All,
I am getting ready to install an AMSOIL oil by-pass filter, which I bought from a DTR member awhile back. I was talking with a local mechanic a week back, who didn't recommend a by-pass filter. His concern is with the initial low pressure start up - When you add a new filter, or starting in cold winter weather conditions. His belief is; that this would cause some undue internal wear - metal on metal. Does this guy have some validity, or are his concerns unfounded? He also said that with close to 200K on the odometer, that I would be waisting my time with the by-pass filter. He said to just run 5-40 Rotilla year round. I was thinking of install the by-pass filter, in order to extend my oil change periods. With the current cost of Diesel, Milk, loss of health benefits etc., I need to save every penny I can

 

Recent sage advice from Ralph Wood, contemporary filtration guru:

"Its the same old story. The people that sell motor oil tell you you need more oil changes. The people that sell filters that don't work tell you oil is supposed to get dirty. People that sell filters that are not economical tell you you get what you pay for. People that sell filters that clean oil tell you your engine will last longer with clean oil.

My oldest submicronic bypass filter is a 71 model and has saved me thousands of dollars. I will take my chances with analytically clean oil 100% of the time. My engines last until I get tired of the car. I don't change cars very often. Filters don't make oil last longer. They clean the oil. "

I'm sending in a sample at the 10k mile mark this morning. I'll post the results in a few days. Your mechanic sounds like a crackpot.

 

Won't hurt anything. If it makes you happy, put it on. It would probably go to 500k easy without it, though.

 

Wanna & Ace, thanks for the input! Since I have the by pass kit, I will put it on. Once a year oil changes sound good to me!

 

I don't actually even "change" the oil in the the traditional sense anymore. The Gulf Coast takes about 5 quarts, so I just change the filters and add about 6 quarts makeup once a year. Assuming 2 normal 5k oil change intervals in that time (I did 10k over the year), I used 1/4 of the amount of oil that would normally be the case in that scenario. It will take about another three years for the filter to pay for itself. The more I drive, the quicker it pays off.

Have you checked on the cost of replacement elements for that Amsoil unit?

 

Ace, that sounds pretty good! I don't really rack up a lot of milage on the 93. I mainly use it to tow our 20ft Lund boat to local lakes in the summer. Also, to plow the drive in the winter. I will probably put a little less than 1K on the odometer during the summer.

The cost of the AMSOIL by-pass filter is around $28. The toilet paper filters would probably be cheaper. I guess you need the cheap 'John Wayne' type of paper Anyways, thanks all for the input!