The Golf/Jetta has an oil filter bypass in the engine, (usually in the
filter mount). The Vanagon engine does not. This is the difference
between the two filters. Almost all aftermarket filters have the bypass
valve so the same number is used for both applications. The bypass is
only used if the filter is clogged or the oil is so thick it can not
flow through the paper. At that point it probably can't flow through the
bearings either.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of The Bus Depot
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 1:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: oil filter question

> 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

I don't know if the Vanagon filter is optimal for a Golf or not. The
Golf engine has its own set of requirements. While the Vanagon filter is
superior in some ways (such as a higher grade of filter material,
according to Mahle), it may be that in other ways it simply has
different specs from what the Golf calls for.  Also, the Vanagon filter
is a bit more expensive than the Golf filter.  If Mann and Mahle
discontinued the Golf filter and sold the more expensive Vanagon filter
in its place, they'd be at a competitive disadvantage against companies
that sold the actual Golf filter.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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