Bypass filter plugged?

[snoboy]

I just finished a 6000 mile run of Amsoil High Performance 10w40. I'm using an Amsoil BMK-11 bypass filter that returns to the filler cap. Today I removed the cap to pull a sample (just before changing the oil) no oil was flowing. I shut down the truck and proceeded with the oil change. Before I installed the new BE-100 filter I ran compressed air through the line from the cap towards the BMK-11 unit, it took some pressure to unclog the line but it did unclog. I installed everything as normal and fired her up. Oil is now flowing just fine through the bypass.
Any ideas as why/how that line clogged? I took a sample so I'll share those results when I get them
Side note* I used 2oz. of LubeControl per quart at time of that oil change plus 2oz. per 1000miles. Could this have been a super duty cleaning action that had taken place? The filter was full of oil and fairly heavy and it has worked for most of the 6000 miles. Any ideas would be appreciated. snoboy

 

[TooSlick]

Well, I've never heard of one of the bypass filter lines clogging before, even in a very old sludged up engine. How many miles did this vehicle have on it prior to using Amsoil? The oil in the return line should be extremely clean. I'd recommend checking your PCV valve for proper operation.

I see NO POINT in using the LC with Amsoil - if you put any aftermarket oil additive in there you can and sometimes do have an adverse reactions. I'd just use the 10w-40 straight and if you're not satisfied with the performance of that, try another oil.

TS

 

[snoboy]

T.S., I have used Amsoil since the vehicle had 15000 miles on it. BTW its a 6.0 Powerstroke sorry for not providing enough info. I had a run of 6000mi with Series 3000 5w30, then a brief run with Schaeffers 15w40, and then the AMO 10w40. I dont know what to make of this either. But I agree I think the truck holds enough oil (16 qts w/ bypass) to keep any oil clean.So I dont need LC in the diesel truck. I have Rotella T 5w40 in there now but I am probably going to go with the ACD 10w30 Amsoil for long term use.
PS I took your advice and am using Series 3000 in my Blazer 4.3. Thanks Mike

 

[TooSlick]

Mike,

The Amsoil 10w-40 is considered a "light duty" diesel oil, even though it technically meets the CI-4+ specification. The S3000/HDD, 10w30/ACD, 15w40/AME,PCO are their true HD diesel oils and any of those would be fine for your application. I think the new 10w30 will work very well in the new PSD, since it's probably their most shear stable formulation and this engine runs smoothly with a 30wt.

One reason they came out with this grade is that even commercial diesel engines are starting to recommend an SAE 10w30 for year round use.

Ted

 

[msparks]

You know I wonder is that tiny pinhole is enough?

I'm going to ask them about it when I go to Amsoil University next month. It just seems that it's awefully small, and that if it was just a little bit bigger it would have less chance of clogging. I don't know.

 

[pajim17057]

I don't think that orfice should ever clog. It is on the clean side. There shoudn't be anything bigger then 1 micron getting through the element. I would think the must have tested the orfice size. If it were to big it would starve the engine of oil.

 

[Tony B]

quote:

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Originally posted by snoboy:
BTW its a 6.0 Powerstroke sorry for not providing enough info...So I dont need LC in the diesel truck. Thanks Mike

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I would most definately use LC in any diesel truck. It really keeps the soot in check and helps keep the nitration and oxidation numbers low as well--those are necessay for longer miles on the oil- which is what you will want to get with the higher cost of synthetic oils. By the way, I run the 7.3 Fords commercially to the tune of 3-4,000 miles a WEEK. After several used oil analysis--LC is definately worth the $$ and time to use it. Also I have found that the regular conventional oils with LC work better then the synthetics-cost wise and wear wise. Delo seems to run the best in my trucks verses Delvac- but just switched to Delo so I am just starting to get the used oil analysis for that in.

T

 

[Gary Allan]

quote:

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You know I wonder is that tiny pinhole is enough?

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I too wondered about this. I initially thought that they left some instation tool in there by accident. I caught a glimpse of a speck and shifted my varilux and managed to just see the hole. Mine pinned out to about .029, IIRC.

Sure that's more than enough for any debris/particles ..but depending on outside temp and such, I would think that the flow would be so slow that the pressure developed upstream may not be enough to push it through (visions of a heavy/cold oil column that requires more PSI to move. That is, it's great for lowering the volume and velocity through the filter ..but I don't think it needs to be that small.

[ April 19, 2005, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: Gary Allan ]

 

[snoboy]

Its a strange one for sure. I hope the UOI will shed some light on the issue. I have had no problems with this system before nor has the BMK-11 on my Blazer ever had any trouble. I've had the Blazer bypass installed for 4 trouble free years. Again I did start the oil with 2oz. per quart of LC, that equates to one quart of LC at the start, maybe too much LC.