The background of my question is the oil/filter in my 05 Silverado/Duramax. I drive this truck very little, maybe 4000 miles a year. And most of that is on long trips for vacation. I run Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck and Mobil 1 oil filters in it. I keep doing oil analysis which is resulting in me pushing out the OCI further and further. I am past the 2 year mark and heading for 3. The oil still tests fine... But then I got to worrying if maybe the oil filter itself would start degrading ("coming unglued" for those that like puns) media disintegration etc... Or would the filter likely maintain its structural integrity for as long as I might leave it on? Thanks for any insight.
Does an oil filter degrade with "in service" time?
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As long as there is no water in the system the oil filter should be fine.
Water will make the cellulose fibers swell and weaken their bond to each other.
Synthetic fibers water won't matter, like those in a Mobil 1 filter.
I think that due to your used oil analysis you should be fine.
Water will make the cellulose fibers swell and weaken their bond to each other.
Synthetic fibers water won't matter, like those in a Mobil 1 filter.
I think that due to your used oil analysis you should be fine.
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i do once a year oil changes on my cars with great results
I don't think you have anything to worry about, if it makes you feel better, you could do filter only changes.
I had a used cartridge oil filter crunch in my hand once. I do not know why or how old the filter was. It came out of a VW New Beetle with the 5 cylinder engine, it was a Napa Gold filter. It was completely intact untill I grabbed it to pull it loose from the cap.
I had a used cartridge oil filter crunch in my hand once. I do not know why or how old the filter was. It came out of a VW New Beetle with the 5 cylinder engine, it was a Napa Gold filter. It was completely intact untill I grabbed it to pull it loose from the cap.
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Why not just swap out the filter with a new one, and top off the oil with fresh?
I thought about doing just that... And I have plenty of filters in reserve for this truck. But then I ask why do it? I'm sure the Mobil 1 filter is not filled to capacity and I strongly suspect that it is still structurally sound. So I couldn't come up with a really good reason to justify changing it... Unless of course someone here knew better, which was why I asked...
Why not just swap out the filter with a new one, and top off the oil with fresh?
I thought about doing just that... And I have plenty of filters in reserve for this truck. But then I ask why do it? I'm sure the Mobil 1 filter is not filled to capacity and I strongly suspect that it is still structurally sound. So I couldn't come up with a really good reason to justify changing it... Unless of course someone here knew better, which was why I asked...
gathermewool
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If the UOA are showing good results and 0 insolubles, then I'd not worry about the filter. As has been mentioned, you can either change it out halfway if it's easy to access or take it out for the full duration and cut it open to see for yourself.
Do you have a link to your latest UOA?
Do you have a link to your latest UOA?
Have you opened any of the previous filters?
Yes it did and the M1 is a solid filter too. Other than the synthetic filters I think the M1 would be high on the list for being able to last this long. For me, regardless of used oil analysis I think I'd probably set a time limit for an OCI, not sure I could go past the 2 year mark let alone 3. If you're looking at value, I'd probably cut back to something a little less expensive and run that out with used oil analysis.
Does the '05 have the OLM?
Look forward to the pics when it does come off anyway!
Does the '05 have the OLM?
Look forward to the pics when it does come off anyway!
I have stored vehicles for 2+ years and had ZERO problems. Your fuel's freshness is of much more concern. Use Stabil if it sits too long. Otherwise forget about the filters, they are perfectly fine!
I have interviewed several engineers in the oil filter industry and two were willing to give me oil filter time limits. One said two years for cellulose filters and the other said three years but didn't qualify the type. Both admitted there was some safety factor built into those recommendations. It's all about the media. How long can it withstand the chemicals and chemical reactions in the oil? I was told that the media manufacturers actually do tests and there are specs that indicate the service limits of the media. I imagine that would be difficult info to obtain and you'd have to know EXACTLY what media is involved.
Whats going on with your oil is a vital factor and IMO filter life is linked directly to oil condition. Nasty oil full of moisture and oxidation byproducts will likely lead to media failure... at least with a cellulose, or part cellulose media.
SuperDave is right about the cellulose vs full-synthetic media. There are blends of cellulose and full synthetic that would fall into the cellulose category for the purposes of this discussion.
For myself, and FWIW, I have set three years as a max for any filter on my engines. This also happens to be my maximum OCI. I have mileage or hours only intervals on my car, trucks, farm equipment and small engines. Seldom do they go out to 3 years, but one tractor did and the used oil analysis was great. Normal is 18 months to 2 years. And I feel great about it because I have done the homework and am confident in my knowledge and choices.
BTW, I autopsy all my filters and did so on the three year interval... it was a "mere" cellulose filter (old tractor with no filter options) and it was fine. Believe I posted the pics... this was some years ago.
At the end of the day, I would be totally confident in running a full synthetic filter (such as the M1) out three years.
Whats going on with your oil is a vital factor and IMO filter life is linked directly to oil condition. Nasty oil full of moisture and oxidation byproducts will likely lead to media failure... at least with a cellulose, or part cellulose media.
SuperDave is right about the cellulose vs full-synthetic media. There are blends of cellulose and full synthetic that would fall into the cellulose category for the purposes of this discussion.
For myself, and FWIW, I have set three years as a max for any filter on my engines. This also happens to be my maximum OCI. I have mileage or hours only intervals on my car, trucks, farm equipment and small engines. Seldom do they go out to 3 years, but one tractor did and the used oil analysis was great. Normal is 18 months to 2 years. And I feel great about it because I have done the homework and am confident in my knowledge and choices.
BTW, I autopsy all my filters and did so on the three year interval... it was a "mere" cellulose filter (old tractor with no filter options) and it was fine. Believe I posted the pics... this was some years ago.
At the end of the day, I would be totally confident in running a full synthetic filter (such as the M1) out three years.
Jim,
I don't believe the M1 has a full synthetic media like a NAPA Platinum, Royal Purple or Purolator Synthetic. Neither the M1 or the similar K&N I used appeared to be synthetic, as in cloth wire mesh backed. I do think they use a synthetic blend media though.
I don't believe the M1 has a full synthetic media like a NAPA Platinum, Royal Purple or Purolator Synthetic. Neither the M1 or the similar K&N I used appeared to be synthetic, as in cloth wire mesh backed. I do think they use a synthetic blend media though.
cp3: Yep, I was in error on the M1 now that I go back and check my stock of pics of both the M1 (which I should have done since I've never used one). Nothing wrong with a blended media in and of itself, it's just the cellulose part is a little more vulnerable to age related problems.
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