Club 80-90 Forums

Over the past few years, I have learned of some interesting technical articles and innovative products, of which some are relevant to VW-Audi Group vehicles, both ancient and modern. One topic area of particular importance, is that of engine-oil & transmission-oil cleanliness; especially considering the trends toward ever longer service intervals. The following document, re diagnosis of engine-bearing wear causes, makes interesting reading:

Bearings shot? Find out why.

http://www.vsihp.com/library/CleviteEng ... sGuide.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On the majority of post-1960s car engines, maintenance of oil cleanliness has mainly been addressed, by the use of a course oil strainer in the sump and a full-flow oil filter, downstream of the oil pump, bypass-flow, fine filters having largely been abandoned, sometime prior to the 1970s. However, traditional full-flow filters are now being supplemented by bypass-flow, fine-filters and even full-flow magnetic filters, on an increasing proportion of modern commercial vehicle and car engines.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/bf.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amsoil.com/bypassfilters/200 ... destri.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.amsoil.com/bypassfilters/vw_ ... index.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

After-market, remote-mounted, accessory, full-flow and/or bypass-flow oil filters, offered by companies such as Amsoil, have been available for sometime, but just a few years ago, SOMS Technologies LLC, in Valhalla, New York, designed an innovative product (i.e. Micro Green filter), combining both a full-flow filter & bypass-flow fine-filter, in a single unit, which are being increasingly adopted by fleet operators in North America, to replace existing full-flow filter cartridges. I first learned of this product, when I stumbled across the following article last year:

Norbert Assion, Miles Flamenbaum and Debashis Sahoo, Soms Technologies, "Hybrid Spin-on Filters", Product Review, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, May 2007.

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... cleid=1024" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This in turn, led me to a whole host of interesting articles about lubricating oil, oil filtration and oil cleanliness:

http://www.lube-tips.com/backissues.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.machinerylubrication.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.oilanalysis.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are some further links, pertaining to SOMS Technologies' Micro Green filter, which you might find informative:

"SOMS Technologies Expands Eco-Friendly Oil Filter Offering to Include European and Asian Vehicle Models", Business Wire, 8th April 2009

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site ... ewsLang=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

« Strong demand for microGreen oil filter prompts product line extension, enabling more businesses and consumers to save money while greening their vehicles. »

« VALHALLA, N.Y. - SOMS Technologies LLC, a provider of engine oil filtration products, today extended its line of microGreen oil filters to include major European and Asian automotive brands, including Audi, Honda, Infinity, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Range Rover, Toyota and Volkswagen. This latest expansion is in response to increased demand from fleets and individual drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while also saving money. By extending the filter’s availability, now an even greater range of businesses and consumers can use the microGreen filter to increase environmental efficiency of their current vehicles or boost the efficiency of new hybrid vehicles. »

« The patented microGreen oil filter has two filters in one standard spin-on canister, which ensures that the oil stays cleaner, far longer - improving the life of the engine and allowing drivers to better maintain their vehicles. While traditional oil filters capture the larger particles in engine oil between 25 to 40 microns, microGreen’s patented microfilter system captures particles down to two microns in size. »

« This allows vehicles to operate up to 30,000 miles without an oil change, reducing motor oil use by 70 percent, filter use by 50 percent and cutting oil maintenance costs by 65 percent. As a result, businesses and consumers can ‘green’ their vehicles and see an immediate return-on-investment, unlike other eco-friendly alternatives. »

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/technology/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/howitworks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/design/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/installation/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/testing/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/onroad/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.microgreenfilter.com/newsevents/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://microgreenfilter.com/testimonials/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The website does list substitute Micro Green filters, for some 1995~2010, water-cooled Audi & Volkswagen models (no mention of SEAT or Skoda!), so one can conduct a search on this basis for modern cars, sold for the North American market. There is also a search facility, using the vehicle-manufacturers' part number or OEM oil-filter-manufacturers' part number. I had no success with this, in regard to the VW Type 4 style engine's factory-standard, OEM oil-filter cartridge (VW part No. 021 115 351A, plus various part numbers for Bosch, MANN, Fram, etc), with a 3/4 inch - 16 UNF screw thread and is typically of 95 mm diameter & 94 mm length.

