quote:
Originally posted by bulwnkl:
I have one of the 2.3-liter MZR engines as well. From my point of view, the center tube Mazda (and Ford in their applications) uses is VERY flimsy compared with a good-quality metal center tube. Still, it shouldn't have a problem since 'they're all that way.'
Also, to be very honest with you, that looks to me like the filter cartridge was built just slightly too long and it crushed a little. That also doesn't make too much sense since I've used a 'regular' Purolator on mine and the fit was fine (no damage upon removal).
I sure wish I had convenient pressure-monitoring capabilities before and after the filter on my vehicle.
Filter guy, I find it kinda tough to believe that the filter assembly is in by pass on startup with 5W20 (which is what that page you reference ends up saying the problem here is). Particularly with the recent flow data you posted from a USED filter. In previous vehicles I've had with an O.P. gauge, I can't get the oil pump to go into bypass even with 15W40 on a 15-degree morning unless I revved the engine above ~4500 rpm. Now that's not the filter bypass, but again with the data you posted it seems odd. Unless of course the PureOne media really is as fine as they would have us believe while not flowing very well.
Here's a question: Let's suppose all the MZR center tubes are as miserably flimsy as mine is. Let's also suppose that this PureOne cartridge did not fail or breach in any way. One might reasonably suppose, then, that the center tube deflects inward during cold start-up (at least on some engines) if the filter bypass mechanism's pressure is set high enough (how high high enough is I have no idea). Once the oil warms a little, the center tube should return to its original shape. If there's never a breach or failure of the cartridge, is there a problem?
It's kinda hard for a metal center tube to deflect backwards without any assistance ( ie: reverse flow).
The E-core, with the nylon cage, does have "bouncebackability"..
Once a metal center tube is over pressured and starts to deform it stays that way..or gets worse.
I wasn't aware this particular design had the center tube as part of the housing. In Hydraulics they call this a "coreless" design filter. That being, the assembly has a reusable center tube. Either fixed or removable but reusable. ( There's an older Parker hydraulic design with a reusable metal center tube. It is actually more a "cage" element where you take out 4 long bolts, reuse the center tube and endcaps, and replace the media and two gaskets. We sell this.)
The two styles of automotive center tubes are a lock seam or a spiral lock. The spiral lock is probably 50% or more stronger. The lock seam you can crush in your hand by just squeezing your fingers around it. The spiral lock core you can't.
As it looks like unDummy's situation is more an element to tall and is crushed in that manner when installing due to the taller height.
Let that be a lesson...lol.
But the other situation is one to short, which has other problems. More than likely oil bypassing the media if the element is to short to seal.
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As for your trying to test a by-pass valve opening..
Wouldn't the downstream flow be compensated by the by-pass doing it job? In other words..if you test downstream of the filter--the by-pass has compensated for the differential pressure already. You shouldn't see the differential pressure beyond the bypass opening settings ( 8-11 PSID)
So if you have 45psi going in..you shouldn't see 33 or less psi downstream. It should always be between 34-45 psi downstream. So how would you know when the by-pass is opened to compensate?
That's my guess anyway...
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