We all know well that when changing oil, you need to change the oil filter, but choosing a filter is as difficult as choosing old oil. In order that we would not be at all ... we have prepared this material.

Oil filter- a device designed to clean engine oil from polluting it during engine operation internal combustion mechanical particles, resins and other impurities. This means that the lubrication system of internal combustion engines cannot do without an oil filter. Types oil filters received most widespread: centrifugal and lamellar-slotted, with a replaceable paper cartridge.

Oil filter design.

There are three main designs oil filter:

• collapsible;
• not collapsible;
• modular.

The most common - classic - non-separable full-flow filter. This filter consists of a housing, a filter element and two valves: a bypass (bypass) and a return (anti-drain). The bypass valve provides oil to the engine when it is not possible for oil to pass through the filter element. The valve is activated when the filter element is heavily contaminated, with a sharp increase in speed, with thick oil(caused by negative temperature). The non-return valve prevents oil from escaping from the filter when the engine is turned off to quickly build up pressure at start-up. Traditionally, in filters, special paper is used as a material for the filter element, which is impregnated with phenol-formaldehyde resins in order to impart water resistance.

Life time:

Oil filters with synthetic nano-fibers (EAO, Ea15K).

Appointment of the anti-drainage valve (reverse).

The anti-drain valve prevents oil from flowing out of the filter after the engine is turned off. On most oil filters manufactured, the anti-drain valve is made in the form of a rubber membrane with inside non-separable filter covers.

Bypass valve assignment.

Bypass valve (PPK) - the oil filter valve, when activated, the oil passes bypassing the filter element.

The control panel is triggered: during a cold start of the engine, wear of the filter element of the filter.

I welcome you friends to the DIY auto repair site. The car engine is a complex mechanism consisting of hundreds of various details, and most of them are in constant interaction with each other.

At the same time, to reduce the friction force, increase efficiency and remove wear products, special grease – engine oil.

During operation, dirt, small metal chips and other “garbage” may appear in the lubricant, which effectively cleans the oil filter.

Main types of oil filters

All types of oil filters can be divided according to several main criteria:

• By design;
• according to the filtering method;
• by volume.

1. According to the design features:

Collapsible oil filters have a number of advantages - affordable price, high quality filtration, the possibility of replacing only the filter element.

Non-separable - are disposable and require mandatory replacement along with new oil.

Modular - combine the qualities of the two filters described above. A feature of such a filter is the possibility of partial disassembly. The main disadvantage is the high price.

2. According to the oil filtering method:

Mechanical oil filters are the most popular type of device. Cleaning is carried out using a special material (filter element) - felt and paper. In such devices, as a rule, there are two stages of cleaning - coarse and fine.

Magnetic products are distinguished by the presence of special magnets. The latter capture small metal particles and pass already clean oil.

Gravity filters are based on the principle of gravity, when contaminants simply settle in the device under the influence of gravity.

Centrifugal devices clean due to the action of centrifugal force.

3. According to the volume of passing oil:

A full-flow oil filter “cuts” into the system in series. The entire flow of oil in the engine passes through it. The advantage of such a device is excellent efficiency and high speed oil purification. The only downside is that such a filter clogs faster and needs to be replaced.

The main element of such a device is bypass valve. As soon as the filter element becomes clogged, the pressure builds up and the valve is forced to let oil through.

Such constructive solution can be viewed from two perspectives. On the one hand, the oil returns to the elements of the power unit uncleaned, and on the other hand, the possibility of engine overheating due to an acute shortage of lubricating composition is excluded.

Partial flow MF works on a different principle - it is connected in parallel with the lubrication system. The main difference between such a device is the passage of only part of the oil.

Thus, the cleaning rate of the lubricant composition becomes lower, but the filtration quality increases. If you speak in in general terms, then the efficiency of both types of filters (both full-flow and partial-flow) is similar. The only difference is the presence of a bypass valve in the first type.

The combined MF combines the qualities of both types of devices discussed above. The meaning is simple. Approximately 90% of the oil passes through a full flow element and the remaining 10% through a part flow element.

Thanks to this feature, on the one hand, the oil is more efficiently cleaned, and on the other hand, the service life of the MF is increased.

