Some of you may recall my post a while ago regarding concerns over the
Mahle oil filters ability to actually remove dirt. This was after an oil
test on my fox that showed high levels of wear metal and silica. This was
for 11,000 miles using Mobil 1, 0w-40 and the Mahle Filter.

The link below shows the history of this �compartment� since I started
doing the sampling. The first results on the bottom were with the same oil
and the Fram TG2870A filter. The �C� evaluation is with the Mahle after
11,000 miles and the last sample is still with the Mobil 1 oil and the
Mobil M1-205 (expensive), so called high efficiency filter.

I have also sent two samples from customers Vanagons using the Mahle
filter plus one from my red Syncro. Two came back with �C� evaluations and
one had a �D�. The �D� was from my red van with less than 4,000 miles on
the oil. They noted the wear particles and also antifreeze contamination.
This van did get head gaskets and lower cylinder seals at the last oil
change. The reason I took the red van sample is that it sprung a major oil
which at first I though was the oil cooler gasket. Turned out it was the
Mahle, dealer supplied oil filter was leaking at the top seam.

Anyway, with all the hype folks put on Mann or Mahle filters, I have to
question those filters ability to do what really matters. Remove dirt and
wear particles.

BTW- My Mercedes 600 SEL uses a cartridge type filter so choices are
limited. Currently has a Mann cartridge in it and the last test after
3,200 miles was a �B� due to wear metals. I located and will try the
Purolator cartridge at the next oil change.

Dennis

http://fa.hopennmachinery.com/EquipCom/Oil/OilFullHistory.aspx?eqUnit=5843
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