use fuel filter as oil filter

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just picked up a British fuel filter set up & wanting to use it as a oil filter... has anybody used this application with heaver weight oils... myself I do not see no harm, but that being said I've never used this type of set up on any bike's before


It's not how you weather the storm, but rather how you dance in the rain.... Tripower
 
I suspect the fuel filter may not have enough area to pass the heavier oil without restricting it. You may have to try to get some specs on it.
 
I believe the filter media system of a typical fuel filter is of a finer mesh than the typical oil filter. That may reduce or restrict flow.

I would advise against that idea.
 
What is a "British fuel filter setup?"

Post some pics. Maybe you can use some parts of it.

Don't attempt to filter your oil, full flow through a paper fuel filter.
 
I really cannot believe you're considering this Tripower! Just think how much thicker even thin engine oil is than petrol.
 
Is there some reason you don't want to use a 'standard' Commando style filter set up?.....a lot of us use that on bikes that are not actually Commandos......

It is a pretty good solution for putting an oil filter in the scavenge line.....and readily available...
 
Apart from the limitations in volume and mesh size already stated, a fuel filter is gravity fed and isn't required to resist pressure whereas an oil filter is. I think it is very unwise to try this especially when there are other tried and tested solution to additional Commando oil filtering.
 
I can appreciate the reasoning to actually filter the oil of the friction size particles rather than just the oil passage blocking stuff that regular oil filters do. Main concern would be that gas filter material would withstand hot oil and oil pressure passage w/o collapsing from the sump pump pressure, especially cold oil. Still there are fuel filter quick big enough to pass our oil volumes sufficiently and hi end hod rod/race fuel filters come in canisters with a wire mess screen but most only filter to 40 microns which is about what standard oil filter catch, letting friction size particle pass like birds though fences. Peel's oil filter is a mess screen hot rod type. if sticking with standdard oil filter look into the Harley options of bypass fine filter level is size to handle Norton oil flows.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ha ... oil+filter
 
I ran diesel fuel filters as oil filter on race bikes for years.

It was Dave Degens standard set up. He liked it cos the large bowl also acted as a nice oil cooler.

If they are more restrictive than the standard Norton type (and having blown through both, I'd say that is not clear) it still doesn't matter as its fitted in the return side of the pump so it will function just fine I reckon.
 
Spin-on automotive cartridge oils filters, like the filter fitted on the post `72 Commando's have a high pressure bypass valve built into them to keep oil flowing when it's cold and thick. Also when the filter media is clogged. A fuel filter has no such bypass valve. Also as others have pointed-out, fuel filters are designed to filter a low viscosity liquid (gas), not 20W50 motor oil. I'm thinking you might starve your motor of oil at cold start-up or high rpm running. Best to install the Norton oil filter kit from Old Britt's (or just change your oil religiously every 1-2K miles).
 
mschmitz57

+1
you are correct these engines/oiling systems need a free flowing oil filter. I use a Napa 1032. It's easy to find and appears to meet the requirements.
 
Ugh there is a threshold of size below ~5 mu which the particles fail to contact both surfaces so over kill to filter but no down side except for the installation clutter/hassle. Thinking outside the box maybe could drain the hot oil with suspended stuff and pour it through a super duper external filter then back in bike in cycles.
 
Fast Eddie might have something there. Diesel is a light fuel "oil". F E may be thinking of the CAV fuel filter which may be ok. I run one of these in front of the genuine fuel filter on my Hilux. The only thing good about the CAV in this instance is the price. They are really cheap. You still have to mount the bloody thing so why no go to the trouble of buying the right thing for the job, and while you are at it. By 5 replacement filters as well. If you run out, its no big deal. Just change your oil and change the filter next time..

Generally speaking though. Would you use chainsaw bar oil in you Norton Motor. I hope you wouldn't because it says it is chain bar lube.
So why would You use a filter that is labelled Fuel filter, in the engine oil system of anything. The label is telling you the answer.

I'm jutsa mechanic. How would I know. Dereck
 
What is wrong with the standard commando filter as is? An if it so bad how come its widely sold and used on countless other bikes as a retro fit to improve their none filtered systems.
I can understand the weight penalty for a race machine but its not like they fail or leak unlike other areas of the bike (ie gearbox oil on clutch).
This does sound like a mod with no real benefits.
 
when I get in tomorrow I will post a picture of the British filter set up..... this is not going to be your fathers bike... just a bunch of Norton matchless bsa triumph chevy ford dodge & a lot parts hand tooled together... some will like others won't..... my only question was oil flow using 20 / 50 ..... I could use a spin on & haven't ruled it out...

The meaning of life is to live it..... tripower
 
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