I didn't want to start a whole new question in the middle of the other oil filter question so I'll ask here. Everything that is for sale has it's buzz words. Televisions have "Pixels", Engines have "Horse power", Batteries have "Cold cranking amps", and oil filters have " Microns". My question is - How small a micron does an engine even notice? Is the engine going to last alot longer because it isn't getting anything over .25 microns compared to .35 microns. Is there a point where it's so small that it just plain doesn't matter? Are you paying extra for, or agonizing over meaningless buzz words. Is there a point where "It works" is all you need and anything past that is a pointless?


Doc

Are you using the Scotts reusable filter? Does it live up to it's promise? Don't have to buy filters anymore?

Are you using the Scotts reusable filter? Does it live up to it's promise? Don't have to buy filters anymore?

Yes, that's the one. It would be difficult to know if it will live up to the claims. The filter is reusable so I don't need to buy any more filters.

I bought it not so much for the hype but 'cause I wanted a filter that would provide some cooling effect (the casing has fins) and it shiny I'd don't think it's any worse or better than paper filters.

Lets say that tolerances in the motor are around 1/1000 th of an inch or 25 microns. That means the oil filter should be able to filter out 100% of particle larger than 25 microns, about the size of a white blood cell. My filter filters to 35 microns which means its not effective for some of the smaller particles.

I know some manufacturers make claims of "down to x microns" but that does not tell you much without knowing how efficient it is at x microns. Generally paper elements are not homogenous so you'll get a range of sizes going through the paper.

This is another one of those "which oil is better" discussions. I think as long as you do regular oil changes and have a filter then the motor will last longer that you'd want to have the bike.

Doc

Your answer said it better than my question. People have been using paper filters from everyone who makes filters for years and the bikes are doing just fine. I agreee, Doing the oil and filter regularly is more important than what you're using (within reason.) I don't think buying the latest and greatest is offering any significant real world advantage. Having said that. It also doesn't hurt. And peace of mind has to enter into the equation. As for the Scotts filter I was wondering more about the clean and reuse. Is it really as simple as clean it, blow it out, and slap it back in. Do you see any potential weaknesses that would cause it to fail? The cooling and shiny are a bonus but at $100 plus I want to be as sure as I can be that it's a well made piece that will last long enogh to pay for itself. I don't know if you have had it long enough to make any hard staements but what is you gut reaction so far?

Thanks

I have to agree with the previous assessment. It's really a moot point so long as you change your oil on a regular basis. It more of something to ponder while drinking a beer not while riding down the road.

clifdog,

I you want to see your pic then change ...../jc-roadie.jpg/img size=150] to /jc-roadie.jpg/[/img]

Doc

Musky,

I've cleaned it out twice and I'm due for an oil change this weekend and it's going to be cold and rainy .....

The filter comes apart easily; there's a spring at the top that hold the filter element in place. I let it drain upside down for a bit to let most of the oil flow out. Then it's soapy water to clean it up.

There's an earth magnet in the base that has been covered with some fine black deposits. I just wipe it off. I guess that it may be very fine iron deposits but I haven't bothered to check.

I haven't noticed the the fine mesh 'clogging' but I'll take a closer look this weekend.

As for simple. It's simpler to take the filter off and toss it than have to clean it.

Would I recommend it over a paper element. I doubt it. As I said before, I don't think that it does any better or worse that a good quality $5 paper filter with a high quality beer can cover. You would have to do a lot of riding to recoup the cost of the filter.

Would I buy it again. Yes, as it fits my needs. I was going to get it chromed but after seeing what kind of 'hits' it takes from road garbage I think I'll leave it alone and just keep polishing it up. Or .... maybe powdercoat it candy red. I need an excuse to buy a powdercoating gun.

Doc

Thanks Doc

Sounds like maybe I'll just stick with my chrome Amsoil.