Date:         Tue, 6 Nov 2007 08:49:27 -0700
Reply-To:     vanagonvw <ac.vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         vanagonvw <ac.vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Oil Filter performance
In-Reply-To:  <47308024.4080905@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Michael Elliott wrote:
>
> It has been emphasized on the list that Vanagon engines want a filter
> with
> a strong internal relief valve. As I understand it, this is to help hold
> oil in the galleries of the engine when it is not running, in order to
> minimize lifter bleed-down and subsequent rattle. This is often presented
> as a Mann or Mahle-only choice.
>

I have always looked upon that  notion with  a small amount of cynicism,
as doesn't that imply that when you turn off the engine, the filter
might be less than full? If it was full, which it should be, then how
could the oil drain out of the galleys into it in the first place?

I would be more worried about  why my filter isn't full of oil, pretty
much all the time. I am sure someone can explain it, as its been a rule
forever. I just don't understand.

That said, I always use the Mahle filters, as a show of respect to my
van :-) I just cannot believe that they are the only ones that have a
good relief valve.

John