MiniDave
MiniDave Dork
1/18/25 12:04 p.m.

Looking for oil filters for my Audi Allroad (A4 B9) I came across these on one of the parts supplier's site.

They filter down to 35 microns (no idea how that compares to a paper filter) and the idea is you wash it out and reuse it. My concern would be - how do you know you got any and all debris out of it? Would you clean it as often as you change a paper filter? More? Less?

Here's the one I saw - at this price I could buy 13-15 paper filters, but of course I'm sending that much more to the landfill.

Audi B9 A4 Quattro 2.0T Engine Filter Oil Filter - S87F - K&P Engineering High Performance Stainless Steel Oil Filter 

Features:

  • Consistent filtering across entire filter surface
  • Superior ASTMF316 filtration performance
  • Magnetic Prefiltering
  • True lifetime filter - clean and reinstall at each oil change
  • Progressive rate bypass combined with high flow characteristics of the filter media avoids unfiltered oil bypassing the filter during cold startup and high rpm
  • Easy inspection of engine contamination
  • Proven in Motorsports, Military and Aerospace applications for years
ShawnG
ShawnG MegaDork
1/18/25 12:22 p.m.

What kind of guarantee do they offer if it kills your engine?

GameboyRMH
GameboyRMH MegaDork
1/18/25 1:06 p.m.

I've looked into these, they're useful for race engines that are frequently inspected and rebuilt and get frequent oil changes, but not for production-based engines, mainly because they don't filter as well. It's better to stick to high-quality and extended-length disposable filters for production-based engines used on track.

See also: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/05/29/ask-away-with-jeff-smith-micron-ratings-and-what-they-mean-for-your-oil-filter/

adam525i
adam525i SuperDork
1/20/25 8:26 p.m.

Watch this and then go buy paper filters. It's a direct comparison of a 35 micron metal filter to a 25 micron paper filter.

 

Mr_Asa
Mr_Asa MegaDork
1/20/25 8:35 p.m.

Regular paper elements are about 25-30 microns, if I remember correctly?

Best way to clean it would be to back-flush with a solvent.  I don't think it would ultimately do the trick, though.

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