Do I have a Defective S&S Oil Filter for My Harley?

[ZeeOSix]

No just using a bypass filter in an engine unless you're stuck in the 1950s.

 

[EvoMan]

Pretty sure Harley's just use a lawn mower type oil filter. 3614 or 3600 size

Correct. I went down the Harley oil filter cross reference rabbit hole years ago. I used a FRAM 3614 OG Ultra for years on my ‘89 EG.

Since the Ultra’s aren’t as good as they used to be, I’m now running Premium Guard made STP Extended Life oil filters, P/N: S3600XL on both my ‘89 and 2018 Tri Glide with the 107 M8 motor.

Next oil filter change on both bikes will be a Premium Guard Extended Life, P/N PG195EX. It’s basically the same filter as the STP.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Since the Ultra’s aren’t as good as they used to be, I’m now running Premium Guard made STP Extended Life oil filters, P/N: S3600XL on both my ‘89 and 2018 Tri Glide with the 107 M8 motor.

I use the 3600 sized filters on my Tacoma 4.0L V6, which is the "over-size" filter for the OEM sized 3614. That 3600 must look huge on the Harley engine.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Why not just get the current Harley branded filter that they specify for your bike?

In a nutshell because my old bike engine is from 3 engine generations ago and uses a lower pressure oiling system. When Harley redesigned the oil filters for the newer engines it stopped producing the type oil filter my bike always uses. The new filters has drain back valve ( mine did not ) and lower micron filtering so many suggest my old engine design will be starved for oil if I use these new design oil filters. lots of Youtube videos from S&S and Harley mechanics etc saying don't use the new filter design ( That Harley replaced my old design with ).

 

[loneryder]

Okay, I have been in-touch with S&S this morning.
I don't have much info as I can't find any specs about this filter from S&S except its listed as a 30 micron filter and the rep I talked with thinks its made by WIX and it fits my 1997 Harley Heritage softail 1340 engine. This filter has worked well for me the last 10 years but I'm not going to install a filter that looks like that and has a burr.

I did buy this filter 3rd party and the rep had a concern of the date code of 2023. I sent these pics and was suggested I return it to the 3rd party and perhaps buy a replacement direct from S&S, IF I can verify a direct WIX replacement I would rater but WIX.

I may be way off with my detective skills but I think I somewhat may understand the Harley oil filter sage.
This older bike oil system is believed to need a less restrictive oil filter, the new bikes needs better filtering anti drain back valves etc I do know my new 2023 Harley Street Glide uses the new 5 micron rated filter from Harley but to complicate matters the WIX website suggest WIX does NOT make a filter for my new 2023? Why but I don't trust the website as its suggesting a 5 micron rated filter for my old 1997 Harley Heritage!

Best I can tell the Harley brand filters went to a synthetic media a few years back and the Lady at Wix suggested WIX followed. So I call WIX today and do some digging. I have always heard on the forums and such my older evo needs a 30 micron ( less restrictive filter ) I can't add anything about efficiency? I have no idea???

I noticed the new Wix ( as suggested when I put my bike info in ) is now a Wix 5 micron rated filter. ( I use black not chrome so all part numbers are for black) The new part number Wix for my bike is Wix # 57148 (5) micron rated. The lady a Wix suggested this filter changed when the Harley brand filter changed to Synthetic filter media and then enters the 5 micron rating and has a anti drain back valve.

The wix lady also suggested a older filter number Wix 51348 a 21 micron rated filter with also with a anti drain back valve but then my Harley fourms suggest the proper Wix filter for my 1997 is a Wix part # 51215 thats rated at 21 Micron with NO anti drain back valve and has a Cellulose filter media! so now in totally confused!

My guess after inspecting the pics THIS Wix 51215 MAY be the same filter as my S&S filter in question as my S&S does NOT have a anti drain back valve, not 100% but don't think any of my older oil filters over the last 28 years had a anti drain back valve? and the Harley Forums I read suggest with my old school low pressure oiling system I do not need a drain back valve.

Wix limites the filter spec info as well as Harley but the filters sizes are all the same from the (3) wix and my S&S.

Going with an educated guess I wonder if that Wix part # 51215 ( 21 micron filter is the same as my S&S part number 31-4101 30 micron rated filter )?

If so, I can find that Wix #51215 in plenty at my local corner auto parts store and the NAPA version as well!

I'm trying to wrap my head around the micron ratings, efficiency etc, my take is it must be like car stereo wattage was rated in the 80's?

A 100 Watt stereo could be the same as a 1,000 Watt stereo all dependent on how one rates it.
My thinking is if my bike don't need a anti drain back I don't need a anti drain back.


As y'all can tell I'm more confused than ever of what the best filter option is moving forward .
I question did Harley suggest its okay using the newer filter on the old bikes so Harley don't need to continue producing old style filters? Harley is not well know for supporting older bikes.

Everything I read on the forums is my 97 needs a free flowing filter, my question is would that WIX 51215 be my best option moving forward?
I may also research K&N offerings as i'm tired of mail order and would like a proper, free flowing oil filter i can buy at the auto parts store down the street!

Isn’t your Evo motor a dry sump with a separate oil tank?

