dnewton3
Staff member
I thought my post had made it clear, but I'll try to sum it up. It's not just about "fit"; it's about ALL the filter specs.
Your oil filter typically will rarely, if ever, go into bypass. It's been debated here many times, but most agree that it just doesn't happen but in EXTREME circumstances, and even then, it's still rare. The bypass filter is designed to open upon pressure differential across the media; upstream pressure vs. downstream pressure, if you will, as divided by the media within the fitler. This might happen as a blip at start up. It could happen if you get a GIANT sludge filled agglomeration mass covering the whole media (but if this were true, you'd have bigger problems than filter bypass!). The filter itself represents a mere fraction of the lube system resistance, therefore the differential across the media isn't going to force the bypass open. If you're worried about the filter bypassing at ultra-low rpm, you're worried about the wrong thing. Basically, this is a non-issue.
As for flow ratings, it's typical that the flow capability of a filter FAR outpaces the flow of the system in an engine. So flow is also a non-issue.
Nominal micron ratings are better than no info at all, but the Beta ratios are a MUCH better indication of filtration efficiency. Regarding the filtration need for the HD oil cooling jets; do you think HD is the only manufacturer to use such technology? MANY, MANY of today's sport bikes use such cooling. And they do it at a MUCH higher RPM. Heck, even some diesel engines have jet cooling for the pistons. What makes HD so special in this regard? Nothing, that's what. Just because HD has a "premium" 5um filter available for sale, that does not mean that the engine requires such filtration for proper operation. And I seriously call into question any filter that claims to be a 5um FULL FLOW filter.
I can assure you that large companies such as Wix and Purolator spec filters that will meet the OEM criteria for all characteristics. Size, flow, filtration, bypass and burst pressures, etc. Do you honestly believe Wix would suggest filter XXXXX for an HD application, to risk "serious potential problems"? If anything, HD owners tend to be super-anal about their rides, overall. Don't you think Wix is legally aware of their obligation as implied in their warranty?
The OP's question was basically "what makes a motorcycle fitler different from a car filter?". Answer: nothing. Specs are specs. As long as a filter meets those specs, it'll work.
Your oil filter typically will rarely, if ever, go into bypass. It's been debated here many times, but most agree that it just doesn't happen but in EXTREME circumstances, and even then, it's still rare. The bypass filter is designed to open upon pressure differential across the media; upstream pressure vs. downstream pressure, if you will, as divided by the media within the fitler. This might happen as a blip at start up. It could happen if you get a GIANT sludge filled agglomeration mass covering the whole media (but if this were true, you'd have bigger problems than filter bypass!). The filter itself represents a mere fraction of the lube system resistance, therefore the differential across the media isn't going to force the bypass open. If you're worried about the filter bypassing at ultra-low rpm, you're worried about the wrong thing. Basically, this is a non-issue.
As for flow ratings, it's typical that the flow capability of a filter FAR outpaces the flow of the system in an engine. So flow is also a non-issue.
Nominal micron ratings are better than no info at all, but the Beta ratios are a MUCH better indication of filtration efficiency. Regarding the filtration need for the HD oil cooling jets; do you think HD is the only manufacturer to use such technology? MANY, MANY of today's sport bikes use such cooling. And they do it at a MUCH higher RPM. Heck, even some diesel engines have jet cooling for the pistons. What makes HD so special in this regard? Nothing, that's what. Just because HD has a "premium" 5um filter available for sale, that does not mean that the engine requires such filtration for proper operation. And I seriously call into question any filter that claims to be a 5um FULL FLOW filter.
I can assure you that large companies such as Wix and Purolator spec filters that will meet the OEM criteria for all characteristics. Size, flow, filtration, bypass and burst pressures, etc. Do you honestly believe Wix would suggest filter XXXXX for an HD application, to risk "serious potential problems"? If anything, HD owners tend to be super-anal about their rides, overall. Don't you think Wix is legally aware of their obligation as implied in their warranty?
The OP's question was basically "what makes a motorcycle fitler different from a car filter?". Answer: nothing. Specs are specs. As long as a filter meets those specs, it'll work.
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