Design features of the oil filter

Regardless of the type, the oil filter device is almost always the same. The filter element has a cylindrical shape. It contains two types of valves (return and bypass), a filter and a spring.

Also, the oil filter has several holes in the housing. A large group of holes is located around the perimeter, and there is another threaded hole at the outlet of the device (it is designed to connect the MF to the system). On the outside there is a special seal designed to protect against oil leakage.

The filter element may different design. As a rule, for the purpose of cleaning the oil, ordinary cardboard impregnated with special liquid, folded in the form of an accordion and twisted around the perimeter.

This design increases the overall area and life of the filter, as well as improves the quality of oil cleaning.

As we already mentioned, one of the main elements of the MF is the bypass valve. It is designed to directly pass oil into the engine without cleaning (this is true in case of severe contamination of the filter element).

Otherwise, the power unit could be left without lubrication, which is fraught with overheating, a wedge, and then a major overhaul.

Concerning check valve, then its task is to block the access of oil to the crankcase with the engine turned off. In the absence of such a device, at the time of starting, the rubbing elements of the engine would be left without lubrication. The result is a significant reduction in engine life.

The effectiveness of the check valve can be judged by the oil pressure indicator on the car panel. As a rule, such a lamp should go out within 5-7 seconds after starting the engine. If this does not happen, then the valve either does not work at all, or has ceased to hold oil.

In general, the design of the oil filter is designed in such a way that the device gives maximum efficiency in cleaning oil and has a minimum cost.

Oil filter replacement rules

Most car enthusiasts do not know when to change the oil filter. As a rule, this is done in the event of an engine oil change. But this option does not always work.

Please note that the replacement terms can be set by the manufacturer himself (pay attention to this). At the same time, much depends on a number of factors - climate, operating conditions, type of engine, and so on.

So, if you operate a car in off-road conditions, high temperatures, very dusty and so on, the oil filter should be replaced earlier.

The life of the filter largely depends on the driving style. For active riders, it is also better to change the MF a little more often.

The optimal time to replace the filter is 5-8 thousand kilometers. But mileage should not be the only indication.

Check the oil level from time to time and pay attention to the condition of the lubricant. If dirt appears in the composition, various “chip” impurities and other “garbage” it is worth replacing.

This clear sign that the filter is no longer doing its job. Also, don't forget to read where it comes from. white emulsion on dipstick and what to do if it appeared.

Another question concerns the replacement of the filter without filling in new oil. Is it possible? According to most experienced motorists, there is nothing to worry about.

You can safely unscrew the filter, screw in a new one and not worry that a stream of oil will gush out of the engine. All that you will lose is a small part of the lubricant, which is located directly in the device itself (250-300 ml). After replacing the MF, be sure to check the oil level. If it has decreased, be sure to top up.

Be careful with your car. If there is a suspicion that the filter does not clean the oil enough, and various impurities have appeared in the lubricant, then it is better not to wait for the oil change and install a new filter.

At the same time, try to buy only high-quality devices from time-tested manufacturers. Have a good road and of course without breakdowns.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of oil in a car: the car consists of many metal parts, some of which are in constant motion, in contact with each other. Friction causes a lot of heat and, if there was no lubrication, the motor would quickly fail. However, its presence does not guarantee the perfect operation of the engine. During operation, small metal particles are inevitably formed that clog the lubricant. To prevent this from happening, an oil filter is installed in the car. This is a cleaning device. motor fluid and putting it back to work. How the oil filter works, how it works, is described below.

Oil filter design

Outwardly, in most cases, this is a metal cylinder with a diameter of 10-15 cm with a large threaded hole and several small ones at the bottom. They serve as entry and exit points. lubricant composition. There is only one requirement for the filter housing: to ensure the safety of its constituent elements. But what's inside?

