cleanliness is next to... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

xdjio · #1 05-07-2008, 10:25 PM

So I have been contemplating filtration. Specifically, the notion that I cannot imagine filtering any of my fluids (like fuel, or oil) too finely (provided the right flow rate is maintained) and in that spirit, I'm curious if anyone has any experience or knowledge of analogous Caterpillar filters that would fit these old benzes (specifically, mine).

I have a good friend who recently plumbed in a CAT 1R-0750 fuel filter, with a nominal 90% first-pass 2-micron capacity, and is nothing but happy with it. This seems like a no-lose proposition to me, but also got me thinking: CAT oil filters, from their product literature, seem to be extremely well made. If there were a drop-in replacement filter I could use, I'd certainly give it a try.

Anyone know?

Diesel911 · #2 05-08-2008, 01:31 AM

I have been doing some internet searches with the same intent and have the CAT filter on my list. However you will need another filter head/base the CAT filter has 1"-14 threads per inch. While the threads on secondary filter on my Mercedes is 14X1.5mm (the wix version of the stock Mercedes seconday filter is a Nominal 10 micron filter). Not to mention the other dimensions do not match up.
Racor has some 1 micron fuel filters but their filter housings are expensive (not spin on filters).

Besides the Amsoil type by-pass oil filter system that they say is a 1 micron absolute filter (may be it could be used as a fuel filter).
There is a 5 micron by-pass (huge filter) by-pass oil filter. Pare numbers- Luber Finer LF777, Baldwin B7577, Wix 71749.
You might have trouble finding a filter head/base for this one 1 3/8"- 16 Threads per inch.
The Amsoil filter is to me an expensive filter but you can get a filter head/base for it at a resonable cost.
Here are some filter lookup sites; the WIX site most often has the Micron ratings, the Baldwin site sometimes had the micron ratings:
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/index.asp

http://www.filtermart.com/fpdbdb/fmccross.asp

http://catalog.baldwinfilter.com/
Good hunting!

Diesel911 · #3 05-08-2008, 03:35 PM

Here is a Racor spin on filter they claim 2 microns part number S3230s with no drain at the bottom. Dimensions: Height 7 3/16" outside diameter 1 11/16" with 1"-14 threads per inch.
I would not interchange them with another brand until I verified the micron rating from that manufacturer as the Wix version of the same filter was 30 microns instead of 2 microns!
Baldwin sells their version with a dran on the bottom BF1252 but did not list the micron rating of the filter.

xdjio · #4 05-08-2008, 04:24 PM

Diesel911 - awesome! Thanks for those links. I've been turning up similar stuff to what you have been in your search, and I am glad to see that others share my same goal - namely, what is the finest filtration I can achieve?

I am really fairly surprised that many oil filters for this car are 25+ microns. If I could get even a 10 micron filter, I would be quite pleased!

Diesel911 · #5 05-08-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdjio

Diesel911 - awesome! Thanks for those links. I've been turning up similar stuff to what you have been in your search, and I am glad to see that others share my same goal - namely, what is the finest filtration I can achieve?

I am really fairly surprised that many oil filters for this car are 25+ microns. If I could get even a 10 micron filter, I would be quite pleased!

So far (not for Mercedes though) the lowest micron full flow (spin on) filter I have come acrossed has been 17 Nominal microns. The worst one has been 35 Nominal microns. 80% of the spin on oil filters seem to be in the 19 Nominal micron range.
I think the filter housing on my 84 300D is big enough that if you could find a 10 Nominal micron filter element to replace the factory filter (the Wix replacement dose this but the Micron level is poor) there is enough surface area that you could get resonable use out with out causing a problem. You would be using the whole element as a full flow element.
Several months ago I added a by-pass filter to my car but due to my lack of knowlege of the filter micron rating systems (at the time) I picked the wrong filter. It is still filters better than the stock filter but but I want something better.

Diesel911 · #6 05-09-2008, 01:51 AM

The Racor filter S3230P is not a 2 micron filter I was misled by the Filtermart site; if you punch in that number the spec. you get has 2 micron when other info I have found tells me it is a 30 micron filter. The proper number is S3230S.
Try S3230P at this site:
http://www.filtermart.com/fpdbdb/fmccross.asp

Now check out the numbers on this chart that is on this site:
http://www.maesco.com/products/racor/r_spn_intro/r_spn_int/r_spn_int.html
Ther must be an error on the filtermart site.

JimmyL · #7 05-09-2008, 02:12 AM

Man, we need to do something about this quick. It's not like a lot of these engines are going over 300-400K miles........

OK, OK, your intention is noble. Just some good natured knad-busting.......

RUN-EM · #8 05-09-2008, 03:16 AM

The metal particles in the oil cause wear, but the carbon (remember graphite) can be a lubricant in some instances. Could it be that these factors offset each other?
Anybody know?

Regards

Run-Em

#9 05-09-2008, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUN-EM

but the carbon (remember graphite) can be a lubricant in some instances.

Soot is an abrasive.

RUN-EM · #10 05-09-2008, 06:54 AM

Ya know, from the title of this thread, I thought it was about finding more engine oil/diesel oil leaks in the engine compartment. Just as you get her cleaned up and lookin good, Ma Benz provides you with another leak.

Regards

Run-Em

C Sean Watts · #11 05-09-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Here is a Racor spin on filter they claim 2 microns part number S3230s with no drain at the bottom. Dimensions: Height 7 3/16" outside diameter 1 11/16" with 1"-14 threads per inch.
I would not interchange them with another brand until I verified the micron rating from that manufacturer as the Wix version of the same filter was 30 microns instead of 2 microns!
Baldwin sells their version with a dran on the bottom BF1252 but did not list the micron rating of the filter.

I called Baldwin and was referred to an engineer (at least they told me that on the phone.) The BF5813 (w/ drain) is listed as a 'primary' filter and water separator rated at 5 micron. It can be used with up to 20% ASTM rated biodiesel (NO wvo/svo.) Also, Baldwins with a drain are designed to be used in conjunction with another filter without a drain. The 5813 is a bit large but should last a long time in our small engines.

Diesel911 · #12 05-09-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Sean Watts

I called Baldwin and was referred to an engineer (at least they told me that on the phone.) The BF5813 (w/ drain) is listed as a 'primary' filter and water separator rated at 5 micron. It can be used with up to 20% ASTM rated biodiesel (NO wvo/svo.) Also, Baldwins with a drain are designed to be used in conjunction with another filter without a drain. The 5813 is a bit large but should last a long time in our small engines.

What has been "getting to me" with the filter comapnies/sellers is how they report their Micron ratings. When I go to the WIX site and run the BF5813 filter through their filter interchange I get WIX 33418; they say that there filter has a Nominal Micron Rating of 12 microns (for reference the Wix version of the Mercedes seconday is 10 microns). Baldwin tells you their filter is 5 microns (I a assuming nominal microns). WIX tells you 12 microns.
If you click on the WIX 33418 at this site another window will come up with the filter specs.
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/ResultsExact.asp?PartNo=bf5813

Diesel911 · #13 05-09-2008, 03:19 PM

So far this is the best spin on I could find with a low Micron Rating. It is funny that you can get a 1 Micron Absolute spin on oil filter from Amsoil but not a fuel filter.
Big fuel filter with a Nominal Mircon Rating of 2 microns;7" tall and outside dameter 3.713" and 1"-14 threads per inch. NAPA Gold 3528 $15.99 each. A secondary filter with no drain.