Oil Filter Types
Datetime:2013-10-18 Hits:
Oil filters work by directing a vehicle's oil through a filter into the engine. As the oil passes through it, the filter cleans the oil to remove any harmful particles or dirt. If the filter is working correctly, it will protect the engine, camshaft and rods from any contaminants that could cause significant and expensive damage. Filters can incorporate paper, plastic or synthetic materials; change them every 3,000 miles with a routine oil change.
Primary Filters
Primary oil filters are used in most vehicles. Another term used for these filters are full-flow because all of the engine's oil passes through the filter (See References 1). The filters are used without a lot of restriction in order for the engine to continue operating normally in cold weather. In a primary oil filter, the bypass valves open if the filter becomes blocked. This allows the oil to get to the engine by moving around the filter (See References 1). The oil is not filtered, but it provides the engine with the necessary fluid to operate.
Bypass Filters
Bypass, or secondary, filters take a portion of the oil, typically less than 10 percent to clean it further. These filters work separately from the primary filter and come standard on many vehicles with diesel engines. Secondary filters extend the life of the engine and lengthen the amount of time needed between oil changes. You can install these types of filters on most engines if they do not already come standard. Bypass filters use the same fittings as primary filter, making installation easier. Types of bypass filters include stationary canisters, filters with thermal chambers and spinner filters. Spinner filters use centrifugal force to push the contaminants into a separate chamber.
Magnetic
Magnetic oil filters catch tiny particles, such as metal or rust, that can damage a vehicle's engine. Magnetic oil filters can come with a built-in magnetic layer, or you can purchase an exterior band of magnets to fit over the oil filter itself. The filter grabs hold of the particles and holds them to the filter, preventing them from circulating through the oil. Interior magnetic filters are disposable. You can reuse external magnetics, however; after each oil change, the band goes back around the oil filter and allows for multiple uses.