1. Anti-drain valve. Its purpose is to cover a large hole. The valve comes into operation when the engine is turned off: in this case, there is a risk of draining the oil from the engine into the filter, since the latter can be at the top or in the center power unit. If the valve does not function, there may be no oil in the motor when starting.
2. Spring. It works in tandem with the element described above, that is, it presses on it so that it is in the closed state when idle engine. If earlier a conventional spring was used, today manufacturers prefer to complete filters with plate products that take up less space.
3. Filtration material. It can be cellulose, glass, polyester, other synthetics. Often, resin is added to the material, which increases the rigidity of the product, thereby increasing strength. The presence of folds in the design of the filter increases the surface area. The material itself is divided into two sections: the first traps large contaminating particles (more than 20 microns in size), the second - the smallest (<5 микрон).
4. central tube. It is usually made of steel and is the main filter element that ensures the return of purified oil to the power plant.
5. Safety valve. It is located on the end of the product opposite from the large outlet. The task of this part is to open a hole when high pressure occurs inside the engine lubrication system, which can harm the elements of the product inside.
6. A sealing rubber gasket and a cover guarantee the tightness of the structure when it is fixed on the cylinder block.

The principle of operation of the oil filter

When the engine is started, the pump begins to drive lubricant through the small holes in the filter. At the first stage, it enters the filter material, where large and small polluting particles remain. Oil flows back into the line through a large central hole.

If the filter becomes clogged, an internal valve takes over and starts working without cleaning the engine oil.

Types of oil filters

According to the principle of operation, the method of connection to the vehicle's lubrication system and design features, several types of filters can be distinguished.

Full flow

A device of this type passes the full volume of motor fluid pumped by the pump. This mode of operation is ensured by connecting the device in series to the engine lubrication system. A full-flow product is the simplest in terms of design, characterized by a high cleaning speed. Minus - relatively fast clogging of the material. In this case, a valve is turned on that allows oil to pass without filtration, but the motor does not lack lubrication (albeit not purified), which is much better than its complete absence.

Partial flow

Products with this design work in parallel with the vehicle's lubrication system. Not all oil passes through such a product, but only part of it. This contributes to a better purification of the motor fluid. However, the risk of a pressure drop in the engine increases somewhat in the event of critical and rapid filter contamination.

Combined

As the name implies, this device combines the "abilities" of the two products described above. Here 90% of the oil is passed through the full flow filter and 10% through the partial flow. This technology allows you to clean the oil by almost 100%, which increases the operational life of the power plant.

Oil Centrifuge

This is a special type of filter used in trucks, tractors, some types of construction and road equipment. Here, cleaning is carried out by using centrifugal forces. The main structural elements are a rotor with an axle screwed into the bottom of the product. How does this type of oil filter work? The pump fills it under pressure, driving the motor fluid into the rotor through the axial holes. Then the oil “breaks” into the jets at high speed and rushes to the walls of the cover. As a result, due to the occurrence of a reactive force, the rotor begins to rotate, while all the contaminants precipitate in the bottom of the cover, and the oil filtered in this way enters the line. Once upon a time, centrifuges were also installed on passenger vehicles.

Later this was abandoned: the filter did not provide the necessary purity of the motor fluid, moreover, every 2000 km of run it was necessary to clean the centrifuge from deposits.

Symptoms of a dirty filter

Determining whether the oil filter is functioning normally is not so simple: the control pressure lamp does not light up and the driver is calm, unaware that perhaps unfiltered engine fluid is entering the engine. But in some cases, it is worth taking a closer look at the operation of the engine to see the symptoms of a filter failure:

1. Overheat. The presence of unfiltered particles in the lubricant causes increased friction between engine parts, which creates an unnecessary load on the cooling system. In addition, pollution gradually turns into deposits that accumulate in the form of sediment on the walls of the BC and timing. As a result, thermal conductivity drops, and the motor starts.
2. A leak. A clogged filter may not work at all internal elements: for example, valves. As a result, rupture or partial damage to the product is possible, leading to leakage of the lubricant composition.

Oil filter change interval

It is set by the car manufacturer and depends on the features of the power unit, its operating conditions, and the climate of the region. Naturally, the intense operation of the engine, caused, for example, by dust, mountainous terrain, extremely low or high temperatures or constant traffic in traffic jams - all this requires more frequent filter changes. In these cases, the manufacturers themselves recommend installing a new product earlier by 30-50% of the specified period.

