In our article today, we are going to look at how to change oil filter in cars and other machines using oil filter. Engines need oil for proper functioning, just like how the blood is to our body system. However, the oil must be particle-free for smooth lubrication of the engine parts bringing about the oil filter’s introduction. Hence, an Oil filter helps relieve unburnt fuel, dirt, and thick oil from getting into the vehicle’s engine.
The motor car engine uses an oil filter, airplane, jet, motorcycle, and boat. All hydraulic systems use an oil filter to hinder their engine from being contaminated by debris present in the oil.
Factors to consider when buying an oil filter
In reference, there is always an increase in the life span life of an engine if a high-quality filter is used, resulting in a reduced cost of maintenance. Therefore, when buying an oil filter, some specific considerations to make when selecting an oil filter for your vehicle.
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The capacity of holding particles: the oil filter’s primary function is to filtrate the dirt that can cause tears in your car engine or even knock the engine down. So when buying an oil filter, try to look out for the ones that have the high ability to hold particles.
Pressure-Flow: this factor shouldn’t be overlooked. An oil filter should have a high-pressure flow for smooth lubrication of the engine. In this respect, don’t consider a low-pressure oil filter.
Size: without a doubt, oil filters have different efficiency at which they hold particles. So when buying an oil filter, the size of particles the filter can hold should be considered.
Design: you know, not all oil filters have the same design pattern since they are from different manufacturers. For example, an anti-drain back flapper may be present in most oil filters, while some may not have it. This anti-drain-back prevents the oil from draining back when the engine goes off and keeps grease in the spin-on canister. So filtered oil is available when the engine is started.
Secondly, it leaves the oil full in the spin-on canister. When you restart the engine, instantly, oil can flow to the main parts and continue to the engine’s functional zones without the need to fill the spin on can again – siphoning the pump supply momentarily.
The material used in the production: is the oil filter made of steel or plastic? Can it withstand heat, shock, and vibration, is it made with abrasive, will it be durable? All these questions must watch out for when choosing an oil filter.
Oil filter parts
Tapping Plate:
The point of entry and exit if the oil is the tapping plate. The plates are featured with small holes at the edge, allowing a smooth flow of oil into the filter container. While the part through which the oil flows out is at the center directly to the engine.
Filter Medium:
This part has cellulose and synthetic fibers in it. Those fibers help to increase the effectiveness of filtration. Also, the strength and stiffness of the oil filter are achieved with the help of resin.
Pleated Filter Media
This part has pore structures that allow for the oil’s perfect flow, arresting debris and debris capture efficiency.
Base Plate
Oil is prevented from moving back at the sealing surface in the gasket. It also provides space for oil moving in and out of the filter. At the same time, an attachment is made to the engine by the gauge steel.
Gasket
The engine and oil filter are covered outwards at the engine head plate and the base plate’s gasket.
Anti-drain-back Valve
Anti-drain-back hinders the oil from draining back when the engine goes off and keeps oil in the spin-on canister. So filtered oil is available when the engine is started.
Spring
This is to make sure there is a suitable load on the oil filter to balance the seal between the base plate and the engine head-plate. The balance must be kept even in times like shock load, pressure surge situation, and vibration.
Upper-End Cap
This provides passage for clean filtered oil and also provides firmness to the pleated media. Collect pleated filter media and element end adhesive.
Lower End Cap
Collect oil filter media and element end adhesive.
Center Tube
High-pressure difference and cold start may cause the element to fall-off. So, the center provides support to the part from collapsing.
Retainer:
A retainer serves small metal. It serves as a string that helps to hold the end disc and the filter medium to the tapping plate. A retainer is a bit of metal that acts as a leaf spring.
End Disc:
This part is made of metal or fibers, and unfiltered oil is prevented from following to the center tube. Both end if the filtered medium is also covered with the end disc.
Oil filter types
Various filter are used in cars, some of which include;
Full-Flow Oil Filter:
Most car users would instead go for this oil filter. It can also be referred to as a primary oil filter because it sieves out all particles in the oil. During cold times when the oil is very sticky, the full-flow filter, which is made mainly for this kind of condition, filter the oil correctly for smooth lubrication of the engine.
The filter is not the restrictive type that will cause your engine to starve. Hence, it will be suitable for your vehicle.
Secondary or Bypass Oil Filter:
Since vehicles are from different manufacturers, so the type of filters they use will also be other. Thus, this filter is used by some automobile to support the primary oil filter. The secondary oil filter will capture contaminants that escaped from the full-flow filter. Therefore, there is the assurance of pure oil to your engine.
Magnetic Oil Filter:
This is assessed to support the primary oil filter, but this only removes metal substances from the oil, since that’s the magnet’s primary function. This type only needs maintenance. Changing is not necessary as the other types.
Cartridge Oil Filter:
This comes in two types; the one made of fiber or metal. It is a primary, simple oil filter usually inserted in an upright position making inspection easier without removing oil.
