Interesting tidbit from the Briggs & Stratton Engine www

[Texasmark]

Thanks for the replies Z71 and Copperhead.

 

[ruffdog]

One thing I would like to comment on is changing oil filters early.
This practice does not keep the oil or air cleaner when in fact it can actually allow larger particles to enter the system versus a used seasoned filter.
Any new filter if viewed under a microscope is not as uniform as we think, spacing between the fabric varies.
When you install a new filter smaller contamination (particles) that are in the oil/air will pass thru the filter material until it encounters an opening that is smaller than it thus stopping it.
Under use this process continues and actually makes the filter more efficient at catching smaller and smaller particles as the filter becomes loaded because the larger openings in the fabric are filled.

OR, for the sake of argument, the old filter has had all of its small openings filled and only has the large openings that are not collecting particles. OR, the old filter is plugged and is in bypass and not filtering at all. The new filter would have all of its small openings OPEN ready to collect particles.

 

[Copperhead]

It is true, that filters, air or oil, are more efficient as time goes by, but it is a trade off at some point. And where do you know that the boundary line has been reached? If it is about maximum efficiency with maximum flow, then the ideal, especially with oil filters, is the newer, and a little more pricey, oil filters that are made with synthetic mesh material instead of traditional paper or fiber material. They filter at a lower micron level, yet at the same time they have high flow rates due to the design of the filter media. It is much more uniform in spacing compared to traditional fiber media, so while the spacing is smaller to filter more, it is more uniform to allow maximum fluid flow. Usually a couple of bucks or more for this higher end filter type in the same size, but some think it is worth it. When I can, I usually shell out the few extra bucks and go with the synthetic media filters for my engines. Just me.

 

[3930dave]

Using just about any name brand filter, at the engine Manufacturer's Scheduled Service interval will serve most engines well. And, would be a huge improvement on what a lot of equipment sees for service.

That said, I have my filter preferences.... presently Purolator Pure One hits my performance/price targets well. Not sure what P1 coverage is on Briggs though...

Rgds, D.

 

[Toyboy]

I pretty much use Wix filters across the board.

 

[3930dave]

I pretty much use Wix filters across the board.

Decent filters. They seem to have pretty good coverage for off-road equipment; I have one on my 3930 at the moment.

Rgds, D.