The causes of engine filter failure are usually a sudden loss of liquid or poor performance from the engine. Besides the normal leakage at the connection, longitudinal or transverse cracks can occur at the transition radius of the fuel spin-on filter housing. With inline fuel filters, the filter housing can corrode at the line connection due to a damaged fuel hose, resulting in water between the hose and connecting piece. In the case of spin-on oil filters, the filter housing can crack and swell, or the o-ring housing can be pushed out or crack.
If the fuel spin-on filter has been installed incorrectly, it cannot withstand the dynamic pressure load and may crack. If the filter connection is leaky, it could be due to a number of assembly errors such as installation in a slanted position, incorrect fitting of the o-ring, re-use of an old o-ring or incorrect tightening torque.
Inline fuel filters with aluminium housings can show signs of contact corrosion between the housing and the retaining clamp due to removal or damage to the protective filter film, resulting in a leaky filter. It can also occur if the o-ring has not been replaced or has slipped during assembly, hoses are not correctly connected to the fittings, or the hose clamps are insufficiently tightened. In addition to problems with the o-ring, spin-on oil filter failure can be traced to a defective pressure limiting valve in the oil pump, incorrect use of a non-approved filter or incorrect tightening.
As well as always adhering to the engine manufacturer’s recommended change intervals and only using the correct filters for the specific engine model and specification, advice contained in a comprehensive document published by MAHLE is to always tighten the filter by hand first. Then, use a specialised fitment/extraction tool designed specifically to the correct torque setting, and always use new seals. If considered necessary, it is advisable to replace the pressure limiting valve of the oil pump at the filter change.
Contact corrosion due to damaged insulation
Damaged coating – Result: Corrosion
Damaged thread due to incorrectly installed filter
Service interval changes
Where reduced engine performance is believed to be caused by filtration, it is usually due to insufficient fuel supply down to use of an incorrect filter, intake of additional air, leaky fuel return pipe or dirty/clogged fuel filter. It can also be traced to insufficient air flow rate due to dirt in the air filter or a damaged or clogged MAF sensor, which controls exhaust gas recirculation and optimises dosing of fuel injection.
If the special filter paper disintegrates, it is often caused by chemicals in the engine oil (such as sulphur in poor quality fuel), too high operating temperature, poor engine tuning or defective cooling system. When using biofuels, MAHLE recommends shortening the time between service interval changes and regularly checking correct functioning of the thermostat, water pump and radiator.