Spinner Oil Filter:
This filter type uses centrifugal force to take the dirt away from the oil. This filter can remove microscopic particles.
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Spin-On Oil Filter:
A spin-on filter is a type of primary oil filter having a steel canister with a paper element. The fixation is simple, requiring little technical Know-how; hence, it can be done by vehicle owners.
Steps on how to change the oil filter
Removing old filter
- Before removing the old filter, the oil must be drained out. This is achieved by untightening the oil cap in a clockwise direction for easy drainage of oil.
- Don’t leave the engine running when performing this operation. Instead, should the engine be too hot. Allow the engine to cool off for a minimum of thirty minutes if hot. Likewise, the machine must not be cold; if so, warm it up to two-three minutes. If these procedures are followed, then you’re good to go.
- Pan should be put underneath the drain plug to collect the drained oil. This plug is at the bottom part of the engine block, on the oil pan’s downside.
- The oil plug should be removed for proper drainage of the oil. A spanner with a square end will make the removal of the oil plug easier. The oil will then start to drain out as soon as the plug is removed. Allow the oil to be completely drained, then put the oil plug back to its position. Be prepared to quickly lift your hand away Immediately you disconnect the plug, so it doesn’t get covered in oil.
- In case your drain plug has a gasket, replace the gasket before playing back; it will ensure a perfect seal.
- Know to find your vehicle’s oil filter, though the filter is placed differently depending on the model of automobile you’re using. Try to locate the filter by looking out for the engine block, find a cylinder attached to it, look around the engine block. The filter is always connected to the outlet in the league. The label ‘filter’ is usually written on a blue, orange, black, or white.
- Shift the pan to the oil filter location underneath to collect the oil that will drop from the filter. A liter of oil can also drain out from the filter.
- Squeeze the oil filter out so that it will come out ultimately. Immediately the oil filter is removed, the oil will start leaking.
- Spanner should be used if the oil filter isn’t coming out. This might be due to inadequate lubrication of the part.
- Allow the old fitter to drain out for at least a day, put it in the trash for proper disposal.
- The collected oil can be recycled.
Inserting new oil filter
- It is essential to make sure that the gasket doesn’t stick to the engine block before inserting a new filter.
- The new filter should be screwed by hand to make it fit into the engine block. Until turning becomes difficult, turn in a clockwise direction. When you begin screwing, apply little pressure to avoid cross-threading the filter.
- If you apply much pressure, be gentle when you begin screwing on the new filter.
- Tighten the new filter until it’s free from leaking.
- Replace the engine oil. Always use the oil your mechanic recommends you. Open the oil cap, put a funnel to pour oil into space. Tighten the oil cap when you’re done.
Types of Oil
- High-Mileage oil: car engine that has than 121,000 km on them use this oil.
- Conventional Oil: The most common and less expensive type of oil. It is used for cars that follow the regular oil changing interval after a traveling distance of 4800km.
- Synthetic-Blend Oil: Engine of the truck and another automobile tit’s engineered sure hard to use this type of oil.
- Premium Conventional Oil: Better than conventional oil, this type is the most adequate for new vehicles.
- Full-Synthetic oil: it’s not necessary to use this type of oil unless your mechanic recommended it. The oil is meant for high-performance engines.
Necessary tools for changing the oil filter
- Oil drain pan
- Mallet
- Gloves
- Oil filter
- Spanner (Socket-head and filter)
- Motor oil
Intervals for changing the oil filter
Many automotive parts stores, installers, and even car manufacturers often say oil filters should be changed anytime you want to pour in new oil. But this is not necessary as it is considered to be a waste of resources.
However, compared to the filters on late-model automobiles, the new filters on the latest cars have been reduced in size to save space, weight, and amount used to buy them. The formerly used quart-sized filter has been changed to a Pint-sized filter. So, it would be best if you didn’t think that the small size might get full with dirt quickly or reduce filtering efficiency.
It would then help if you trusted that these small size filters would be sufficient for an oil-changing interval of 3,000 to 7,000 miles; while 8,000 to 15,000 miles will make the filter less efficient in taking out particles.
Bypass filter will result in oil escaping filtration, causing particles to get into your engine. Your engine will not suffer from oil, but debris will cause wear and tear kg the engine.
You should follow the mile interval for an oil chain sin the car manufacturer did not put a sign or warning to know when your oil filter needs to be changed.
Functions of Oil Filters
- Oil filters have holes that help in removing thick oil from getting into the engine.
- Engine last long if the oil filter works correctly.
- Metals, debris, and all other particles get dismissed with the help of the oil filter.
Conclusion
Changing your vehicle oil filter is essential. It is vital to the car’s functionality, and consistent changes are best for hitch-free running and crucial for the engine’s optimum performance. Replacing your vehicle oil filter is relatively easy. You only need to acquire the right materials to get the job done and identify certain vehicle parts.
