Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 12:24:12 -0400
Reply-To: vw4x4@FYI.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject: Re: oil filter question
In-Reply-To: <03de01c45938$52928070$0100a8c0@RON>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Ron, etal,
This may be a very good reason why the vanagon engines
have oil pressure problems, after many miles.
NOw the real question: Why does Mann and Mahle make
a specific Vanagon oil filter???? Why not use the vanagon
quality oil filter on the Golf anf Jetta? Somthing is up
with this.....
Eric
The Bus Depot wrote:
>>I see everyone say to only use MANN or Mahle oil filters,
>>What about Bosch? Thanks -- Jim Newcomb
>>
>>
>
>
>
>>Bosch are fine too. In Canada, Bosch appear identical to the
>>VW filters sold at the dealer, made in the US by Champion.
>>See this link for a test which seems to suggest this also:
>>
>>
>>
>http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy-german.html
>
>
>I disagree. Mann and Mahle make a specific Vanagon oil filter.
>Champion/Bosch does not. There is a difference.
>
>If you look at the test linked above, it covers the Golf/Jetta filter
>(Mahle OC47/49 and Mann W719/5). While this filter will physically fit a
>watercooled Vanagon, it is NOT the correct oil filter for it. It's
>completely different internally in all respects - the pressure bypass,
>anti-drainback valve, and even the quality of the paper filter element -
>as per original Volkswagen spec. In the U.S., only Mahle and Mann - not
>Bosch - still offer the OEM Vanagon filter that meets original specs -
>the Mahle OC108 or Mann W719/12. This is the filter that we sell for the
>Vanagon, under the VW part number 070115561. (Direct link:
><http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=070115561>)
>
>The fact that this filter is NOT interchangeable with the Golf/Jetta
>filter was confirmed by Mahle themselves (who were OEM to Volkswagen
>when the Vanagons were built). Several years ago (as this issue comes up
>on the list periodically), a list member actually emailed Mahle in
>Germany to ask whether the Golf/Jetta filter could safely be used on a
>Vanagon. Mahle/Germany replied with a resounding "no," stating that
>using that filter on a Vanagon could result in oil starvation on
>startup. It's in the archives if anyone cares to look for it.
>
>Despite this, the U.S. filter manufacturers all sell the Golf/Jetta
>filter as being suitable for the Vanagon. I suppose they don't sell
>enough Vanagon filters to justify producing a special filter for it, and
>perhaps don't feel that the difference is significant (or even may be
>unaware of it, since they were never OEM suppliers for the Vanagon to
>begin with). Unfortunately, here in North America this applies to Bosch
>as well, since they are simply rebranding U.S. made Champion filters
>instead of selling their own OEM filter as they do elsewhere in the
>world. If you look up a Vanagon in a U.S. Bosch filter catalog, it lists
>the same 71250 filter that is indicated for Golf, Jetta, etc. Just as in
>a Champion, Wix, or other U.S. filter catalog. By comparison, the Mann
>and Mahle catalogs have never listed these filters as being
>interchangeable.
>
>We sell the correct Vanagon filter for only $4.29. Which is actually
>cheaper than the Bosch costs at most places. Keep a few onhand, whether
>you do oil changes yourself or just provide one to your mechanic to make
>absolutely sure he uses the right one. Maybe the real-world difference
>is insignificant, but the original suppliers of the Vanagon filter (who
>should know) clearly think otherwise. Filters are cheap. Engines are
>expensive. Why chance it?
>
>- Ron Salmon
> The Bus Depot, Inc.
> www.busdepot.com
> (215) 234-VWVW
>
>_____________________________________________
>Toll-Free for Orders by PART # : 1-866-BUS-DEPOT
>
>
>
>
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