| Author | Message | ||
     Sgthigg |
Why is there a spring on the inside of the buell oil filter?? In several previous posts there were listings of compatable xb oil filters, However the one listed from walmart was said to be exactly like buells. It is not, it does not have this spring. What is it for? And if you have a brand without the spring inside the filter on your bike should it be replaced??? | ||
| Xb12r_nate |
I believe the spring is there to allow the oil to simply bypass the filter should it become clogged. This would save your engine from almost certain death if say you fried the clutch-pack on a launch at the drag strip. I have seen clutches give up allot of material and plug a filter in just 1 or 2 runs. Allowing the oil to bypass the filter in a situation could save the motor. Correct me if i'm wrong? Nate | ||
| Josh_cox |
That spring is for an oil bypass valve. It is so that if your oil filter has been on there too long and is clogged up, it will let unfiltered oil pass through and keep a constant oil pressure instead of starving the engine. All H-D filters have this. Most of the time, you get what you pay for, and it isn't just a name. I'm a big believer in OEM filters for everything I own, simply b/c they were designed for that application. Not just a generic oil filter design that was altered to fit the spout. I'm not saying that OEM is always best for everything or that there are no good oil filters other than OEM. I just like to know that my parts work exactly as Buell intended them to. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
When one buys an oil filter from Walmart or other private brand, one always runs the risk that the retailer has changed suppliers, and that the same part number may now refer to a different part. Got to check carefully, ok? In the case of Walmart, the situation is a bit more confusing because Walmart sells several filters that will fit the Buell. There is only one right one. It has the spring. It is made by Champion, and the one I am holding in my hand right now, ( I can type one handed when necessary), is EXACTLY the same the Buell OEM part. That's why I bought a half a dozen of them at two bucks each. NOW PAY ATTENTION STUDENTS! It is the Walmart SUPERTECH ST4967. It is not Fram, or any other Walmart private label. Just because you bought a filter at Walmart doesn't mean you bought the RIGHT filter. Got that students?  It just means you are a cheapskate. Not that there is anything the matter with that! PS: In independent tests, the Champion filter has been very highly rated. And while you are down at Wally World, don't forget to pick up your Mobil One 15W50 for your engine in the five quart jug. Now you are a REAL cheapskate. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
PS: In independent tests, the Champion filter has been very highly rated. --------------------------------------------------------- Have a link to them independent tests? I'm always curious to read what the results are. I run a scotts filter and have read the results from one person on the internet who is not really qualified to do these tests. he only opens them and states his opinion. looking for hard facts on filters. | ||
| Sgthigg |
LMAO The Walmart SUPERTECH ST4967 I am holding in my hand right now DOESNOT have the spring. I am glad this came up. The walmart brand, if you dont know any better is not always the same as OEM. Looks to be hit or miss if you ask me. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Is a Champion (or any other filter) better than the OEM filter? Unless there is superior performance from another brand, why would you change. If there IS a better brand, what is it? Please don't tell me it's just because the Wal Mart brand is cheaper. | ||
| Fullpower |
just a side note: only engine oil is filtered in the Buell. There is no chance of clutch debris circulating through your engine oil filter. | ||
| Perry |
I use the Mobil-1 filter. It is well made, with no cheap cardboard and glue to dissolve from the hot oil. Sure, it is probably overpriced, but I know I am getting a great filter. Why spend $6-9 per quart on synthetic oil and then go cheap on the filter? I'd buy either the Buell filter or a high-end filter, and not try to get the cheapest $2 wal-mart special. Not worth the risk! Mobil-1 plans for you to use their oil longer between oil changes (which I don't anyway) and they make their filter to last too. Some cheapo filters will actually start to fall apart if left in too long. Of course, too long is probably much longer than you should ever go between oil changes anyway. Every filter has some kind of by-pass valve. Different manufacturers have a different approach to accomplishing the same task - some use a spring, others do not, but it is basically an emergency mechanism. I hope, and I plan, to care for my bike in such a way that my by-pass valve will never, ever need to be activated. And then I buy a high-end filter just in case! $10 for a mobil-1 M1-103 is money well spent in my opinion. | ||
| Buellman39 |
Just remember you get what you pay for. If you buy a $2.00 filter that's what you'r getting. Spend the extra couple dollars on a good brand filter. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
WOW!!! My scotts filter must be the BEST as I paid the MOST for it. That is if you get what you pay for really is the truth. I have yet to see any REAL INFORMATION on this subject. By that I mean someone who is QUALIFIED to rip these filters apart and give HARD FACTS/PROVEN RESULTS on them. I have already seen the internet article on the tear down of most filters by some nobody who clearly is guessing at results | ||
