Best filter for Kohler 26KW generator

M

MRT

Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
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Location
PNW, USA
The gen spins up to 3600 RPM (60Hz) in a couple seconds with oil temps down to 20F in a normal year, 0F in a record low year. It's propane fueled and the OEM Filter is a Kohler 5205002. Been using 0w-40 oil and a Purolator Boss PBL10241 because I figured it would likely be one of the best at minimizing the time in bypass, plus has backed media. Wondering if the new Carquest EP P85348 might be comparable in minimizing bypass time, plus better filtration efficiency? Any other thoughts for this application?
 
Last edited:
The Kohler filter has pretty good specs. 6 pack on Ebay for $49.99 w/free shipping seems like a pretty good deal and has the correct specs.
  • Part Number: 52 050 02-S (or 5205002S)
  • Thread Size: 3/4" - 16
  • Outside Diameter (OD): 3 inches
  • Height: Approximately 3 1/8 inches (or 3-7/16" for some variations)
  • Micron Rating: 29 microns
  • Bypass Valve Pressure: 8-11 PSI
  • Gasket ID: 2-5/16 inches
  • Features: Anti-drain back valve, synthetic media.
 
I’d go with a CQ EP or Premium, both will serve you well.

Filters of the same type will all have the same or similar bypass pressure. Using a filter with a higher micron rating doesn’t result in having better oil flow or being in bypass less, see link below. So, you probably won’t see any difference in bypass time given different filters. Even in cold temperatures, the filter won’t be in bypass long, if any. Using a high quality full synthetic oil is more important in reducing bypass time than using a different filter. Even then, the temperatures you see aren’t super cold and oil will flow just fine.

ZeeOSix

Thread 'The Myth of "Flow Over Efficiency"'

The phrase often used that "Lower efficiency oil filters favor flow over efficiency" has been used here for a long time. The misconception seems to be driven by the idea that lower efficiency oil filters must "flow better" because if they are lower efficiency then the media must not be as "tight" (full of holes), and therefore they must "flow better". That can be a factor, but in reality it depends on many factors in the overall design of the media. When talking about oil filter flow performance on an engine using a positive displacement (PD) oil pump, the term "flows better"...
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Thermo1223 said:
I would get a cold weather kit for it as well. The oil filter warmer is the key.
Click to expand...
I installed the Kohler 30 watt carb heater kit with a thermostat. Passed on the cold weather kit which has a oil sump heater (nothing on the filter) and went with 0w oil instead.

You've a valid point, but heaters eventually fail without any notice plus there's the electricity cost (which is rising rapidly here).
 
Actual filter specs are sure sparse, like the 29 microns (at what) for the OEM filter (posted above).

I'd really like to see a spec with a flow rate when the filter starts to bypass at some standard viscosity representing low temperature startup. Not holding my breath on that; basic filter efficiency is hard enough to find.

Standby generators may have the highest percentage of time in filter bypass because of all the cold weather starts for short unloaded periodic testing, and little time actually running loaded. For reference, on this gen it takes about 30 min of unloaded running at 3600 RPM to raise the oil temperature from 30F to 130F, and how much of that time the filter was in bypass is anyone's guess -- And I'm curious what you all would estimate because this wouldn't be my first unnecessary trip down a rabbit hole. :)

Anyway, I think I'll use the Carquest EP P85348 next oil change. It's sort of a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing the synthetic media will minimize the bypass time comparatively well and the better efficiency is of course a plus.
 
MRT said:
I installed the Kohler 30 watt carb heater kit with a thermostat. Passed on the cold weather kit which has a oil sump heater (nothing on the filter) and went with 0w oil instead.

You've a valid point, but heaters eventually fail without any notice plus there's the electricity cost (which is rising rapidly here).
Click to expand...
Ya I get that, in the smaller units they use an oil filter warmer. I would guess there is a big enough sump for a pan heater. I never liked the battery warmer, figured it would allow the battery to get overcharged and cook it even in the winter.
 
Thermo1223 said:
I never liked the battery warmer, figured it would allow the battery to get overcharged and cook it even in the winter.
Click to expand...
What temperature do they keep the battery at? Even if it was kept 50-70 deg F that would be warm enough.
 
ZeeOSix said:
What temperature do they keep the battery at? Even if it was kept 50-70 deg F that would be warm enough.
Click to expand...
It's only 50w @ 240v and it has a thermostat but if you use an AGM battery it doesn't matter. I just think it's a potential for cooking the battery since it's on a float charger anyway.
 
oldhp said:
The Kohler filter has pretty good specs. 6 pack on Ebay for $49.99 w/free shipping seems like a pretty good deal and has the correct specs.
  • Part Number: 52 050 02-S (or 5205002S)
  • Thread Size: 3/4" - 16
  • Outside Diameter (OD): 3 inches
  • Height: Approximately 3 1/8 inches (or 3-7/16" for some variations)
  • Micron Rating: 29 microns
  • Bypass Valve Pressure: 8-11 PSI
  • Gasket ID: 2-5/16 inches
  • Features: Anti-drain back valve, synthetic media.
Click to expand...
Better off buying a fram synthetic endurance oil filter at Walmart for $13.
Synthetic media only stoping 29 microns seems like a waste of synthetic media.
 
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