Interesting print on a Donaldson DBL7405 filter

[txgp17]

So sometimes I run a Donaldson DBL7405 filter on my 7.3L Power Stroke. I got some off the brown truck of joy last week and noticed this print:
7µm(C) at β2000
If that's true, then this full-flow filter is almost as efficient as a bypass, but I'm inclined to say it's a misprint. The ELF7405 filters were labeled absolute at 15 micron, and nominal at 7. The Donaldson page says Efficiency 99% at15 micron.

 

[zfasts03]

image 1 should already have oil on it, unless brand new engine.

image 4, most others are 3/4 turn

 

[ZeeOSix]

So sometimes I run a Donaldson DBL7405 filter on my 7.3L Power Stroke. I got some off the brown truck of joy last week and noticed this print:
7µm(C) at β2000
If that's true, then this full-flow filter is almost as efficient as a bypass, but I'm inclined to say it's a misprint. The ELF7405 filters were labeled absolute at 15 micron, and nominal at 7. The Donaldson page says Efficiency 99% at15 micron.

View attachment 243622

Beta 20 = 95.00%
Beta 200 = 99.50%
Beta 2000 = 99.95%

So if the Donaldson page says Efficiency 99% at 15 micron, then it would have to be closer to Beta 20 (95%) at 7 microns. So could be a misprint on the filter label.

It also says on their websit:
• Removes more than 90% of contaminants 10 microns or larger (cellulose filters typically remove 50% or less).

So based on that, it couldn't be Beta 2000 at 7 microns.

 

[Mewbs]

This looks very off, I smell counterfeit. On the larger filters, Donaldson normally has a prefill center hole with oil pictorial on the install instruction...

I look at some online examples of this filter at known MRO and industrial parts distribution sites and none of the example photos claimed showing Beta 2000 at 7 microns printed on the side of the can as shown in your photo.

 

[Mewbs]

OP sample is a counterfeit which matches the font and text. Here is an example of a genuine part of the same filter which has a lighter blue color and print.. RIP OP's engine

Center tube louvers pattern is not the same as what Donaldson normally use, and you can see the yellow colored cellulose media, commonly found on cheap Chinese made jobber filters.

 

[wemay]

Good catch and information. It may very well be a counterfeit, but I'd hardly say "RIP OP's engine".

 

[CharlieBauer]

Good catch and information. It may very well be a counterfeit, but I'd hardly say "RIP OP's engine".

Thinking the engine will be ok with a counterfeit would be because we assume that the counterfeit simply means the media isn't as efficient or the rubber isn't as pliable etc.

But counterfeit also means things like metal shavings, filter material tearing or breaking down, bits coming loose, permanent bypass. (You know like a Fram or Purolator but worse).

It's effectively an engine part and anything could be going on inside it. Engines have failed due to a quality issue in non counterfeit filters. With a counterfeit filter, you have no idea of the quality in the can.

Totally makes sense for the counterfeiters to go into the $40 filter market rather than the $4 (in the past) Motorcraft market.

 

[ZeeOSix]

So sometimes I run a Donaldson DBL7405 filter on my 7.3L Power Stroke. I got some off the brown truck of joy last week ...

Where did you purchase these filters from?

 

[fantastic]

Send this link to Donaldson CS & see what they say.

 

[txgp17]

OP sample is a counterfeit which matches the font and text.

Yep, it's a counterfeit. I got it off eBay, and it's totally my fault for not paying closer attention. The eBay add makes no mention of the word "Donaldson." I just assumed it was genuine based on the general pics and the part number.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Yep, it's a counterfeit. I got it off eBay, and it's totally my fault for not paying closer attention. The eBay add makes no mention of the word "Donaldson." I just assumed it was genuine based on the general pics and the part number.

Might want to cut one open to see what's really inside ... in the name of science.

 

[CharlieBauer]

OP sample is a counterfeit which matches the font and text. Here is an example of a genuine part of the same filter which has a lighter blue color and print.. RIP OP's engine

View attachment 243625

Center tube louvers pattern is not the same as what Donaldson normally use, and you can see the yellow colored cellulose media, commonly found on cheap Chinese made jobber filters.
View attachment 243627

View attachment 243626

The other big giveaway that it is not Donaldson is that the eBay filter does not say "Donaldson" on it.

 

[txgp17]

Might want to cut one open to see what's really inside ... in the name of science.

I would, but I've filed for a return, so they'll be returned in the condition I received them.
I did a cut open about 13 years ago on an ELF7405, but I don't think it was on this site.

 

[Mewbs]

Massive media element. 10.25 inches tall nice.