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Oil Filter Autopsy

  Author: Pudge
  Views: 8851     Votes: 18
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Ok guys, here they are, for whatever they may be worth. Some questions answered, for me at least, and maybe some questions raised. Let's get to it. First picture is the Super Tech filter, followed by the Bosch, both made by Champion. Both are exactly the same size, 3 1/2" overall, with a 2 1/2" filter inside. Filtration material looks the same. The only difference I see is that there are 51 folds of material in the Bosch filter and 35 folds in the Super Tech filter. More material in the Bosch, I would say, but the folds are pretty tightly touching in many places, and it makes me wonder if it takes more pressure to force the oil through the material of the Bosch as compared to ST. Good filtration is important, but so is oil flow. It'd be nice to compare the flow rates of these two. Both are very well made, with metal end caps, strong internal springs and an apparently well designed bypass in the bottom of the filter. Here are the pictures:

Next is the NAPA. The overall length is 2 1/2", the filter is only 1 1/2" long, with 47 folds of material. This filter is well made, but it is TINY inside. I would say that it could only hold one half as much particulate as either the ST or the Bosch. Here it is:

And last is the Fram. It is also 3 1/2" long overall, with a 2 1/2 filter. The filter has 41 folds of material. The material looks a great deal like the stuff that the box is made of. The ends of the filter are cardboard, but I don't believe it is as thick as the stuff the box is made of. The gasket to prevent backflow out of the filter is really flimsy. Seeing the inside of this filter kinda made me ill, to tell the truth. Frankly, I cannot imagine the material staying glued together in the heat of the engine oil. Maybe it does, but this filter can not tolerate much pressure from anywhere, and I sorta suspect that isn't a problem because there are probably large places for oil to flow through easily after a short time in use. I DO NOT know that to be the case, but judging by its looks..... Here it is, two pictures, with the filter at two different angles:

And here is a picture of all four together:

What follows is strictly my opinion: IF, IF, I say, the Fram filter is able to do an adequate job of filtering our engine's oil, then the other three are way yonder overbuilt!!! I have seen nothing so far that will cause me to stop using the Super Tech filter that sells for 2 bucks at Wal-Mart. I am still gonna look at the insides after I change them out, and that might change my mind. I have a used K&N off my bike that I saved to autopsy, and in a short time, I will have a used Super Tech to look at. If you can't stand to use a 2 dollar filter on your scooter, then I say at this point that you sure don't need to spend more than the Bosch filter costs.

That's my opinion at this point, based on what you see and my experience so far. If you have any questions, ask away and I will do my best with them. If you have suggestions or opinions, they would also be welcome here. And again, if ya want to send me any filter for autopsy, let me know and I will tell ya where to send it. Or better yet, do it yerself and post the pictures here.

This oughta at least stir the pot some!!

Last update: 03:54 PM Monday, December 12, 2005

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