100% No-Bypass Oil Filtration

[Seadweller]

I like the idea of the LN Engineering spin on filter adapter, if anything from a simplicity perspective, but I do have some concern about the 100% no-bypass design. I've read where filter media has been crushed with this design (not specifically the LN engineering design, but rather no-bypass in general), which sent filter particles into the engine, not to mention filter failure.

I realize that the filters used in this design are "high flow," but what safety measure is available in a scenario where by-pass is required? It seems the only two options are the filter media gets crushed, and/or the filter itself fails catastrophically.

For the record, I'm not of the belief that Porsche engineers have made perfect decisions over the years, particularly as a prior owner of 911's/Carrera's. There are many, many aftermarket improvements that have bettered Porsche's original designs, so I don't accept Porsche engineering as the end-all.

Thoughts on the filter situation?

[LAP1DOUG]

I have had one of the L&N filters for a couple of years and been happy with it.

The filter element looks to be quite strong. I would guess that it would just about withstand a differential pressure equal to the full discharge pressure of the pump, in which case the engine would be toast anyway.

I have never understood why oil filters are designed with the flow from outside to inside. It would make a lot more sense from a maximum allowable differential pressure standpoint if it flowed the other way.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Seadweller

... but what safety measure is available in a scenario where by-pass is required?

You are correct, there is none.

All of the designs that I have seen with bypass can and will allow oil to bypass the filtration element in some circumstances (and often some of those circumstances are when you would not want the bypass to be in effect). Conversely, all of the designs that I have seen without bypass have no option for bypass in the event of needing it.

Pick your poison.

[NewArt]

Originally Posted by LAP1DOUG

I have never understood why oil filters are designed with the flow from outside to inside. It would make a lot more sense from a maximum allowable differential pressure standpoint if it flowed the other way.

I suppose it's because there's a lot more exposed surface on the outside of the filter pleats than inside.

[Jake Raby]

The filter used for this is designed for no bypass.

This unit was developed in 2007 by yours truly, and has seen temperatures as low as -27F. It has also seen oil pressures to over 250 PSI.

To date, none of the recommended filters have been crushed from excess pressure.

That factory unit fails in a much different manner, as the spring weakens in the bypass, and you get very little filtration, as bypass oil goes straight through the filter, it is NOT returned to the sump. If the factory spring breaks, then none of the oil is filtered.

So far this year more than 1/2 of the cars that we've seen come in for an IMS Retrofit procedure had a failing spring, and 2 of them had bypasses that had failed completely.

[Duezzer]

I had always thought spin on filters had their own by pass built in.

[lkchris]

They probably do but 986 have cartridge filters.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by lkchris

They probably do but 986 have cartridge filters.

from the factory, yes
not if you add the LN spin-on adaptor

[Duezzer]

So the LN adapter would rid the vehicle of a the bypass - Is the bypass built into the plastic cartridge cover or up in the mounting area? - Just did on oil change but did not take a hard look - The spin on oil filter will have its own built in bypass?

If the stock bypass springs get week over time and end up bypassing the filter is there a way to change out just the spring?

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Duezzer

So the LN adapter would rid the vehicle of a the bypass - Is the bypass built into the plastic cartridge cover or up in the mounting area? - Just did on oil change but did not take a hard look - The spin on oil filter will have its own built in bypass?

If the stock bypass springs get week over time and end up bypassing the filter is there a way to change out just the spring?

The spin on adapter is 100% filtered, no bypass.

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by Duezzer

So the LN adapter would rid the vehicle of a the bypass - Is the bypass built into the plastic cartridge cover or up in the mounting area? - Just did on oil change but did not take a hard look - The spin on oil filter will have its own built in bypass?

If the stock bypass springs get week over time and end up bypassing the filter is there a way to change out just the spring?

There is no way to replace the spring in the stock filter housing, but you can replace the housing quite cheaply - about $20 IIRC.

[Duezzer]

Being that my car is a 99 I will be ordering and Oil Filter housing ASAP.

Checked out the Wix filters.

This is the one for my 944

Part Number: 51287
UPC Number: 765809512870
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Enhanced Cellulose
Height: 4.828 (123)*
Outer Diameter Top: 2.921 (74)*
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed:
Thread Size: 20X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 30
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Burst Pressure-PSI: 310
Max Flow Rate: 9-11 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 19

As you can see - The filter has its own built in bypass -
I believe a week bypass spring would be a very bad thing.
New filter every oil change with the spin on adapter would guarantee a strong spring
Or every other year change the filter housing for 20 buck.

[PaulDash]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

There is no way to replace the spring in the stock filter housing, but you can replace the housing quite cheaply - about $20 IIRC.

Do you have part numbers, please? Which other elements need to be replaced with the housing?

[Duezzer]

I believe this is the link to the Filter Housing on Pelican Parts

1999 Porsche Boxster Base Convertible - Filters & Belts - Page 2

[JayG]

Best price I found was Genuine Porsche parts
$21.18 , includes a new filter

https://genuineporscheparts.com/parts/2004/Porsche/Boxster/S/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=ENGINE&group=ENGINE&subgroup=ENGINE%20PARTS&component=Oil%20filter%20hsng&partnumber=99610702055&vehicleid=175130&siteid=218172

Since a filter is $10-$12, the cover comes out to ~ $10

I can change it 15 times for the cost of a spinon filter adapter.
and it is much easier to cut open a cartridge filter than a spinon one

[steved0x]

I think some spin on filters have a built-in bypass valve, for example the Napa Gold 1348 utilized with the IMS Solution spin on adapter:

NAPA AUTO PARTS

The Napa Gold 1042 for "regular" non-IMS Solution LN Spin On Adapter doesn't:

NAPA AUTO PARTS

[Duezzer]

JayG - I am going to go the same way - If I still have the car in 15 yrs I will rethink the decision.
Thanks for the link
Will be putting in my order as soon as this post is posted.