 

[loneryder]

Don't let the "5 micron" Harley filter fool you. As linked above in post 8, it's most likely nominal 5u since Harley doesn't give any specific efficiency % with the 5 micron claim. Advertising voodoo.

They were pretty adamant that the 5 micron filter be used on at least the 103 motor forward.

 

[ZeeOSix]

They were pretty adamant that the 5 micron filter be used on at least the 103 motor forward.

What I was saying is the Harley "5 micron" filter sounds like it's 50% efficient at 5 microns. It's still pretty efficient at 20u however - my estimate would be between 95-97% @ 20u. But it doesn't catch all 5 micron debris if that's what some people may believe when they see "5 microns" on the box.

 

[ZeeOSix]

In a nutshell because my old bike engine is from 3 engine generations ago and uses a lower pressure oiling system. When Harley redesigned the oil filters for the newer engines it stopped producing the type oil filter my bike always uses. The new filters has drain back valve ( mine did not ) and lower micron filtering so many suggest my old engine design will be starved for oil if I use these new design oil filters. lots of Youtube videos from S&S and Harley mechanics etc saying don't use the new filter design ( That Harley replaced my old design with ).

What I was getting at is if Harley specs an oil filter for your older Harley, why no just use that filter is you're worried about oil flow being choked by a more efficient filter. It shouldn't matter if is has an ADBV. If Harley specified it, then it's apparently good enough for Harley.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Isn’t your Evo motor a dry sump with a separate oil tank?

Yes, Dry sump separate oil tank...

 

[EvoMan]

I use the 3600 sized filters on my Tacoma 4.0L V6, which is the "over-size" filter for the OEM sized 3614. That 3600 must look huge on the Harley engine.

Yeah, I don’t think one of the FRAM 3600 size filters would work. They are definitely too long. The STP S3600XL is only about 4” long, which is the same size as the Harley M8 oil filter. Check out the pic in the link below. It shows the various 3600 size/type filters.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/premium-guard-filter-size-differences.381098/post-6841618

 

[Fair enough]

As you stated, there is a video from S&S. One is showing the early engines have the filter in the return line. Wix 51215 does look like your S&S filter, and appears to have no adbv. This seems to be a requirement and not easy to find.
I don’t understand if it is gravity or under pressure but it’s interesting.
Baldwin has a filter that may be right too, B1413.

 

[Fair enough]

The Baldwin without adbv B1413 states also for Mazda. That may be another source, Mazda or Toyota dealers.

 

[EvoMan]

A HIFLO HF170B should fit the OP’s bike. It doesn’t have an anti-drain back valve.

https://www.hiflofiltro.com/catalogue/filter/hf170

Also, you may find the video below of interest.

 

[ZeeOSix]

As you stated, there is a video from S&S. One is showing the early engines have the filter in the return line. Wix 51215 does look like your S&S filter, and appears to have no adbv. This seems to be a requirement and not easy to find.
I don’t understand if it is gravity or under pressure but it’s interesting.

An oil return driven by just gravity through any filter would be a bad idea. Oil needs to be forced through filters at higher than the small pressure just created by an oil column by gravity, especially if the filter started loading up and needed more pressure to effectively move the oil through it.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I was able to pick up a WIX 51215 at my local O'Reilly auto parts store ( he had one in the back) I took some pics, It looks like the S&S I have except the S&S has a much thicker gasket... I was under the understanding the Wix 51215 WAS made in Gastonia NC but is now Mexico, I found some pic of the plant in Mexico and it looks ultra modern, clean and is in a new maga industrial park.

I took some pics and was able to get pics of the inside of my S&S as well...
I think I'll try the wix, I'm a big fan of bypass valves being at the top of a filter and no the bottom. This Wix and S&S is at the top.
I considered the K&N as the construction looks nice but has that bypass on the bottom.

I don't like the idea of a bottom mounted by-pass valve opening and the oil is then IMO flushing the outside of the filter and possibly allowing that trash to return to the engine.

I noticed printed on the box of the S&S it states
" Direct bypass- bypass oil does not pass over dirty filter media "

Back around 2014 / 2015 I owned a new Subaru WRX and is about the time Subaru decided to have "Fram" build the new filters for the US market and yes the then new fram had a bottom mounted bypass.

I sold the WRX so was not a issue for me but has a bottom mounted bypass ever actually caused a issue? looks like a bad design to me?

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Yeah, I don’t think one of the FRAM 3600 size filters would work. They are definitely too long. The STP S3600XL is only about 4” long, which is the same size as the Harley M8 oil filter. Check out the pic in the link below. It shows the various 3600 size/type filters.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/premium-guard-filter-size-differences.381098/post-6841618

Years ago ( like 20+ years ago ) My old bike shop ( now long closed ) in Charlotte NC and I I think I also had that huge late 90's Custom Chrome book Before Internet, (anyone remember those wonderful days?) but I loved REVTECH products sold via Custom Chrome. From the huge 10 mm spark plug wires to the Revtech fluids specifically the Revtech "PURE" 25w-60 during hot coastal summer months, 20w-50 in winter.

