Cartridge Filters have an "hour-glassing" problem

[Scott P]

In a discussion of oil filter styles for the MazdaSpeed6, some people are switching from the cartridge style to a spin on style. I stated how I liked the cartridge style and didn't see any reason to switch. This was a response that made me a bit curious:

the major problem they have of hour glassing, which allows unfiltered oil to pass right by.

This is the first time I've heard that term. I don't even see how the collapsing of the sides would cause unfiltered oil to "pass right by". The only thing I can think of is if the collapsed filter causes enough restriction to cause a bypass to kick in.

Is this really a problem with this style filter? Or is this just a misconception?

 

[Quattro Pete]

On a side note, I have never seen a cartridge filter collapse on my car. Is there something about the MazdaSpeed6 engine oil flow design that makes it susceptible to filter collapse?

 

[Scott P]

I've never noticed it on my car when I've changed the filter. Unless it happens when under pressure while the eingine is running.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
Is this really a problem with this style filter? Or is this just a misconception?


Outside of some design flaw in the oiling system, I say misconception. The only hour glassing that we've seen appears to be a mismatch in tolerances in height. That is, one man makes their filter too tall and the compression distorts the filter.

Now if some clown or clowns are using way too heavy and oil ..to the point where the oil pump relief port can't shunt enough oil ..and the relief port for the filter can't limit the differential ..then SURE, this could happen.

 

[Pablo]

Quote:
he only hour glassing that we've seen appears to be a mismatch in tolerances in height.


Ditto.

 

[Eddie]

I have a Mazda 2.3 that uses a cartridge filter and have discovered that if I lubricate BOTH ends of the cartridge I get no distortion. I run 6,000 mile OCI on Wix and MC filters without any issues. Purolator claims hour-glassing does NOT cause any problems and is only a cosmetic issue as the oil is still 100% filtered. I believe this is the case after examining several filters.

 

[dishdude]

I have never noticed this on any of my Ecotecs, but I *think* someone else on here posted a pic of something to this effect.

 

[Dan55]

If you look at the motorcraft filter for this application.They have reinforced the center tube. http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=86699.0

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
I have never noticed this on any of my Ecotecs, but I *think* someone else on here posted a pic of something to this effect.


The media on every filter I've pulled out of my 2007 2.2 Ecotec appeared to be twisted slightly. This goes for dealer ACD's Frams, Champs, Wix, I've tried them all. Never any torn media, it just the pleats don't come out all nice an parallel.

Joel

 

[Samilcar]

Our Ecotec engine cartridge filters always come out perfectly straight. Our Toyota Sienna cartridge filter comes out slightly twisted. I've always assumed that this was just a cosmetic issue, and I don't see how oil could bypass the filter because of this.

 

[Samilcar]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I have a Mazda 2.3 that uses a cartridge filter and have discovered that if I lubricate BOTH ends of the cartridge I get no distortion.


I will definitely try this next time. It makes sense that if the filter fits snugly inside the housing that it could get twisted slightly when the housing gets tightened down.

 

[dishdude]

I bet that the media in a spin on filter would usually look the same, but since it is in a can and never seen it goes unnoticed. If the media isn't torn, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[labman]

I have mostly seen it in the Purlators I have used. I don't think it is a problem.

 

[Scott P]

Another member posted that it is also a problem with Ford 6.0 and 6.4 Diesel engines. Apparently, it is documented on the computers at Ford dealers. I've asked for a more complete description of the problem.

 

[ChiTDI]

I've never seen it in any of the diesels I've worked on in the last ten years, but I'll sure look for it!
Thanks for posting.

 

[Scott P]

The latest update:

just do a basic search for crushed filter. its a little more then typical of a problem.

another major problem people have posted about is cracking the plastic caps. there have been two seperate threads in the lat 2 months about blown motors! because of those plastic caps being over tightened. i think they were both done at a shop even!


the 2.0 spin on conversion should be on everyones list just as a safety thing these day's.



It sounds to me like it's just an overreaction to something that is quite normal or due to human error. The crushed filter is probably the slightly too high filter elements. The cracked end cover is just due to human error.

I'll probably be changing my oil today. I have a Napa Gold (Wix) filter for the first time for this car. I'll compare it to my OEM one in there now. I'll also try lubing the ends as described earlier to see if that helps.

 

[labman]

I have done 28 oil changes on my 02 Ecotec. I have used some Purolator cartridges, and they looked like they were a little too tall. I haven't seen any cracked end caps. Who knows what evills are hidden inside spin ons.

 

[tom slick]

One issue I see is the plastic cap seals with an o-ring on the side, contrary to popular belief making it tighter does not make it seal better. "tight" is only enough to keep it from backing out.

If the cartridge was to be twisted when being installed it would cause "hour glassing". Eddie's lube trick would help prevent this.

installing the spin-on conversion kit would be a really good way to void an engine warranty.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yup, I have no idea why that is so hard to comprehend. If the o-ring is in good condition once it is closed it will seal.

 

[kkreit01]

I have seen pictures of some of the ealier Purolator filters doing this. I never had a problem, but I always lubed the top and bottom, and used Wix or MC.