Technicians can benefit from Comline’s technical nous and comprehensive portfolio by learning about the technology inside its spin-on oil filters and absorbing some useful fitting advice.
In this latest article by Comline, PMM readers will gain a deeper understanding of the technology behind oil filters as well as some of the common oil filter fitting errors and how to put them right.
Oil filters play an integral role in maintaining engine performance and longevity as they remove contaminants from engine oil. There are several types of oil filters, all designed for specific tasks and applications. These include spin-on, cartridge, magnetic, centrifugal, synthetic and bypass.
Here, we are focusing on spin-on oil filters: The most common type of oil filter, typically used in passenger cars and consisting of a metal canister with an internal filter element. The filters screw directly into the engine block and, of course, filter engine oil as it circulates through the engine.
Comline points out there are three valve types that are prevalent with spin-on filters: anti-drainback, bypass and anti-syphon valves. Each plays an important role and work together to ensure efficient oil flow, filter functionality and engine health. These are explored in more detail below:
Anti-drainback: Found on the ‘dirty side’ of the filter, this valve prevents oil from draining back into the engine when it is switched off. This valve is particularly important for applications where the filter is installed on the side or top of the engine. Without it, oil would simply flow out of the filter and leave the engine unprotected at start-up.
Bypass: Acting as a safety feature, the bypass valve comes into play when a filter becomes blocked – whether that’s due to dense oil from cold starts or a delayed filter change. When clogging occurs, pressure builds up on the dirty side of the filter. This prompts the bypass valve to open and unfiltered oil to flow, which is preferable to starving the engine of oil altogether. Without it, the engine would be exposed to potential failure.
Anti-syphon: Located on the ‘clean side’ of the filter, this valve stops clean oil from flowing back into the engine when it is switched off. This valve also retains a small ‘reservoir’ of oil inside the filter, which means quicker lubrication after ignition. By maintaining this reservoir, the engine wear during start-up is significantly reduced, which increases the protection of critical components.
In addition to these three valves, Comline filters incorporate several other design features, including perforated centre tubes to help oil flow, robust housings and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) gaskets for flexibility and durability in harsh conditions.
These characteristics mean Comline filtration meets OE-matching standards.
Avoiding oil filter fitting problems
The quality of a filter must be matched by the accuracy of the installation. Here, Comline points out some common pitfalls and explains how to avoid them during installation:
Overtightening: Comline recommends that technicians ‘hand-tighten’ oil filters during installation. The best method is to twist the filter until the gasket contacts the vehicle, then add a quarter turn. Using a removal tool to tighten risks issues with removal down the line, plus it can also damage the filter’s protective coating. The latter can lead to corrosion and early failure.
Cross-threading: This occurs when the filter is not aligned with its housing, leading to poor gasket contact, an insecure seal and the potential for leaks. All of these issues can crop up later when the filter needs to be removed – and it makes the task more challenging during the next service. Comline urges technicians to take extra care when aligning the filter; doing so will mean better installation and a smoother removal process later on.
Always lubricate the gasket: Applying a small amount of oil to the gasket before installing the filter will help create a stronger seal and make the filter easier to remove during its next service. Comline recommends a fingertip’s worth of oil is all that’s required to sufficiently lubricate the gasket and install the filter correctly.
By following these simple but important instructions, technicians can ensure prompt and precise oil filter installation. Consequently, customers will drive away with filters that will function correctly throughout the service life of the part.
Comline is committed to providing technicians with quality products and invaluable technical tips. In profiling the design features of its spin-on oil filters, and providing practical installation advice, technicians will be better-placed to service their customers and the vehicles on which they rely.
To download a technical bulletin about Comline’s spin-on filter valves click here.
To download a technical bulletin about Comline’s oil filter fitting guidelines click here.