Some car owners change the filter after 7-8 thousand kilometers, causing the procedure to darken the oil. However, a change in shade in most cases only indicates the good washing qualities of the motor fluid. Usually a new filter is installed after a full one. Under normal operating conditions, it is produced after 12-15 thousand kilometers.

How to change the oil filter

This procedure, when combined with an engine fluid change, is the easiest way to increase the engine's service life. If the mileage time has not yet come, then you need to do this once every 6 months. Procedure for changing oil and filter:

At the final stage, lay a clean piece of cardboard or newspaper under the motor. The absence of traces of oil will confirm that the filter is installed correctly.

First, let's look at what parts an oil filter consists of.

• The housing does not have much effect on the operation of the oil filter. However, this detail allows you to maintain the integrity of all its internal elements.
• The holes are designed to allow oil to enter and exit the filter. Small holes along the edges serve to freely move the oil into the container. With the help of a threaded hole in the center, the filter is attached to the engine and oil flows through it.
• The anti-drain valve closes the large threaded hole. Since the oil filter is located in the middle or bottom of the engine, when the engine is turned off, all the oil can drain back into the filter. This turn of events is prevented by the anti-drainage valve, which has a rubber cover.
• The spring works together with the anti-drain valve. It presses on the valve so that when the engine is not running, the oil does not leak out. Recently, many manufacturers prefer not a classic spring, but a lamellar one, which takes up less space.
• The filter material has many small pores, it consists mainly of microscopic cellulose fibers and synthetic materials. Often used glass and polyester, which increase the efficiency and durability of filtration. In some cases, the material is saturated with resin, which gives it additional rigidity and strength. Folds have almost all filters. This arrangement of the material allows you to increase the total surface area.
• The central steel tube is the core of the entire filter, which is also responsible for returning the filtered oil to the engine.
• The safety valve is located on the other side of the filter, opposite the threaded hole. In some cases, the pressure inside may increase, as a result, some of the internal elements of the filter may be damaged. The safety valve in such cases opens to stabilize the pressure.
• The filter cover, together with the O-ring, ensures the completeness and tightness of the entire structure.

Now consider the principle of operation of the oil filter. The oil pump forces the oil through a filter before it enters the engine. Initially, the crude lubricant passes under pressure through the filter material, which retains most of the contaminants. The oil filter consists of two media types: primary and secondary. Primary are designed to stop large particles larger than 20 microns. Secondary ones filter and trap smaller contaminants from 5 microns in size. The oil flows back through the central hole into the engine. The longer the filter is installed in the car, the more contaminants it contains. When oil passes through such a filter, the cleaning procedure will not occur.

Symptoms of a Dirty Oil Filter

If the oil filter is malfunctioning, then you probably will not know about it. The filter is designed in such a way that even if it is dirty, unfiltered oil will enter the engine, which in any case is better than its complete absence. To check if the oil filter is working properly, you need to seek help from an auto mechanic or remove the filter yourself. However, in some cases, you just need to listen to your car.

• Overheat. When car parts rub against each other without quality lubricant, excessive heat is generated. Due to this, engine elements wear out quickly, which in turn causes an additional load on the cooling system. Plus, unfiltered contaminants turn into sediment and linger in the engine. These deposits cause reduced thermal conductivity. As a result of these factors, the engine overheats. The normal temperature regime of a running engine is 90-100 C. If this value is higher, then one of the causes of engine malfunction may be a dirty oil filter.
• A leak. A clogged or damaged oil filter does not respond well to changes in temperature inside the motor. Defective filters can burst or rupture, which can lead to oil leakage, which is very dangerous for the environment. If you notice any fluid leaking from your vehicle, contact a professional auto mechanic immediately.

How to choose an oil filter

You also need to be able to choose an oil filter, because a poor-quality spare part can lead to a breakdown of the car engine.