| Spiderman |
one thing not mentioned, the spring preasure. a car, which these filters are designed for, run a higher oil psi than a buell. so if the filter gets clogged it will not have the right preassure to "push" the heavier car filter spring... | ||
| Khollister |
Yeah, the flow rate and bypass pressure are the wild cards. There has been quite a bit of discussion over on some of the Harley forums about this and many filters that appear to fit have to high a bypass pressure. A possible example of this is the K&N's. KN-177 is the motorcycle filter spec'ed by K&N for a Buell. K&N HP-1003 is an identical looking filter sold for autos that may, or may not, have the same specs. A call to K&N might be interesting. I would be leary of using an automotive filter without confirmation that the targeted car applications have similar bypass & flow specs. Harley's in particular have low pressure high volume oiling systems, unlike the average automobile engine. | ||
| Redrocker |
All of the filter brands mentioned so far in this thread are "Private Label" products. In other words, not marketed by the actual manufacturer. They are made to the specs of the private label company based on their marketing "needs". I.E.: Walmart "needs" to be cheap, after all their claim to fame is low prices. Although is it extremely unlikely that Buell manufactures their own filters, I for one, would tend to trust their spec process over any other private label filter. However, if you want to purchase a premium filter for your Buell I would suggest the following: Wix Filters Part Number: 51394 Style: Spin-On Lube Filter Service: Lube Type: Full Flow Media: Paper Height: 2.977 Outer Diameter Top: 2.685 Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed Thread Size: 3/4-16 By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11 Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes Burst Pressure-PSI: 400 Max Flow Rate: 7-9 GPM Nominal Micro Rating: 19 Gasket Diameters O.D. I.D. Thk. 2.475 2.173 0.233 Wix is a primary manufacturer and they spend millions each year on R&D to make the very best filter they can. This may sound way too much like an advertisement but I'm just sold on Wix filters. In my line of work I have cut open many, many filters over the last 30+ years in the automotive & fleet parts business and I have never seen a better built filter IMHO. Oh, and they are painted black so they look good on my XB as well. | ||
| Daves |
How many times per year are you guys changing your oil that the difference between a 6.95 filter and a 3.00 filter will make that big of a difference in your yearly budget? I understand if you just do not have access to the OEM part but it's not like you are going to save that much money per year by using a filter that may or may not be right for your bike. Let's just say you put 10,000 miles per year and change your oil every 2000 miles That is 5 changes per year 5 changes at 4.00 savings per filter = 20.00 PER YEAR! That is a 1.67 per month. Just not worth it if you ask me? YMMV | ||
| Statik |
BOSCH FTW | ||
| Brineusaf |
MANN filters... I don't have time to wait around for the mail to bring me OEM Filters from you Daves, nor can I justify my buying them in quantity from you with my wife. And the exchange rate here really makes buying OEM different. I run MANN filters, with is cross-referenced from the K&N. I find it hard to estimate my mileage given my circumstances. No hard feelings, as I have ordered from you before, and intend to in the future. But it's all about conveinance. (Message edited by brineusaf on September 26, 2006) | ||
| Bumblebee |
That looks pretty good. I'll get one and check it out. | ||
| Fullpower |
I bought a half dozen OEM Buell filters from Al at American Sportbike. They were pretty inexpensive. | ||
| Brineusaf |
I have certain circumstances that support my reasoning. 1 - Cannot estimate when needing filters due to weather/work/childcare ect preventing me from riding. 2 - The wait for the postal system 3 - If bought on the economy, the crappy exchange rate 4 - My not having room to store merchandise if bought in bulk, limited space per say 5 - Easier for me to stop at the Auto-Shop on the way home from the daycare and pickup a filter than it is to...supply someone with CC info via phone (time difference) and then have to pay for international calls, and then again -postal system. That about sums it up.. | ||
| Daves |
I wrote "I understand if you just do not have access to the OEM part " I understand. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Thank you Dave for your understanding. You are the therapist of our collective souls! | ||
| Brineusaf |
Daves, I'm just self-concious about you thoughts of me! haha But seriously, wasn't sure if FullPower's comment was to me or not, if it wasn't whatever.. | ||
| Daves |
Ft_bstrd I'll put the session on your bill! Brine, You are in a totally different situation than most of us here. I'd go to Walmart and buy them for you and send them to you if you needed me to. | ||
| Brineusaf |
Dave, I appreciate the support, I sent you an email concerning an order that needs to be placed... just a small one, but one nonetheless. | ||
| Prof_stack |
It appears Walmart has "streamlined" their oil filters. Yes indeed, the ST4967 filter I just bought (haven't used it yet) has no spring in it and feels lighter. Same AA stamp as before. So, I'd like to find out if the filters we get at the dealerships are also changed in the same way. If so, no worries. If not, then the ST4967's go back (where is that receipt?...). Anybody bought a Buell filter lately? | ||
| Sgthigg |
Yep Last week. It still had it. |
