Oil filter micron ratings

[onion]

I have some questions about the micron ratings of your typical engine oil filters- I've heard occasional and conflicting information on the matter.

What is the typical micron rating of an automotive engine oil filter? Does this often vary according to manufacturer and/or application... or do most engine oil filters fall within a similar range?

I've heard that some premium($$$) filters, such as Mobil 1, filter out smaller wear particles. Is this true, or just marketing hype? If true... then would such filters be more prone to plugging (with extended OCI's, for example), or could one safely assume that the smaller micron rating has been compensated for by increased filter media surface area?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Gary Allan]

If I was to give a number, I'd say that most of your typical, less costly, filters run in the 25-35um range in the upper percentage numbers.

There can surely be specific OEM requirements for an individual application. I imagine that most (I'm sure you've heard this) "meet or exceed" OEM specs.

Your upper tier offerings are typically a cut above ..the debate is down to the ROI for the privilege.

Filters work in extended OCI's just like oil. There's certain service profiles that allow extended use of the oil ..it's the same with the filters. Holding capacity appears to trump most OEM mileage offerings. Enough so, that OEM's tend to recommend every other oil change if mileage is used as a criteria. One can reason that if you're not producing insult to the oil over so many miles ..you're also not loading the filter in any out of whack rate either.