Oil filter recommendation (not?)

[CheeserBeezer]

My understanding is that SRM do not recommend the fitting of an oil filter. I have a few A10's most of which don't have filters and have the ability to turn new oil black within a couple of hundred miles. I use Morris straight 40, straight 50, or 20/50 depending on what I can lay my hands on. I have a Super Rocket with a filter which seems to always have clean oil. Why do SRM advise against a filter. I suppose I should ask them?!

[berger]

they want work £££££££££££££'s

[Adler]

Quite Strange Statement from SRM. Would mean, every car manufacturer ist in the wrong way.
I would Like to know, how Orabanda would think of that as he is a hydraulics engineer with a Business for hydraulics of his own. There are some threads with posts of his perfectly hidden filter systems and I am convinced, that he is doing the right thing.
BR, Manfred

[Swarfcut]

  Do filter housings have a built in bypass passage? If not, fitting a filter in the return line means there is no provision for pressure relief in the case of total blockage of the filter, which is in effect the same as an unmodified return line. But with the relatively large filter element capacity of filter units in use, this is unlikely, and if possible to do it has got to be a worthwhile project to keep the oil free of bearing scoring particulates and other oilway blocking nasties on the pressure side.

 Sedimentation and gauze filters were OK back when there was nothing else, but now we can move with the times. Goes without saying to give that skanky oiltank a wash out from time to time as well, along with clean of the sump gauze and pick up pipe ball valve.

 Reckon bergs is on the money with this one.

 Swarfy.

[a101960]

" SRM do not recommend the fitting of an oil filter." SRM are not always right. Utter madness. How can not fitting an oil filter be advantagous? Apparently if you fit an oil filter to an engine built by them the warranty is voided! says a lot about SRM I think. Sorry SRM you have it completely wrong. Very bad advice

[Worty]

Bergs HAS to have the explanation here.  With no oil filter, my oil was black after the first run out.  Now, it's staying cleaner for longer.  It cannot be that there can be a good excuse not to fit a filter, especially for motors with plain bearings.  There's no interruption of oil supply back to the tank or to the tappets and, I believe, all modern filters have a bypass in case of failure.

When I do change the filter, I fill it first to ensure no interruption of return (supply to tappets).  It takes a few minutes for the oil to saturate the element, but I fill it to the top, wait a minute and top up if needed.  This will be difficult for people with a sideways arrangement unless they remove the assembly first.  I actually have to remove the filter and housing each time it's changed as it can't be changed in situ.  Although a bit fiddly, it does allow for prefilling of the filter.

Return happens almost immediately, and I've never had any issues with the setup (2600m so far, and since the Berger build).

Would love to know SRM's explanation apart from business being slow

[Triton Thrasher]

Plunger BSAs (and AJS/Matchless and various others) had a felt filter in place in  the oil tank, on the scavenged return, so it’s not an alien concept.

I expect SRM don’t like owner modifications, because they can’t know what’s been done or how.

[Colsbeeza]

I'll chuck in my two-bobs worth. I fitted a Norton screw-on filter in 2017 and has allowed me to use Penrite 20W-70 with heaps of zinc. I stuck it in the tool box so I could screw them on (almost) vertically. Very happy with the setup. If you study the hose connections behind the oil tank, you can see I cut the elbow, flared both ends and attached the hoses to and from the filter. I have since removed the regulator divider and replaced it with a DVR2 electronic unit and converted to 12V. I also fill the oil filter before fitting, and get oil return quickly. Not sure a quick return is necessary, as it doesn't affect the oil flow to the motor. But who likes to wait to check when the road is calling??
Col

[orabanda]

Trust me (as the bishop said to the actress), the engine is far better off for having a filter installed.
Have a Happy Day, The BSA Way!
Richard

[Rex]

To play the Devil's Advocate for a minute, SRM (and others) advise using a quality oil and changing it on a regular basis as the first prerequisite of engine lubrication, so some will think fitting some Chinese Ebay quality filter means oil changes are no longer so important as "the filter cleans it mate, dunnit".
Clearly SRM have no control over what or how aftermarket filters are added, so their guarantee from engine failure is voided. SRM used to (maybe still do) fit filters if the customer requested it so they clearly aren't against the concept of effective additional oil filtration.
Engine oil turning black within a half hour is due to the deposits inside the engine, and this will happen regardless of a filter being present. Even on a freshly cleaned and rebuilt engine the oil still turns black very quickly.
Given SRM's long waiting list for rebuilds I rather doubt that they're hoping to make more money just by advising against filters.

[Worty]

Fair enough Rex, but maybe SRM could formulate a disclaimer, something like, "SRM only recommend external filters fitted by ourselves for use on rebuilt engines.  Customers may fit their own filters, but they must be approved by SRM prior to use in order for any warranties to remain valid."  They could then list approved filters and service intervals.

[Rex]

Maybe they do just that when a rebuilt engine is returned to it's owner. I wouldn't know as I never have and never will use them for an engine rebuild.

[berger]

i don't agree that oil turns black very quickly on any engine unless there is blow by on the rings and exhaust valve guides. i know this because years ago without a filter fitted when my exhaust guides were bad it turned black quickly after sorting them out and not fitting a filter it didn't. as for the fitting of a filter when you see on the internet problems with cars where the owner has fitted a filter without removing the plastic cover there is no wonder some people should not use spanners. another example is a pillock asking if he fits a bottom ball joint with the plastic cover on---- well try it mate you idiot!! and maybe why the general public in lots of cases seem to have to buy exchange brake calipers and not a seal kit. sealed electric plugs also comes to mind because the general public only know how to walk into lamp posts or fall in ponds while their head is stuck into a mobile phone.

[Worty]

Although Bergs commented that my oil wasn't too bad after 320 miles, its 'darker hue' is probably partially attributed to the fact my top end isn't as pristine as it may be.  Also, the oil tank isn't nearly as hot as it used to be after RM's build, which must be good for the oil.

We all know that keeping the oil as clean as it can be can only be good for motors, I've still got the plain bearing with all its grooves to prove it.