I likewise tried, with the same lack of success, the 1982~92 VW 16/1700 Type 25 diesel & turbodiesel engine's factory-standard, OEM oil-filter cartridge (VW part No. 068 115 561B), with a 3/4 inch - 16 UNF screw thread and is typically of 95 mm diameter & 136 mm length.

Direct purchase, supposedly involves going through the following procedure:

http://microgreenfilter.com/purchase/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

« Our electronic storefront to purchase the microGreenTM Extended Performance Oil Filter is now activated. To place your order simply use our "find your filter" search function to find the correct filter for your vehicle. The results will direct you to the correct item number and the cart. Thank you for your business. »

http://microgreenfilter.com/findyourfilter/make/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

« If you cannot find your vehicle or engine listed, please contact us directly for assistance at: »

SOMS Technologies LLC, Technical Services, 4 Broadway, Suite 11, Valhalla, New York, NY 10595, USA

Tel. (USA) 877-757-7667 x704.

e-mail: info@somstech.com

Here are some magazine articles pertaining to magnetic filtration:

Tom Hulme, Fluid Conditioning Systems, "From a Can of Beans to Grand Prix Race Wins - Introducing the Full-flow Magnetic Flux Filter", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, January 2005.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=710" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Stephen J. Mraz, "Magnetic filter keeps fluids clean", Machine Design Magazine, 16th June 2005

http://machinedesign.com/article/magnet ... clean-0616" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

J. Bennett Fitch, Noria Corporation, "Applications and Benefits of Magnetic Filtration", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, September 2005.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=794" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Scanning for Ideas: Magnet Keeps Contaminants Out of Fluids", Machine Design Magazine, 7th February 2008.

http://machinedesign.com/article/scanni ... luids-0207" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Victoria Burt & Julie Kalista, "At the Top of Their Game: How to make racing engines last longer", Machine Design magazine", 24th April 2008.

http://machinedesign.com/article/at-the ... -game-0424" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just under 12 years ago, I came across a reference in VW Motoring as follows, to an intriguing looking, in-line, full-flow, magnetic oil-filtration unit, about which I enquired to Camco 88, who at that time were marketing the product.

Products (Magnom™ magnetic oil filtration), VW Motoring, May 1999, Page 68

They sent me a leaflet as follows, illustrating what appears to be, a 20 mm thick, compact unit, which interposes between a conventional oil-filter cartridge and the crankcase. I was tempted to buy one then, but the quoted price of £49•99, seemed inordinately expensive, for a simple product which could be mass-produced at modest cost, especially as the annular magnet, appears virtually identical, to those used in my mother's Bosch microwave oven. I was also wary, of spending so much money on a product, which had little or no proven history of success! Even at £15 ~ £20, I suspect a significant profit could have been made!

Magnom Magnetic A5 leaflet (front) - Pre-filter module



Magnom Magnetic A5 leaflet (rear) - In-line unit & pre-filter module



The developers of this technology, still seem to be going strong, having diversified into industrial lubricant applications and now appears to have gained wide acceptance, as a useful supplement to more conventional filtration methods; reducing the frequency with which conventional filters need to be replaced. If I can now obtain a Magnom in-line unit, at a reasonable price, then this is certainly on the list of important upgrades, for my VW Type 4 style air-cooled engine, of my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan.

