I changed my oil and filter today at 2,500 miles. This is the first time I have used anything except an AC Delco PF 52. I used the WalMart Super Tech ST3980 equivalent. It certainly looks as good as the AC Delco. I also used for the first time the stainless steel mesh screens in the top of the filter. This is a trap for carbon and dirt to give the owner an early warning of a problem at the next oil change.
First use of SuperTech oil filter & SS screen
- Thread starter Jim Spahr
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Jim,
I've seen those screen inserts advertised on TV and I've considered trying them but I never seem to remember to get a set when I'm at the parts store
. Report back with your findings/opinions on them when you do your next oil change; should be interesting.
I've seen those screen inserts advertised on TV and I've considered trying them but I never seem to remember to get a set when I'm at the parts store
Think about how much those screens cut flow. I'll bet if you calculate the surface area of a fine mesh screen, you will see a dramatic reduction in flow area.
Since you are using a PF52, that means the bypass is in your engine. If the screen reduces flow into the filter, you will be pushing more oil through the bypass. While I don't think you'll hurt your engine with one of these, I DO think you will end up in bypass more often.
EDIT: Not trying to criticize your choice to use the screen, or to imply that your engine will self-destruct... just giving you something to think about.
Do this: Estimate flow area of screen and compare it to the six filter inlet holes. If it is >/= to filter inlet area, than you have no worries. If it is less, I'd think twice about using that screen. If the screen is actually fine enough to trap anything, I'll bet the numbers will surprise you (just a guess... I've never used a screen).
[ December 16, 2003, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: novadude ]
Since you are using a PF52, that means the bypass is in your engine. If the screen reduces flow into the filter, you will be pushing more oil through the bypass. While I don't think you'll hurt your engine with one of these, I DO think you will end up in bypass more often.
EDIT: Not trying to criticize your choice to use the screen, or to imply that your engine will self-destruct... just giving you something to think about.
Do this: Estimate flow area of screen and compare it to the six filter inlet holes. If it is >/= to filter inlet area, than you have no worries. If it is less, I'd think twice about using that screen. If the screen is actually fine enough to trap anything, I'll bet the numbers will surprise you (just a guess... I've never used a screen).
[ December 16, 2003, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: novadude ]
The stainless steel screen is not fine mesh and is not intended to replace the oil filter media as a filter device. It is to alert the owner of a serious problem before any damage is done to the engine. IOW it is only big enough to trap larger particles of carbon or metal filings. You don't have to cut open the oil filter each time to see the start of a problem. It has a small hole in the screen to allow by pass if it were to clog up. For example, if you were using a oil cleaner like some promoted on this forum, you probably would not want to be using this screen because it may clog up. BTW, My oil pressure is just great ( by looking at the dash oil gauge.)
For a readily available filter like a PF 52, I would definately cut one of each open, and measure the filter area. before switching to ST. The ST's are good, but for less than another $1.50, you can get a better one. At least the PF 1177 has more area than the ST 3950.
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