I have noticed that my little 2003 Civic 1.7L calls for the same filter as an Accord V6 and even an Infiniti V8 (MX45). Based on this, I was wondering if a lower flow, higher filtration filter (e.g. Mobil 1) would be better for me than a higher flow, lower filtration (e.g. K&N) filter? The assumption being that my 1.7 liter 4 cyl would not need to flow as much oil as a 4.5 liter V8. Conversely, maybe the MX45 owner should opt for the K&N.
filter flow vs. engine size
- Thread starter dcd
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The bypass valve takes care of the flow differences.
But when in by-pass there is no filtration. Correct?
Patman
Staff member
Correct, if it's in total bypass, although I believe the valve can be just open partially, so some of the oil is still going through the media.
Some years ago, we were told by Hastings rep that the oil flow rate in the 4 cylinder engines of the time was about double that of the V-8s. As I recall, they said they ran higher rpm and hotter and required the higher flow
I remember about 20 years ago purchasing a Hastings spin on filter for a Ford. When I cut it open it was packed with cotton. From the looks of it it probably was about 10 times better at cleaning oil than pleated paper or micro glass. I wonder if these filters are still available. I don't even know where you could find a Hastings filter now.
Ralph
Ralph
Ralph-
Hastings stopped using the cotton pack quite a few years back. Their concern was that the dense cotton could (at least theorectically) cause a bit of oil starvation in the (then) newer smaller engines (which required the higher oil flow).
First they went to a spun, looked like a plastic/fiberglass/nylon element, then later to a pleated element.
I still have a few of the old, cotton filters (if you have a very old Honda)
Hastings stopped using the cotton pack quite a few years back. Their concern was that the dense cotton could (at least theorectically) cause a bit of oil starvation in the (then) newer smaller engines (which required the higher oil flow).
First they went to a spun, looked like a plastic/fiberglass/nylon element, then later to a pleated element.
I still have a few of the old, cotton filters (if you have a very old Honda)
****,
I guess if you made a full flow filter that cleaned oil it would be too large to be practical. The only filters that can clean oil are bypass filters. If you put enough media in a full flow filter to clean oil the relief valve opens and your filter automatically becomes a bypass filter. The combination filters are not practical because the bypass filter section reaches it's capacity too fast then the filter automatically becomes a full flow filter only. There is no way to avoid the hoses and the higher cost of the two filter system if you want clean oil at a high volume. I run only a bypass filter on my Camry Toyota. It's a low mileage engine with only 170,000. As long as I only see a few tiny particles on top of the Motor Guard element I'm not too concerned. If I start seeing a lot of tiny particles I will call the junk yard and tell them to come and get it. I thought I had a compression problem. It turned out to be an ignition or fuel problem. It smoothes out as soon as it starts.
Ralph
I guess if you made a full flow filter that cleaned oil it would be too large to be practical. The only filters that can clean oil are bypass filters. If you put enough media in a full flow filter to clean oil the relief valve opens and your filter automatically becomes a bypass filter. The combination filters are not practical because the bypass filter section reaches it's capacity too fast then the filter automatically becomes a full flow filter only. There is no way to avoid the hoses and the higher cost of the two filter system if you want clean oil at a high volume. I run only a bypass filter on my Camry Toyota. It's a low mileage engine with only 170,000. As long as I only see a few tiny particles on top of the Motor Guard element I'm not too concerned. If I start seeing a lot of tiny particles I will call the junk yard and tell them to come and get it. I thought I had a compression problem. It turned out to be an ignition or fuel problem. It smoothes out as soon as it starts.
Ralph
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