• First you need to find out which filters are suitable for your model of car and engine. This question can be answered by the manual or manual for your machine. It, as a rule, describes what size, type and material the filter needs to be installed specifically for your iron horse.
• It is necessary to buy filters only in branded stores, which offer original spare parts from the largest manufacturers.
• Check the folds on the filter: the deeper they are, the more contaminants they will retain.
• Choose filters with metal plugs. Cardboard plugs wear out faster and need to be replaced more often.
• Bypass valves should also be made of metal, not plastic.
• The filter housing must be sufficiently rigid and strong so that it does not deform under high pressure.
• Some manufacturers offer innovative filters with magnets that attract the smallest metal particles. However, their effectiveness has not yet been proven, and many experts advise against purchasing such devices.
• Pay attention to the labeling. If it is lubricated, contains grammatical errors and inaccuracies, then it is a fake.
• The rubber ring must fit snugly against the filter housing.

How to change the oil filter

Regular oil and oil filter changes are the cheapest way to prolong the life of your car engine. It is recommended to do this every six months. Next, we will consider step-by-step instructions for replacing filter and lubrication elements in a car.

1. Drain the old oil
   It is necessary to drain the oil when the engine is still warm, for example, after a trip. Otherwise, it needs to be warmed up. 2-3 minutes at idle will be enough. While the motor is warming up, prepare all the necessary tools and materials:
   • new oil,
   • new filter,
   • container for old oil,
   • newspaper,
   • flashlight,
   • wrench.

   When the engine is warm to operating condition, lift the hood and unscrew the oil cap at the top of the engine. This is the hole where you will fill in the new oil while the air pressure helps the old oil drain. The next step is to find the oil pan, which is located under the car closer to the engine. It is necessary to unscrew the bolt on it. Spread newspapers and a container to collect oil directly under the plug. The liquid will flow out for several minutes, then tighten the bolt again with a wrench.

2. Changing the oil filter
   First, find the oil filter, which can be located in the front, rear, or side of the engine. We have already talked about how the oil filter works. Look for a 10-15 cm top hat that is usually painted black, white or blue. It must be slowly unscrewed. For sure it will be slippery, so use rags or gloves. And so that after removing the filter a lot of oil does not spill, wrap it with a plastic bag. Also make sure that the rubber gasket has been removed along with the filter. If it sticks to the car, the new filter will not work properly. Now it's time to install the new filter. Lubricate the O-ring with new oil and screw the filter back into place.
3. Filling in new oil
   At the last stage, fill in new oil and twist the oil cap. After that, start the engine and wait until the pressure in the filter stabilizes. Also check the car for oil leaks, which will indicate that the filter was not installed correctly.

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The oil filter is one of the most sought after items in auto parts stores. Every year the number of brands of oil filters on the shelves of our car dealerships only increases. Consumers, as well as sellers, naturally have questions: “Is there any difference between them, or is it only the inscriptions on the case and packaging that differ”? Portal "About Autobusiness" conducted an investigation and provides you with an answer to this question.

The purpose of our work is not to test the filtering abilities of each model and their resource. This is only an attempt to analyze the design of oil filters based on generally accepted knowledge and concepts, taking into account the latest trends in the field of oil filter production. As for the selected assortment, within the framework of this project, we purchased one model of an oil filter for a Toyota engine of the most common brands on the Siberian market. The original filter number is 90915-10000003. When buying filters were selected from a variety of price categories. Thus, both the most expensive products on the market and the most affordable ones “participated” in this project. This is very important for the purposes of our study, since it makes it possible to answer the question: “Are there, in principle, constructive differences between premium filters and economy class filters”? Oil filters of the following brands became participants of our test: Mann Filter (Germany), TopFills (Korea), BIG (Korea), RB-Exide (Korea), Lynx (Korea), Champion (European Union), VIC (Japan), Sakura (Korea) ), Micro (Japan), Union (Japan), Toyota Genuine Parts (original filters).

Each filter is rated
on several parameters:

1 package
2) filter housing
3) filter design
element
4) spring design
5) anti-drain valve
6) filter cover
7) filter sealing ring.

Package

Perhaps this point of the study is not so interesting for the end consumer, since we can evaluate the filter packaging only by one indicator - namely, compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of Russian legislation. This stage of our work will be interesting for car service representatives and especially for filter sellers. The fact is that if a company sells goods whose packaging does not meet Russian GOST standards, this may cause the application of various sanctions by regulatory authorities - from fines to the requirement to remove the goods from sale.

The requirements of Russian legislation are generally quite simple. The packaging in Russian should contain information about the applicability of the product, the name of the manufacturer, the address of the company.

