Filters with drain valves

[Food Scientist]

Has anyone ever seen spin-on oil filters with drain valves? On my Powerstroke there must be 2 quarts of oil in the filter and after spilling all 2 quarts once I always punch a hole in the bottom of the filter and let it drain before removing.

So why I don't I see filters with drain valves so I don't have to punch a hole? And Powerstroke filters are relatively small compared to engines on heavy equipment and 18 wheelers.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Cost?

 

[circuitsmith]

The higher cost would limit its market share.
Maybe not so much on a high end filter.
Maybe a K&N with an Allen screw drain plug on that installation nut.
Also it's another point of failure.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Also another point of failure
Yes, yes, YES circuitsmith


That is what I do not like about technology. Like emissions systems, sure for a few miles the air is cleaner. Then they inevitably fail and really dump toxins into atmosphere.

I feel engineers should be simplifying parts and assemblies instead ofmseeing how elaborate they can make something and it still work.

Eg, power steering on a 2500lb car. Electric windows, variable assist power steering, security alarms, door ajar warnings automatic headlights. Like I couldnt tell my door was open or it was dark outside. Although i have been detained on the side of the road for driving down a well lit road without headlights, so maybe there is some merit to it.

Skynet is alive, my Cobalt's alarm system has locked me out before without even hitting a button. Just waiting for the ignition disabler to trigger and kill the car permanently, all in the name of preventing theft.


Remember the multi-song aftermarket alarms of the nineties? Heard em all day everyday it seems. How many thefts you think they saved? Did it outweigh the noise pollution, install labor, parts and other resources?

 

[CT8]

I hate anti theft crud they put on cars these days.

 

[KzMitch]

So you'd like to pay MORE for an oil filter?

The oil has to come out either way.
What's the difference if it comes out a built in drain valve or when you unscrew it?
The drain pan is below it regardless.

 

[Food Scientist]

Originally Posted By: KzMitch
So you'd like to pay MORE for an oil filter?

The oil has to come out either way.
What's the difference if it comes out a built in drain valve or when you unscrew it?
The drain pan is below it regardless.


If it makes it a lot simpler to remove the filter then yes. The problem is as soon as I crack the filter oil drains down the side and trying to hold a hot oil filter that is super slippery and heavy is a recipe for diaster.

 

[Falken]

People use a scratch awl or a finishing nail to make a small drain hole, but most people don't bother anymore.

FWIW, the plastic housing on VW (Passat etc.) has a drain on them, so the idea exists.

For spin-on, you can't beat the price of a sharp awl. A drain cock would be an added failure/leak point.

 

[DemoFly]

I'd prefer punching a hole.

I've actually never done that. I always halfway spin off the filter and let everything drain and then pull the filter off without turning it upside down.

I'm going to do that next time.

 

[BigCahuna]

I've seem marine fuel filter with a drain in the bottom. The use spin on cartridges, and need to be used only on open decks with good ventilation.,,

 

[BTW]

My S38 BMW M6 had a drain valve in the bottom of the filter housing, I liked it

 

[SilverC6]

Toyota cartridge filters also feature a drain in the filter housing.

I've never seen much merit to it.

Just a little piece of over-engineering on someone's part.