Wix oil filter...RV6A?

[Radioflyer]

So it appears from the laboratory oil filter tests that the Wix 51515 oil filter is a great alternative filter for our aircraft engines. It is somewhat bigger (taller) than the standard Champion/Tempest filters. I'm pretty sure the Wix would have interference issues with my O360 engine mount. Is that just the case with the nosegear engine mount? Are RV6A's using this filter?

 

[jbDC9]

Take a look at the Wix 51068; same basic filter but with a shorter can. I’ve been using them on my -8 for 10-15 years, no issues.

 

[DanH]

Minor technical note for future searchers...

I assume the OP has a standard Lycoming filter adapter which places the filter horizontal, pointing aft, and the issue with the -6 is clearance to the firewall. The Lycoming adapter has a built-in bypass valve. The 51068 has its own bypass inside the filter (as does the 51515), which opens at a lower pressure than the adapter bypass. It's not a terrible thing, but it does mean bypass flow will begin at a lower threshold.

The 51515 and 51068 are perfect for any of the angled adapters which do not have a bypass built in to the adapter.

For a Lycoming adapter on an RV-8, I'd suggest a 51647, which has no bypass in the filter. Might be too long for the -6.

Wix bypass module:



Same module shape fills the space in no-bypass filters

 

[lr172]

Minor technical note for future searchers...

I assume the OP has a standard Lycoming filter adapter which places the filter horizontal, pointing aft, and the issue with the -6 is clearance to the firewall. The Lycoming adapter has a built-in bypass valve. The 51068 has its own bypass inside the filter (as does the 51515), which opens at a lower pressure than the adapter bypass. It's not a terrible thing, but it does mean bypass flow will begin at a lower threshold.

The 51515 and 51068 are perfect for any of the angled adapters which do not have a bypass built in to the adapter.

For a Lycoming adapter on an RV-8, I'd suggest a 51647, which has no bypass in the filter. Might be too long for the -6.

Wix bypass module:

View attachment 117865

Same module shape fills the space in no-bypass filters

View attachment 117863

good info. is the 51647 the same length as the 51515? oddly, i have no problems with the 1515 on the 6, but i won't fit in my 10 and have to use the 51068.

 

[Radioflyer]

Oh, great info. I do have the angle adapter (Mattituck/Titan O360) and the 51515 is too tall for my -6A/engine mount. I will look into the 51068. Is it a known fact or is it a reasonable assumption that the 51068 has the same filtration media and performance as the 51515?

 

[Little Wing]

Or a Wix 51601 higher bypass and burst psi, slightly taller.

 

[Bavafa]

Or a Wix 51601 higher bypass and burst psi, slightly taller.

I have been using wix 5108xp without any issues and prefer this as it is a synthetic media.

 

[mechmike]

I have been using wix 5108xp without any issues and prefer this as it is a synthetic media.

51085

 

[DanH]

good info. is the 51647 the same length as the 51515? oddly, i have no problems with the 1515 on the 6, but i won't fit in my 10 and have to use the 51068.

A 51647 is effectively the same size as the 51515. No bypass valve. Burst rating is 390 psi, vs 290 for a 51515. Application was Nissan UD diesel. I'm flying one on a Lycoming horizontal adapter.

Oh, great info. I do have the angle adapter (Mattituck/Titan O360) and the 51515 is too tall for my -6A/engine mount. I will look into the 51068. Is it a known fact or is it a reasonable assumption that the 51068 has the same filtration media and performance as the 51515?

Reasonable assumption...same beta ratings.

Or a Wix 51601 higher bypass and burst psi, slightly taller.

The 51601 made my cut-open list. Higher bypass setting, 360 burst. Only catch is the diameter, at 4.282". For comparison, a 51515 or the 51647 below is 3.66". Looks like a good choice for an angle adapter if the space is available.

 

[Bavafa]

51085

Thanks for the correction.

From Google search

 

[DanH]

Ahhh, the scolding AI. Better watch out. That thing is going to revoke your internet access if it finds out you're using a car filter on an airplane.

 

[rvjl]

A 51647 is effectively the same size as the 51515. No bypass valve. Burst rating is 390 psi, vs 290 for a 51515. Application was Nissan UD diesel. I'm flying one on a Lycoming horizontal adapter.



Reasonable assumption...same beta ratings.



The 51601 made my cut-open list. Higher bypass setting, 360 burst. Only catch is the diameter, at 4.282". For comparison, a 51515 or the 51647 below is 3.66". Looks like a good choice for an angle adapter if the space is available.

View attachment 118226

Hey Dan,

Is there a suitable filter similar to the 51647 that is shorter than the CH48110/AA48110's? I'm looking for a filter with no internal bypass valve that'll be easier to install/remove in the very limited space behind the engine on the RV3.

 

[DanH]

I consulted my Wix filter catalog. There is only one potential candidate, a Wix 51034. It is 0.6" shorter than the 51515, and about 0.35" shorter than a 48110.

Thread, height, diameter, number, intended for engine lube, full flow, enhanced cellulose, attached gasket OD, ID, and thickness, no bypass, does have a drainback valve.



The caution involves the gasket. The aviation filter standard is 2.812" OD and 2.46" ID. The sealing surface on a standard Lycoming horizontal adapter is 3.0" OD and 2.4" ID. Measure the 51034's gasket to confirm the ID is in fact 2.430, so you know you'll have full contact across the seal width. It's important because this gasket is slightly more narrow, roughly 7.7 mm vs the typical 9 mm.

I like the 320 psi burst pressure. Beta ratio is the same as the 51515 we had tested. Beta will decline faster, and overall capacity will be less, as it's a smaller element. However, it will still hold far more dirt than necessary with 50 hour changes.

Not a recommendation; as always, it's your experiment.