Oil filters for outdoor power equipment

[SVTCobra]

Recently bought a new zero turn mower with the Kawasaki FR730V motor. Changed the oil and filter with less than 10 hours on it. Not wanting to pay the $10 plus dollars for the OEM filter or even an aftermarket filter in that exact size (Kawasaki 49065) I did a quick search and Fram 3614 was a suitable replacement. I put that on but prefer to run WIX filters and today did some more research to decipher the beta ratio numbers on their website and if the filter I was using was indeed correct and not just following what other people do. It really makes me wonder why certain filters are even used when better filters (at least by the filtering capability) are more available and cheaper. Here is what I found. Wix 57035 is the direct replacement for the OEM filter and is $6.85 on RockAuto. Wix 51348 is the cross reference to Fram 3614 and is $4.26. OEM Specs Gasket OD 2.75" Height - 2.375" Micron 25/30 (This was from a parts website and couldn't find anything from Kawasaki's website) Wix 57035 Gasket OD 2.734" Height - 2.305" Beta Ratio - 2/20=20/41 Relief pressure 8 psi Wix 51348 Gasket OD 2.734" Height - 3.404" Beta Ratio - 2/20=6/20 Relief pressure 8-11 psi Found a review on Amazon of all places explaining the beta ratio numbers - 2/20 is plugged into this formula twice. 1-1/x 1-1/2 = 50% and 1-1/20 = 95%. The second set of numbers is the micron size of the particle trapped at that percentage. So in this case of the Wix 51348 50% of 6 micron particles are trapped and 95% of 20 micron particles are trapped. OEM is then 50% of 25 micron particles and 95% of 30 micron particles are trapped (if the 2/20 is the same) Wix 57035 is 50% of 20 micron and 95% of 41 micron particles are trapped Wix 51348 is 50% of 6 micron and 95% of 20 micron particles are trapped If you are still reading am I missing something that the car filter, Wix 51348, fits, has the same bypass pressure, filters better, has more filtering media and is cheaper? Unless there are some applications that don't allow space for longer filters why even use the 57035? Is it constructed better?

 

[smithph]

Here is a link to Bill Kapaun's list that he started over 10 years ago, it is toward the bottom of the thread. I think the MC FL793 has largely been replaced with the FL910s https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...ers#Post4686013

 

[mrsilv04]

You're overthinking it. Pick a filter and go with it. I have over 3,000 hours on a Kawasaki FD620V. I change the oil and filter every 100-125 hours with Rotella 10w-30. What filters have I used over the past 15 years? Mainly 3 models of filter, and nothing over $4. W*M SuperTech, NAPA ProSelect, or O'Reilly MicroGard. At various time through history, those filters have all been the same entry-level filter, sourced from Wix.

 

[Zee09]

FL910s is good for a few hundred hours and cheap with no shipping fees. Plus has the Silicone adbv.

 

[goodtimes]

You could cut the OE filter open to see how dirty it is and the construction.

 

[mattwithcats]

Take a look at a Wix 51516 or Wix XP 51516... $3.72 for 51348 $3.67 for 51516

 

[krismoriah72]

Here is a thread with the same question from a few yrs ago. https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3696818/Re:_oil_filters_for_kawasaki_F

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Zee09

FL910s is good for a few hundred hours and cheap with no shipping fees. Plus has the Silicone adbv.

I also use the MC FL910 on my Craftsman riding mower.

 

[NormanBuntz]

Baldwin Filters has an excellent application tool if you want to try that. Baldwin filters are available at Zoro Tools and other online sellers. I've used them for my Snapper 24 HP (Briggs), a Kawasaki 19 HP on a Wight ZTR and a Generac GT-990 twin on a standby generator. Solme complain about Baldwin quality since the company was sold, but I haven't seen the evidence.

 

[blupupher]

Not that I currently have any, but if I ever do get any OPE that requires an oil filter, I plan on getting a Fram Ultra/Wix Platinum and never changing the filter again. There have been several examples posted of Ultra's being used for 200+ hours still looking almost brand new.

 

[FastLane]

Why not Fram PH7575? Thats what I use on my JD STX38. 7575 is meant for a small engine. The 3614 is meant for a car.

 

[Rat407]

On my 2002 model year ExMark Lazer Z HP with the 21hp Kawasaki I run an Ea15k09. I only have 550hrs on the mower so far Change the oil and filter at the end of every cutting season.

 

[MParr]

I’m using a Fram Ultra XG4967 on my Toro. I’ll probably continue to use the FU or a WIX/NAPA filter. You can’t go wrong with either. Plus they are cheaper than the Toro OE filters.