Oil filter ADC

[N171TD]

What type oil filters are being used on members aircraft ?
Anyone using the ADC oil filter system ? Pros and cons about this system ? Is it worth $675 ?

[futr_alaskaflyer]

My bird has the airwolf filter system. No problem with it. I've only done one oil change so far, after about 30 hours and the oil looked very clean when I drained it - though I put new oil in anyway The filter assembly is mounted on the firewall, easily accessible to remove without even de-cowling the airplane since it also has a quick drain installed. I'm not sure if the kit came with a quick drain or if that was installed separately - too lazy to look it up.

[cessna170bdriver]

I've used both the Cessna and the F&M (CO-300 at http://www.fm-enterprises.com/product.html ) filters. Both mount in the cavity in the accessory cover on the lower right, where the pressure oil sreen gets removed. For me at least, the major advantage of both of these filters over the Airwolf is the absence of external plumbing.

There is an AD on the Cessna filter to regularly check condition of the threads into the accessory case, and the security of the jam nut. Not a big deal, IMHO.

The main difference between the Cessna and the F&M is that the Cessna adapter has an integral bypass valve, which requires the filter without the internal bypass. The F&M is just the opposite. The filters are the same price, so that part is a wash. The other difference is that the F&M filter has provision for the oil temp probe. With the Cessna filter, you have to relocate the oil temp probe to the suction screen.

I've only changed the oil twice now with the F&M, but I have to be careful when removing the filter to not loosen the adapter in the accessory case. It's quite a pain to get a crow's foot and ft-lb torque wrench back there to re-torque properly. I never had that problem with the Cessna filter. If you do a search on this forum, you can find other opinions on oil filters. BTW, George seems to prefer the F&M.

The reason I ended up with both filter adapters is that for 4-1/2 years I ran a high-time "interim" engine on which I didn't install any filter other than the origiinal screen. When it came time to overhaul the original engine, (after a couple of moves), I couldn't find the Cessna adapter, so I bought an F&M ($350-$375 range direct from F&M). After I had installed the F&M, I found the Cessna adapter (while looking for something else, of course ), and decided to leave the F&M installed. If anyone wants my old Cessna adapter, I'll let it go for $100. Maybe George can advise on required approvals?

Miles

My old Cessna adapter:



F&M parts as received:


F&M as installed on '98C:

[hilltop170]

Miles-
If that Cessna adapter is complete and is p/n 0556010-1 I'll take it. Just let me know how you want to handle it in a p.m.
Thanks

[Dave Clark]

What type oil filters are being used on members aircraft ?
Anyone using the ADC oil filter system ? Pros and cons about this system ? Is it worth $675 ?

I assume you're really talking about the Oberg filter:

http://www.aviationdevelopment.com/cgi- ... 1182609446

I had one on my C-195 and one came on 92CP so I'm back in the ADC-Oberg clan. Google it and you will find a lot more information. As usual there are opinions out there that range from "it's just another screen" to "best filter on the market". I read one oil filter study a long time ago that said it didn't do as good of a job filtering as a paper element. Who knows who was paying them to say that. I know this:

1. I'll enjoy not having to buy filter elements at today's prices.
2. I'll enjoy the much easier cleanup and inspection at oil change time. The firewall location is far easier to get to.
3. I'll be more comfortable knowing if it's by-passing as it's alarmed.
4. The adapter won't have to carry the weight of the oil filter and should stay tight.
5. My EI UBG has the low oil pressure alarm but the ADC has it as an option if desired.
6. The ADC will help cool the oil. More important on the C-145 that has no oil cooler. 92CP has a blast tube on it but I probably don't need it because it has a big oil cooler.

Needless to say, I'll be keeping mine. I think the're worth the money. He has discounts available to many type clubs so ask.

[jrenwick]

I'll second what Dave said about the Oberg/ADC filter, which I have on my 170 (I bought it that way). In addition to the positive points Dave listed: if you live in a cold climate, the alarm light will tell you when the oil has warmed up enough to flow (it will light when you start the engine with cold oil, then extinguish when the filter bypass closes).

With a quick-drain fitting on the sump, I can do an oil change without removing the cowling; the only tool required is a 7/16th socket, and a used oil bottle with the side opened up to catch the drips from the Oberg enclosure. That's handy when you're "on the road," sometimes. I still get to see every bit of junk that's in the screen, and if there's ever too much of it, the alarm light will warn me early to have a look at it.

I'm not saying one system is better than another; I'm just saying I have the Oberg filter, I'm very happy with it (big improvement over the stock oil screen), and I see no particular need to look for anything better.

[GAHorn]

ADC/Oberg and Caphart and others were written up several years ago by TBO Advisor. Lots of lab-test data was quoted, and results indicated the best filter (Ram) was overpriced. The next best was the standard Champions. The least effective in filtration were the others. In fact, they were derided as being less worthy (in filtration) than the standard, original engine screens, despite the fact that their screens were usually finer. (That fact did not alter the amount of dirt that continued to pass by them.)
Convenience was a factor in some designs, and Oberg got some points for some slight cooling effects, but their conclusion was:
"There may be a lot of legitimate reasons to buy an Oberg or Capehart filter. But filtration efficiency isn’t one of them."

I buy Champions for about $15-$17 at local supply houses.

[hilltop170]

George, which filter system do you use?

[GAHorn]

Like Miles said, I like the FM Enterprises:


http://fm-enterprises.com/product.html

[Dave Clark]

ADC/Oberg and Caphart and others were written up several years ago by TBO Advisor. Lots of lab-test data was quoted, and results indicated the best filter (Ram) was overpriced. The next best was the standard Champions. The least effective in filtration were the others. In fact, they were derided as being less worthy (in filtration) than the standard, original engine screens, despite the fact that their screens were usually finer. (That fact did not alter the amount of dirt that continued to pass by them.)
Convenience was a factor in some designs, and Oberg got some points for some slight cooling effects, but their conclusion was:
"There may be a lot of legitimate reasons to buy an Oberg or Capehart filter. But filtration efficiency isn’t one of them."

I buy Champions for about $15-$17 at local supply houses.

George that's probably the article I read. It was a few years ago. For me I'll use it and enjoy the benefits. I would go to a firewall mount and probably the ADC again if I were to buy a system. I really think they are much better than that article gives them credit for. I guess a lot of race cars use them with success.

I've always been a believer in the Champion brand for spin ons. Meanwhile, it would be nice to be able to fly again. 92CP is still apart and progress is sloooow. Might fly by the end of Feb.

[jrenwick]

I think owners of racing engines are looking for different things than we are. A racing engine has a very low TBO, and it may not be necessary to keep the oil as clean as mechanically possible. But they must surely want the early warning of trouble that the Oberg filter gives you.

This helped me once, when my engine was developing some rust because I was overusing my Reiff heaters without flying enough. As bits of rust accumulated in the Oberg screen, the alarm light warned me about 20 hours sooner than the next oil change was scheduled. (I stopped my indiscriminate use of the preheaters, and the screen has been clean ever since.)