The packaging of such filters as TopFills, BIG, RB-Exide, Lynx, Sakura fully comply with the requirements of GOST. As we can see, the South Korean filter manufacturers showed amazing unanimity in their deference to the Russian trade legislation and placed the most complete information in Russian on their packages.

European manufacturers Champi-on and Mann were less attentive. The packaging of these filters contains almost all the necessary information.

Japanese filter manufacturers Union, VIC, Micro, Toyota Genuine Parts distinguished themselves by complete nihilism in this matter. We could not find the necessary information in Russian on any of the packages!

Another point is important. Pay attention to how some manufacturers indicate the country of manufacture of the filter. In most cases, the exact country of production is indicated: Made in Korea, Made in Japan. But on the packaging of filters Sakura, Topfills, Champion, we were unable to find accurate information regarding the country of production.

Filter housing

This part of the filter, one might say, is not the most responsible for its performance. It is possible to compare various models of iron filter housings by only two indicators: the rigidity of the housing and the quality of the internal surface treatment. According to the first indicator, all participants in our study are almost equal, with the exception of the Sakura filter housing. He was the softest of all. A natural question arises whether this difference can significantly affect the performance of the filter. Under normal operating conditions, no, but if an increase in pressure occurs in the oil system or a stone gets into the filter from the outside, then a softer body can do a disservice. For example, high pressure in the oil system (which often occurs in winter when starting a cold engine with thick oil) can lead to a rupture of the filter housing. However, it must be admitted that the probability of such an emergency is not so high. The treatment of the inner surface with an anti-corrosion compound does not cause any comments from any of the participants. According to this indicator, only the Mann filter differs, in which the inner surface of the body, in addition to the main anti-corrosion composition, is also coated with an additional anti-galvanic composition.

filter element

The filter element is the main part of the filter responsible for the quality of its work. The filter element should be evaluated according to several parameters: the quality and quantity of the filter element, the valve system (bypass valve), as well as the quality of the filter paper laying. As part of our analysis, we, unfortunately, will not be able to evaluate the quality of the filter paper. Such a test requires special tests in a certified laboratory. It is important to note that neither the color, nor the structure of its surface (texture), nor the thickness in any way speaks about its quality. Therefore, the fact that some manufacturers use smooth and thin pink filter paper in their filters does not mean at all that such a filter will purify oil better or worse than a filter with very dense and fluffy gray paper.

Let's consider other design features of filter elements. First of all, the filter element of the original filter is striking. As you can see, a completely different design of the filter element is used here. It is not made of paper, but of a special sponge material. Note that this filter was purchased in Japan, from an authorized Toyota dealer, and there is no doubt about its authenticity. Accordingly, we can conclude that it was precisely this design that Toyota experts, after conducting their own tests, considered more effective. All other filters use paper. One of the indirect factors in the quality of the filter element is the volume of the filter paper. But this is only if we are talking about paper with the same density. If we compare filters that use different paper structures, then their area may differ, and the filtration quality may be identical. If we turn over all the filter elements and put them in a row, we will see in which of them the area will be larger - in those that are larger in size. The diameter of the filter element is the same for all manufacturers, but the height is slightly different. VIC, Union, Micro have the highest filter elements. Averages for this indicator: Champion, Mann, Lynx, TopFills. In filters BIG, RB-exide, Sakura - the lowest filter elements. This is due to the design of the spring, which presses the filter element.

The paper binding methods are also different. Some manufacturers use a metal bracket, others use conventional gluing. A metal bracket is considered a more reliable connection. When using this bonding method, the probability of paper rupture at elevated pressure in the oil system is zero. Of the filters presented here, the connection of the edges of the paper with a metal clip is used by Union, TopFills, Mann.
It is also worth noting that the quality of paper laying by almost all manufacturers is good. The exception is the TopFills filter, where the paper is stacked rather carelessly, which may indicate a low level of production.

