Signs that your filter has failed

[MarkStock]

I've read a lot about filters the last couple of days.

I like the idea of getting the highest level of filtration, which for non extended changes means Pure One / Bosch Premium.

So the only other issue I need to consider is likelihood of a filter bypassing due to some sort of failure.

From what I can see, this is going to be down to bad luck.

But, are there any signs I can look for? Eg if I check my oil every week, and the color suddenly goes darker, is that a sign that the filter isn't filtering any more?

 

[HerrStig]

Back when cars had oil pressure gauges you might have been able to tell. Now, you'd need an LED right on the filter triggered by the bypass. Maybe a product idea here.

 

[MarkStock]

I should have been a little clearer.

As well as a bypass due to a loaded filter or a stuck bypass, I would say that a failure might include media tearing that allows oil to bypass the filter media.

So multiple types of failure could cause oil to not be filtered. In that case, I'm guessing that oil that suddenly turns dark would be a sign of that failure having happened.

 

[fdcg27]

Not necessarily.
The particles that make the oil dark are smaller than those the filter can trap.
I think that a filter failure will be transparent.
You won't know that you have a failure unless you cut the filter open after removal.

 

[HTSS_TR]

It's not possible to know the filter that failed(media teared) until you cut it open(for spin on filter). That why I remove the cartridge filter holder on top of the engine of my E430 once in a while to inspect the filter condition.

I can remove the filter holder of the E430 to take a look at the filter without many drops of oil on the engine or on garage floor.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I agree with the last two posters. Even with a standard pressure gauge located after the filter, you will not be able to tell of a filter is torn or in bypass. Maybe if you had a very sensitive and high resolution delt pressure gauge across the filter, you could tell.

 

[Doog]

I pay no attention to my filter...just replace it every 5000 miles. Inspecting an oil filter is a waste of time IMO. You have a better chance of being struck by an asteroid than finding a failed oil filter. Very few fail.

 

[Ken2]

A filter that is filled with crud and in bypass has not failed. It is doing its job.

A filter that rips apart and either does not force the oil through the filter (or a failed bypass valve) or one that rips and puts media bits into the engine is failure. Or a filter that splits open and dumps your oil. You'll only know the one that puts chunk of filter media into the engine when the engine grinds to a stop.

Agreed, a failed filter and even a filter full of dirt and in bypass is very rare. There are more things to worry about than this. I run my Denso or Mann filters and Schaeffer oil for 10,000 miles with consistently good analyses.

 

[ltslimjim]

Truly? It's probably more important for what you air filtration is like, as oil filtration is generally speaking solid among decent reputable products/brands. So, to get a 'best' oil filter when doing extended intervals is more of the point of this entire sub-thread. IMO.

For most people, getting the air filtration right is the primary thing.