Better Oil filters?

[HughO]

I best my last thread to death on better fuel filters and now I would like some input on better oil filters for these 123 diesels. Kent at MS likes the polyester filters but they aren't available for the pre 1986 models and we have the pleated paper units which are adequate of course but I have used by pass oil filters from Amsoil, Lubrifiner and motoguard in the past because these conventional full flow filters are in the range of 15 micron and the low flow by pass filters from Amsoil are 2 micron. Getting micron data from other manufacturers like baldwin seems tough and I see numbers in the forums of 18 to 2 microns on their by pass units.. I like the Amsoil by pass units but they are stupidly expensive with just the filterbases alone over $60 and the filters are over$50, There are also other companies like FS which have units that look pretty nice but very pricey. I have tapped the aluminum tops of the 123 filters for the oil supply input in the past and tapped the valve covers for the return but I would like to have filters that not only remove small metallic contaminants but all the carbon soot. I do change the oil from 3000 to 5000 miles at most and maybe this is just neurotic OCD blathering but I just replaced a turbo whose bearingas like clean cool oil so I am fishing for ideas. Independent studies would be the best but I haven't seen them.

[Usaguy]

Originally Posted by HughO

... maybe this is just neurotic OCD blathering ...

yes

[speednjay]

I use Mann filters. I feel it’s the best bang for the buck

[Diseasel300]

Originally Posted by christuna

yes

X200


If you're changing the oil on a regular schedule, just keep doing that. Any difference in longevity of the engine (if even measurable) will be grossly offset by the extra time/money/BS you spent on a bypass oil system that is absolutely unnecessary.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

X200


If you're changing the oil on a regular schedule, just keep doing that. Any difference in longevity of the engine (if even measurable) will be grossly offset by the extra time/money/BS you spent on a bypass oil system that is absolutely unnecessary.

The research and evidence shows the benefit of bypass oil filtration when the bypass filter is down to like the 2-5 micron level. I have not read of anyone refuting the evidence.

Also say after your initial setup you pay say $35 for an Amsoil filter. You don't. You don't need to change it with every Oil Change. When the Engine Oil is nice and hot you simply feel the Oil Return Hose on the bypass system and if it is cool to the touch you know the filter needs changing.

Personally I don't have the funds to have Oil analysis's done to prove a point and to know how many miles you can get before you absolutely need an oil change. I would rather use the money to just change the oil.

People that have fleets of vehicles reap a good benefit from not have to change the Oil as frequently. They are not paying for the new Oil and they are not paying the Mechanic to change the oil and they are not having to dispose of the used Oil; all of those not as often. It saves them money and as a bonus they get less wear on the Engine.

Personally I had no thought about installing a bypass oil filter system. But, in my case I had already drilled out my Oil Filer Cap for a fitting to install a test gauge and at one time I had a low oil pressure alarm (stopped working and never fixed it). So for me all I really needed to do was find some place for the Oil to return.

[Diseasel300]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

The research and evidence shows the benefit of bypass oil filtration when the bypass filter is down to like the 2-5 micron level. I have not read of anyone refuting the evidence.

Show me published, peer-reviewed evidence that a bypass oil filtering system has any meaningful or significant effect on the life expectancy of a turbo OM617 or OM603 engine compared to just using a quality oil and changing on a 3-5K mile interval. I don't care about fleet vehicles, I don't care about long-haul truckers, I don't care about PowerStrokes or DuraMax engines, I want to know about these old Mercedes diesels. I'll even accept data from something like a VW TDI since it's a similar application.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

Show me published, peer-reviewed evidence that a bypass oil filtering system has any meaningful or significant effect on the life expectancy of a turbo OM617 or OM603 engine compared to just using a quality oil and changing on a 3-5K mile interval. I don't care about fleet vehicles, I don't care about long-haul truckers, I don't care about PowerStrokes or DuraMax engines, I want to know about these old Mercedes diesels. I'll even accept data from something like a VW TDI since it's a similar application.

What makes a OM 617.957 any different then any other Gasoline or Diesel Engines regarding wear causing particles in the Oil and in particular other Diesel Engines?

Of course you can believe as you like.

[Diesel911]

Here is some older bypass oil filter info.

It is easy to drill and tap the Oil Filter Cap. The long tube on the filter cap is just press fitted into the Cap. That allows you to drill in the center of the cap from the inside or drill someplace else on the cap and avoid the casting webs.

The part that needs more thought is where to put the oil return line from the bypass Oil Filter.

There is bolt on the front side of the Engine that appears to be there to keep the Timing Chain from hitting the block or to keep the Chain from coming off of the Timer Gear. I don't know if either are true. However, I got a bolt of the same size and put it in My Lathe and drilled it through and put a fitting on the end for the oil return hose.

Later I realized if you have an MW Fuel Injection Pump there is a plug on the left top side which can be removed and you could put some fitting there to drain the oil from the bypass filter into.

Can't quite remember what is in the threads.

Bypass Oil Filter Setup, 617.952 Diesel911
Bypass Oil Filter Setup, 617.952 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

My Bypass Oil Filter Thread
Bypass Oil Filter Setup, 617.952 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ForceInductions Bypass Oil filter, My 2nd Bypass oil Filter, and Oil Filter Adapter plate
By-pass oil filter install - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

I fooled around with 3 bypass oil filters. The last one was a Frantz Toilet Paper one. That is the one I had on the longest. However, about 5 years a go I took it off to change the Hoses and I never got around to replacing it or in fact got the new hoses for it.

If I remember correctly in the Forcedinduction thread he bought a generic base and used the Amsoil Filter. Another member used an NTZ Bypass Oil filter.

[Diesel911]

No one has to take my advice and I encourage people to do their own research on what ever advice people give no matter who the advice comes from.

[Screwdriva]

I use Mercedes dealer supplied filters. Usually Hengst over here in the UK. I like the logo on everything including my battery and the car's never run better!

I also use a magnetic oil drain plug that Kent sells. So far, found nothing on it!

[R.Diesel]

I bought 7 different filters once just to try them out. It’s sorta like going to the wine store for a mixed case.

[R.Diesel]

...the car didn’t care btw.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by R.Diesel

...the car didn’t care btw.

The bugger is that without driving the cars in similar conditions and doing a Oil Analysis you really don't know which filter does a better job then the others.

I am not curious enough to spend money on an oil analysis.

You can run your Engine without an Oil Filter and you won't know till years later if it causes an issue or not.

I am not on my other computer that has my Notes so I cannot post the link.

Deliveryvalve posted a thread on what micron level some of the companies filter went down to on (617.952 only)
This is for the full flow section of the filter?
What I can remember is Wix was the worst at 35 microns

Of the similarly made euro type filters if I remember correctly Mann was 22 microns.

In the full flow section the Baldwin/Hastings had 18 micrions.

None of the companies that make the Euro Type filters have any idea what the upper bypass portion of their filters filter to. The Wix filter is just all paper pleated element. the Baldwin/Hasting upper half they said is 15 micrions.

I found the filters in the link on eBay. They are Mann Filters in a CAM-2 boxes. Most interesting is that these Mann Filters have the Mercedes Part number and the Mercedes Star (indicateing they were orginal equipment) on them as well as the Mann number.
CAM 2 Oil Filters For Mercedes and besides Ebay where do you buy them?

[jbach36]

Mann makes a great filter. See the video on YouTube as to why NOT to buy many other filters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AajTItBn148