Back then REVTECH made the nice Revtech Chrome magnetic oil filters, As I remember that filter came in 3 or 4 lengths and one was a extra long oil filter. Fit my 1997 bike perfect and my thought going extra long would = more filter length the more filter media and as I remember was one of the first magnetic filters and was a very heavy, I think if I remember the filter was made in Tiawan but looked to be a VERY well made filter that had the best chrome plating I have ever seen on a filter and REVTECH logo was all but engraved or something, To my eye and as I remember looked to be perhaps the BEST oil filterI have ever seen then or now, very well made!
However, being before I had internet I could not find Youtube videos with cut open filters like we can today!

That filter was 100% shrink wrapped in plastic and had a nice box. I always wondered if that extra length added any extra oil cooling? I can't now find the specs or how long that filter was but it looked huge long!

Not sure what happened to Custom Chrome and the Revtech brand as you could even buy complete REVTECH engines before the fall of all things Choppers! I no longer see anything REVTECH in the wild or in any store with the exception of a older chopper pulling up beside me with that REVTECH engine...

I see some stuff REVTECH online but the website to me look fake? Something is off perhaps? Anyone able to buy Custom Chrome Products? I did move from my home but I see nothing in my local bike shops but I have not searched every mom and pop...

This is what I can still find on the net about revtech filters

filters offer 30% more filtering surface and paper that lasts 30% longer than standard spin-on filters. " ( I think my extra long added much more than that)" They are designed to replace Harley-Davidson OEM filters and are suitable for both high-performance and stock engines.

Key Features:

• Magnetic Ring Tower: Removes metal particles under 10 microns.
• Calibrated Pressure Relief Valves: Prevents excessive pressure buildup.
• One-Piece Cans: Fully-rolled and safety-crimped edges prevent leaks.
• 30% More Filtering Surface: Increased filtering capacity compared to standard spin-on filters.
• 30% Longer Lasting Paper: Enhanced durability of the filter media.
• High-Performance and Stock Engine Compatibility: Suitable for various applications.
• Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM Filters: Specifically designed to fit Harley-Davidson Twin Cam and Evolution engines.

I see some old stock on eBay, Wonder if any harm in using old new oil filters?

 

[Hootbro]

Years ago ( like 20+ years ago ) My old bike shop ( now long closed ) in Charlotte NC and I I think I also had that huge late 90's Custom Chrome book Before Internet, (anyone remember those wonderful days?) but I loved REVTECH products sold via Custom Chrome. From the huge 10 mm spark plug wires to the Revtech fluids specifically the Revtech "PURE" 25w-60 during hot coastal summer months, 20w-50 in winter.

Back then REVTECH made the nice Revtech Chrome magnetic oil filters, As I remember that filter came in 3 or 4 lengths and one was a extra long oil filter. Fit my 1997 bike perfect and my thought going extra long would = more filter length the more filter media and as I remember was one of the first magnetic filters and was a very heavy, I think if I remember the filter was made in Tiawan but looked to be a VERY well made filter that had the best chrome plating I have ever seen on a filter and REVTECH logo was all but engraved or something, To my eye and as I remember looked to be perhaps the BEST oil filterI have ever seen then or now, very well made!
However, being before I had internet I could not find Youtube videos with cut open filters like we can today!

That filter was 100% shrink wrapped in plastic and had a nice box. I always wondered if that extra length added any extra oil cooling? I can't now find the specs or how long that filter was but it looked huge long!

Not sure what happened to Custom Chrome and the Revtech brand as you could even buy complete REVTECH engines before the fall of all things Choppers! I no longer see anything REVTECH in the wild or in any store with the exception of a older chopper pulling up beside me with that REVTECH engine...

I see some stuff REVTECH online but the website to me look fake? Something is off perhaps? Anyone able to buy Custom Chrome Products? I did move from my home but I see nothing in my local bike shops but I have not searched every mom and pop...

This is what I can still find on the net about revtech filters

filters offer 30% more filtering surface and paper that lasts 30% longer than standard spin-on filters. " ( I think my extra long added much more than that)" They are designed to replace Harley-Davidson OEM filters and are suitable for both high-performance and stock engines.

Key Features:

• Magnetic Ring Tower: Removes metal particles under 10 microns.
• Calibrated Pressure Relief Valves: Prevents excessive pressure buildup.
• One-Piece Cans: Fully-rolled and safety-crimped edges prevent leaks.
• 30% More Filtering Surface: Increased filtering capacity compared to standard spin-on filters.
• 30% Longer Lasting Paper: Enhanced durability of the filter media.
• High-Performance and Stock Engine Compatibility: Suitable for various applications.
• Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM Filters: Specifically designed to fit Harley-Davidson Twin Cam and Evolution engines.

I see some old stock on eBay, Wonder if any harm in using old new oil filters?

REVTECH is a name I have not heard in a long time. I remember around 2005 or so when I was building a frame up bike build all wrapped up in the "Chopper" craze back then and remember nothing but trash talked about them. Made in Korea IIRC and they were grenading left and right it seemed at least. I remember "American Chopper" throwing in REVTECH engines on many of their corporate sponsored builds because they were cheap and not expected to get ridden much if any.