I've been juggling the idea of making a reusable oil filter from as many readily available parts as possible for a while now, stainless steel sanitary pipe seems like the best option.
Obviously the core is the most important part, stainless steel wire mesh is easy to source, which leads to the particle size discussion.
Regular oil filters are around 40 microns, WIX filters are between 20-25 microns and the FL1995 is about 17-19 microns iirc...
500 mesh equals 25 micron --> Low cost, way better than average filters, sold in cut sheets or rolls. 100$ per linear foot x 48".
635 mesh equals 20 microns --> A bit harder to get, it's a different weave than regular mesh & more costly. Sold by the roll, crazy expensive in cut sheets. 250$ per linear foot x 40".
Which begs the question: Is a 5 micron particle size difference worth the expense? It is reusable after all...
I'd simply make a quick punch & die to use on a shop press to make the top & bottom discs from 18ga stainless, fill them with windshield urethane adhesive & pop them onto a nice little stainless mesh accordion.
As for the casing design, not much is required, the only obstacle is the fabrication of the business end that meets the engine block. A very cheap solution is simply cutting it off an existing filter and welding it to a sanitary flange (sad fabricator face
). Or turning one on a lathe & welding it on. I can get 4.25" diameter pipe which is on par with disposable filters.
- Top part is a 1.5" long flange with a smaller one inside of the assembly to seal on the inner core.
- Middle is a 6" or 8" long double flange tube.
- Bottom is a simple cap with a drain hole & a spring.
Cost in parts: less than 75$
These pipes seal together with cheap rubber or teflon gaskets (other options available) & a clamp with 2 bolts or a butterfly nut.
Would there be any interest in a product like this if I could supply the business end that screws on to the engine? The rest could be sold as a kit or people could source their own parts and customise it.
Ports for oil temp & pressure sensors?
Like I said, just looking for feedback on the basic idea really, not sure if I should bother with this as a new money pit project
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Obviously the core is the most important part, stainless steel wire mesh is easy to source, which leads to the particle size discussion.
Regular oil filters are around 40 microns, WIX filters are between 20-25 microns and the FL1995 is about 17-19 microns iirc...
500 mesh equals 25 micron --> Low cost, way better than average filters, sold in cut sheets or rolls. 100$ per linear foot x 48".
635 mesh equals 20 microns --> A bit harder to get, it's a different weave than regular mesh & more costly. Sold by the roll, crazy expensive in cut sheets. 250$ per linear foot x 40".
Which begs the question: Is a 5 micron particle size difference worth the expense? It is reusable after all...
I'd simply make a quick punch & die to use on a shop press to make the top & bottom discs from 18ga stainless, fill them with windshield urethane adhesive & pop them onto a nice little stainless mesh accordion.
As for the casing design, not much is required, the only obstacle is the fabrication of the business end that meets the engine block. A very cheap solution is simply cutting it off an existing filter and welding it to a sanitary flange (sad fabricator face
). Or turning one on a lathe & welding it on. I can get 4.25" diameter pipe which is on par with disposable filters.- Top part is a 1.5" long flange with a smaller one inside of the assembly to seal on the inner core.
- Middle is a 6" or 8" long double flange tube.
- Bottom is a simple cap with a drain hole & a spring.
Cost in parts: less than 75$
You must be registered for see images attach
These pipes seal together with cheap rubber or teflon gaskets (other options available) & a clamp with 2 bolts or a butterfly nut.
You must be registered for see images attach
Would there be any interest in a product like this if I could supply the business end that screws on to the engine? The rest could be sold as a kit or people could source their own parts and customise it.
Ports for oil temp & pressure sensors?
Like I said, just looking for feedback on the basic idea really, not sure if I should bother with this as a new money pit project