bypass valve

What this valve is for, everyone probably already knows, but we still remind you. During a cold start, when the oil is very thick and cannot pass through the filter paper, the bypass valve opens and oil begins to flow into the engine, bypassing the filter. The same thing happens when the oil filter is critically clogged. This eliminates engine oil starvation, which is much more harmful than running for a minute on contaminated oil. It is worth noting that filters were found on the market, in the design of which there is no bypass valve at all. As a rule, these are fairly cheap oil filters made in Southeast Asia. There are also exceptions. For example, in one of the stores in Vladivostok, we came across a Toyota filter in its original packaging, in which there was no bypass valve. Judging by the barcode, the filter was produced in one of the countries of Southeast Asia. In the summer, such a filter will still work, but in winter, oil starvation is possible. The most interesting thing is that the filter was sold in Russia at a price of 330 rubles! You can detect the absence of a bypass valve by looking inside the filter.

The design of the bypass valve is identical for almost all filter manufacturers. Only the original filter and Sakura stand out. The original filter uses a flat coiled spring, while the Sakura has a spring-loaded part on the outside of the filter. When you press the valve, the valve constantly warps. There is a danger that after a series of operations, such a valve will completely warp and the filter will constantly etch dirty oil into the engine.

For all other filters, the valves are similar, only the material from which the valve is made and the stiffness of the spring differ. It is worth noting that many manufacturers have recently abandoned the use of metal valves, since there is a possibility that in severe frost such a valve may freeze to the filter element housing and not work at the most necessary moment. Metal valves are used by Japanese manufacturers VIC, Union, Micro.

Spring

There is not much to say about this part of the filter. We only note that recently many market leaders have switched to completing their filters with leaf springs. The coil spring takes up too much space in the filter housing. In addition, when using a high coil spring, there is a possibility of its displacement inside the filter and distortion of the filter element. However, there are reputable manufacturers that produce filters with coil springs, in particular Union and Micro. The spring has a small height and is made of high quality stainless steel. And yet, a flat spring is considered more modern.

Anti-drain valve

Structurally, this valve is a small rubber ring with wide edges that close the holes in the filter cup and prevent oil from flowing out of the filter after a pressure drop in the system. The rubber must be highly elastic, oil-resistant and withstand high temperatures. As part of our analysis, we can only evaluate the elasticity of the gum and the quality of the fit of the gum to the cup. For these two parameters, we liked the Mann filter the most, in which the valve is made of silicone. This material retains its original properties over time and under the influence of all negative factors. Therefore, you can be sure that the anti-drain valve will work for the entire life of the filter. The anti-drainage valve of the BIG filter left an unpleasant impression - the rubber band itself is quite hard, and its edges have irregularities through which oil can flow out of the filter. That is, after a long stop in such a filter, there may not be any oil left at all. The TopFills filter also has gaps between the rubber band and the cover, but for a different reason. The edges of the rubber band of this filter lie directly on the welding points of the filter cover to the body; because of this, small gaps appear between the rubber band and the case. Another unpleasant moment was found in the Sakura filter - no matter how hard we pressed on the rubber, it was not possible to achieve a full fit, that is, oil from this filter can also flow freely. For all other manufacturers, the anti-drainage valve does not cause any special comments.

filter cover

All manufacturers have the same caps, except for the Mann filter and the original filter. All manufacturers use welding. The Mann Filter and the original filters use a roll-up design, which eliminates the welding points on the back of the cap, which, as we already know, can compromise the tightness of the anti-drain valve. In addition, the Mann filter housing has special edges at the point of attachment to the filter cover. This is done on purpose - in order to eliminate the danger of turning the filter housing around the filter when winding the filter with great effort.

Sealing ring

Among specialists, one can often hear disputes as to which gum company is preferable. Someone stands up for round elastic bands, others for rectangular ones. In practice, there is no difference. The main thing is that the material from which it is made is sufficiently elastic. Despite the fact that many manufacturers have a very low and thin gasket, we will not draw conclusions from this about the quality of the fit of the filter to the engine block.

Conclusions:

In most cases, more expensive oil filters are different from cheaper counterparts: these filters use a more successful, more modern design. By the way these filters are made, one can judge the high production culture at manufacturing enterprises. If in the premium class filter segment there are practically no obvious “failures” in the design, then in the economy class filter segment there are several examples of careless execution, which can affect the quality of oil filtration.