Spin on oil filter

[jb92563]

I question that a spin on is better.

More convenient sure but perhaps there is an unintentional compromise that could lead to catastrophic engine failure with the spin on.

Here are my thoughts:

Porsche and VW engines have historically relied on oil cooling to keep the engine from being damaged during the aircooled era.

You may have noticed that the new engines although water cooled still rely on effective oil cooling and they have gone through great pains to engineer the engine will lots of oil passages, baffling and large volume reliable oil pumps to ensure the engine never suffers from a shortage of oil.

Now why would they use a coarser oil filter with some of the oil bypassing the filter element, do you think?

Could it be because the high rates of oil flow in the engine are required to keep everything properly lubed and at the same time cool the engine and should the filter ever become plugged, the bypass will still allow the oil to circulate?!!!

Ahaaaaa!!!!!!!

Spin on finer filter could reduce oil flow because it clogs easier and combined with no oil bypass could lead to engine siezure if the filter gets sufficiently plugged?

I would never consider the spin on for that reason alone. Perhaps the likelyhood of that happening is small, but the consequences are 5 digits $$$$$ dire.