Frank,

If the Hengst H14W04  filter you are using, and selling to your
customers, is the same as the  MAHLE/KNECHT 0C 108, as you identify it
to be, then that is the same filter structurally as the Mann/Mahle
filters that are recommended on the list routinely and sold by many list
vendors.  It also has the same properties as the OEM filter - i.e., the
valving inside, that is absent on the Bosch and Fram filters.

According to a post from Jim Thompson about 18 months ago, "Mann 719/12
= Mahle OC 108 = 070 115 561 = Vanagon 1.9/2.1 VW specifically calls for
this filter for the Vanagon and nothin' else."

Bus Depot sells both the Mann 719/12 and Mahle OC 108 filters as the
only ones appropriate for the Vanagon's WBX.  At least one other filter
from each of these companies will fit, but it doesn't have the anti
drain back valve and therefore isn't the right filter.

So, what you are doing in not something different from OEM - it is an
appropriate filter with same valve deemed so advantageous for the WBX
engine.   This is good.

I write this so folks wouldn't interpret your post to mean that it was
OK to use filters other than those with the anti drain back valve.  This
valve insures sufficient oil in the engine at start up.

The following is from a post by Ron Salmon, from the same thread as the
Jim Thompson quote above:  "As for the differences, this issue has come
up on the list many times throughout the years. At one point a
listmember actually emailed Mahle in Germany to ask them the difference
and whether it really mattered. Here was Mahle/Germany's reply:

'The main difference between OC 108 and OC 47 is inside these filters.
OC108 has an anti-drain valve at the filter, OC 47 not. When you use OC
47 for your car (VW Tranporter/Vanagon) than you can get problems when
you start your car. The motor is at this time always to long without
oil. OC 108 have also a better paper quality than OC 47, and the
pressure bypass is different. Please use for your car OC 108, to get no
damage at your car or motor.'

So there you have it, right from the horse's mouth."  (end of Ron's post)

Sam

--
Sam Walters

Baltimore, MD