Fluid Conditioning Systems Ltd., The Innovation Centre, The University of Warrick Science Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV34 6UW, England.
Tel. +44 (0) 1926 623 170
Fax. +44 (0) 1926 623 171

http://www.fluidcs.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/uses/ap ... ation_oil/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/info/product_range/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Theory behind the Magnom™

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/howitworks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Problems associated with ferrous wear particles

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/ferrousproblems/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... ntaminant/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... /2fp_wear/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... _lifetime/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... _examples/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... m/5fp_iso/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/tech/fe ... ufacturer/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Archive of news and case studies of Magnom filtration applications

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/general/newsletters/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Weltmeister® BPXF filter is another variant of an in-line magnetic oil filter, which interposes between the oil-filter cartridge and crankcase, of a VW-Porsche 914 engine (i.e. VW Type 4 style engine), but at a price of US$75•98, it's still rather expensive and I have my doubts, as to whether it is as effective, as the Magnom unit.

Weltmeister® BPXF Magnetic Oil Filter: Bypass Parallel Cross-Flow: VW-Porsche 914

http://www.automotion.com/product.asp?p ... %5Fid=4353#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.automotion.com/product.asp?p ... 4353#tab_a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Magnafilter, from Boss Products in the USA and Australia, is interposed in a similar way, between the oil-filter cartridge and the crankcase. However, unlike the preceding two products which can be dismantled for cleaning, I believe the Magnafilter is intended to be disposable, after about 50,000 miles.

Boss Products, Magnafilter

http://magnafilter.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://magnafilter.com/index.php?option ... 6&Itemid=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.mdparts.com/magnafilter/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnafilter.com.au/magna-filter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.magnafilter.com.au/contact-us.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was intrigued by the following pictures, which perport to show a full-flow magnetic filter element, incorporated into the oil-strainer cover of a Porsche 912 engine.

Porsche 912 oil strainer cover with magnetic filtering element

http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/912_fig_93.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

« A magnetic oil filtering element has been included in the Porsche 912 oil strainer cover, to provide for a better filtering of the oil. The element is situated in the center of the oil strainer cover with the oil suction tube located within it. The oil first passes through the oil screen and then flows through the magnetic filtering element. »

http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/912_fig_94.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Whether it might be possible to do something similar, with the VW 12/13/15/1600 Types 1, 2 & 3 air-cooled engines, I have yet to determine! I am aware that there exist, some small-scale Magnom magnetic filter modules, called Magnom™ Pump Mate, which are intended for use on the suction-side of various fluid pumps; including lubricating oil, hydraulic fluid and fuel.

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/info/product/pumpmate/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One can also obtain just a magnetic filtration element on its own (without housing), called Magnom™ F1 Core, which can be incorporated into one's own design of fluid handling system.

http://www.magnom.com/index.php/info/product/f1_core/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are some more publications about lubricating oils, oil cleanliness and oil filtration, which you might find of interest:

Jim Fitch, "How to Select a Motor Oil and Filter for Your Car or Truck", Noria Corporation.

http://www.noria.com/secure/motoroilbook.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eric Ringholm, HYDAC Technology Corporation, "Understanding Filter Beta Ratios", Best Practices, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, January 2004.

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=564" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.oilanalysis.com/Backup/20040 ... g-fig1.gif" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jeremy Wright, "Understanding Filter Efficiency and Beta Ratios", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, January 2008.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=1289" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Phil Ramsey, “PCV Systems - A Breath of Fresh Air”, Machinery Lubrication Magazine, September 2001.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... brication2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "Spot Check Your Car's Oil", Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, July 2002, Issue Number 200207

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=348" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "Dipstick Oil Analysis", Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, November 2003, Issue Number 200311

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=541" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "The Daily One-minute Inspection", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, January 2007

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=966" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "Diagnosing a Cloudy Oil", Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, November 2007, Issue Number: 200711

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... cleid=1103" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Filter Manufacturers Council, "Diagnosing Engine Oil Filters with Collapsed Center Tubes", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, September 2002.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=398" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Phil Ramsey, “Oil Filter Advice”, Machinery Lubrication Magazine, November 2004.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=681" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation, "Filter Flow Rate - the Silent Opportunity", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, March 2007.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=1004" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation, "When a Filter is Not a Filter", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, March 2009.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=2014" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gary Blevins, Wearcheck Australia and John Evans, Wearcheck South Africa, "Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Silica Contamination", Best Practices, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine. January 2006, Issue Number: 200601.

