Re: '54 oil filtration question...

Posted by Peter Packard On 2012/9/21 4:58:30

I asked "the Man" from Wix recently about his WIX 5180 filter recommended for the Packard by-pass sysem and his response was:
The Wix 51080 has Beta Ratios of 2/20 = 6/20 (50% efficient at 6 microns/95% efficient at 20 microns). Wouldn't think you would want anything more efficient on this engine.



David Hogue

Vice President of International Sales & Marketing

Wix Filtration Corp.

One Wix Way, PO Box 1967

Gastonia, NC 28053-1967



(704) 869-3321 Office

(704) 864-9861 FAX

My comments follow:

As I understand it, wear occurs when the particle size is greater than the oil film thickness. Since the oil film thickness is from 0.5 Micron to 15 micron we are screwed in the long run. I have just fitted an Amsoil 2 micron absolute (98.7% efficient at 2 micron) filter to my 1938 Twelve and am assessing the results after 1000 miles of operation ( I need to get a particle analysis done) ) I have been onto many of the oil filter sites and an alarming recurring thread is that the filters DO NOT capture sludge and that filters are good for gross contamination but regular oil/filter changes are more important than filter size.

I would consider the standard Packard By-pass filter to be of minimal effectiveness and would suggest that an oil change every 500 miles would be more efficient ( CHANGE FILTER EVERY 1,500 MILES).
I change the oil and filter on my 7 other " on the road" Packards every 10 years or 1,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It works for me.



Best regards Peter Toet.