is known as “full-stream” filtering. This filter is effective in removing contaminants and ensures that oil is only sent to the engine with clean oil. But, the oil filter can become clogged over time.
When is it time to change the oil filter?
Before the oil filter becomes clogged, it must be changed. Because it is impossible to know how dirty the oil filter is, it should be replaced as per the maintenance schedule provided in the vehicle owner’s manual. Professional technicians are well aware of this fact and will change the filter every time they change the oil. If the filter is not replaced, the engine’s clean oil will contain 1 liter more dirt. Engine damage is possible if the non-replaced oil filter becomes clogged. A new oil filter can be the best way to protect your engine from premature wear.
What does a Bypass Valve do?
You run the risk of blocking the oil filter by not changing the oil and filter regularly. Oil cannot flow to an engine if it is too dirty or blocked. An oil filter has a “bypass” valve built in. The bypass valve opens when the oil filter element’s pressure exceeds a certain value, depending on the type of engine. Oil continues to flow into it. The bypass valve must be open to allow oil to flow through the engine. A little oil is better than none. Engine damage can result from a lack of oil.
When a cold engine starts, the bypass valve opens. Cold oil can be very thick and may not pass through filter elements easily. The bypass valve opens, allowing the oil to circulate about the filter until it warms up and flows better. The crankcase contaminants can get sucked into the oil pump, bypassing filter and potentially causing engine damage and wear. Once the oil has warmed up, and the bypass valve has been closed, oil flows through the filter. Normal filtration continues.
Oil filters of high quality
Many oil filters are similar from the outside. It can be concluded that all oil filter have the same properties and capacities and can protect your engine from dirt. However, not all oil filters work the same. It is possible for oil filters to have significant differences that can affect both their efficiency and their longevity.
It is possible to have as much as 50% more difference in the filtration between oil filters of different quality that work with the same engine. Their ability to trap and retain contaminants may also vary. Rein-impregnated pleated newspaper (cellulose), element oil filters capture particles ranging in size from 25 to 35microns. One micron equals one millionth of an inch, or 0.0000039 inches. The diameter of a human hair measures approximately 60 microns. According to some filter manufacturers particles as small and as small as 10 to twenty microns can also cause damage over the course of time. Many oil filters use synthetic filters to capture smaller particles.
A good oil filter should therefore be capable of holding a lot dirt.
Attention is key! Pay attention to any residue before installing an oil filter. Sometimes, metal particles and debris can be found inside a new oil filter. To remove any residue, flip the filter upside down before attaching it to the vehicle.
Fake oil filters are also a problem. These filters can be found on the Internet for very low prices. They are often sold under the “discount” name. You can put any brand name on the filter to make it appear like an original. You can label it and package it to look exactly like the original product. This filter is made of low quality corrugated cellulose paper. It does not offer the same efficiency and quality as the original filter. Many of these filters don’t have a bypass valve and may open at very low pressure. They may not fit into the housing or be difficult to install.
For the best filter for your engine you should consult either your workshop or a supplier. Oil filters may look identical, but they could have different inner valves or thread sizes. The hole in the bottom of the rotatable oil filter must have the same diameter as that of the original. It also needs to have the same type threads (SAE and metric). A different size hole or thread may cause the oil filter to not sit properly, leak, or damage the entire assembly. To seal against the engine, the gasket must also be in the same place. Leakage can occur if the gasket has a diameter that is too small or large.