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=830" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Robert Scott, Noria Corporation, "Basic Wear Modes in Lubricated Systems", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, July 2008.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=1375" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

M.M. Khonsari, Louisiana State University and E.R. Booser, Consultant, "Matching Oil Filtration to Machine Requirements", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, November 2006

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=941" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "Oil Clotting and the Adrenaline Effect", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, September 2008

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=1394" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "Demystifying Sludge and Varnish", Machinery Lubrication Magazine, January 2002

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... icleid=268" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Len Badal & Mark Okazaki, "Vanishing Varnish", Power Engineering August, 2005

http://pepei.pennnet.com/Articles/Artic ... _NUM=2&p=6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Buddy Atherton, United Air Specialists, Inc./kleentek, "Discovering the Root Cause of Varnish Formation", Best Practices, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, March 2007, Issue Number 200703

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=998" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Justin Stover, C.C. Jensen, Inc., "Adsorption: A Simple and Cost-effective Solution to Remove Varnish", Technology, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine. March 2008, Issue Number: 200803

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... cleid=1307" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gearald L. Munson, Fluid Assets and David M. Butler, Resource Recovery Systems, Inc., "New Technology Changes the Landscape for Varnish Removal", Technology, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, November 2008, Issue Number 200811

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... cleid=1773" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Felix Guerzoni, Shell Global Solutions, "Eliminating Varnish", Power Engineering, February, 2009

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_articl ... g-Varnish/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jim Fitch, "The Perils of Aerated Oil - Let Your Machine Burp", Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine, January 2005, Issue Number: 200501

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=690" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jeremy Wright, Noria Corporation, "Air Contamination and Its Effects on a Machine's Reliability". Machinery Lubrication Magazine. November 2008

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/art ... cleid=1723" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Puliyur Madhavan and Mike Steves, Pall Corporation, Gary Rosenberg, Pall Aerospace and J. Schindler, Austin AL, "Lubricant Condition Monitoring Using Filter Debris Analysis", Technology, Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine. July 2004, Issue Number: 200407

http://www.oilanalysis.com/article_deta ... icleid=630" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This allows vehicles to operate up to 30,000 miles without an oil change, reducing motor oil use by 70 percent, filter use by 50 percent and cutting oil maintenance costs by 65 percent
So what this statement is saying is oil degrades just because it gets dirty.....and if we use an ultra fine filter we can extend it's life up to 30,000 miles? wot a complete crock of poo!

The additives in oil break down regardless of filtration...extreme temperatures/high pressures/sheer forces/chemical contamination (other than particulates) to name but a few.

Besides, the average T25 camper owner changes his basic mineral oil every 6,000miles..filtration just isn't an issue.
This add reads like one of those late night American adds for some piece of miracle gym equipment, a half hour hard sell for a piece of the American drean lol.
Martin

Water in oil is the main cause of premature failures of bearings etc. Just a tiny increase in ppm can nearly half expected service life.
Using ultra fine filters means that they block more quickly leading to potential cavitation or oil starvation.
Magnetic filters can only remove ferrous debris, aluminium, phosphor bronze, stainless steels won't be intercepted by the magnet.

I have use Magnom filters on a large industrial water based cooling system (client's specification) and they did a good job of removing the high level of ferrous contamination from the rusty pipework, but a depth media filter would have done as good a job. I've got to agree with Westie that a 3 1/2" litre oil system in a combustion engine has got a lot more things influencing its health that just the level of particulate contamination.

Is this same expert that say's use synthetic oil in WBXers ?

I'll carry on using Mann filters and changing the oil every 3 or 4,000 miles when I can hear it needs doing thanks.

Ian