News

Is it bigger than a... micron?

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Expanding your oil and air filter product knowledge can improve your ability to relate to your customers while improving your bottom line

While taking trips in the family roadster, many families passed the hours and hours of driving cross-country by playing games. I’m not referring to the handheld games of today such as Gameboy, PlayStation Portable or Leapster. I’m referring to the games like I Spy or 20 Questions. Such games filled the void of getting from point A to point B with entertainment that actually taught kids how to problem solve. The game 20 Questions would inevitably begin with the following question: Is it bigger than a breadbox?

The same philosophy (or game of 20 Questions) can be related to the oil and air filter industry. However, instead of a breadbox, filter manufacturers are asking the question: Is it bigger than a micron? A “micron” is another word for a micrometer, or one millionth of a meter. A micrometer is a unit of linear measure in the metric system used to measure distance from one point to another. Unlike some of the better-known units of measurement like the inch, foot, centimeter or millimeter, the micron is another way to measure the width or diameter of objects on a much smaller scale.

So how big is a micron, or one millionth of a meter? The linear equivalent of one micron is .000039 inches. If that doesn’t completely answer your question, we can look at some examples. What are some comparative sizes?

Diameter of average human hair = 70 microns
Lower limit of visibility (naked eye) = 40 microns
White blood cells = 25 microns
Talcum powder = 10 microns
Red blood cells = 8 microns
Bacteria = 2 microns
Carbon black = 0.6 microns
Tobacco smoke = 0.5 microns

So, what do microns have to do with oil filters? The media inside of an oil filter can be manufactured to capture large particles, or small particles. An oil filter that is rated as a “10 micron” filter has the capability to capture particles as small as 10 microns (or the equivalent of talcum powder) or larger. Perhaps tidbits of knowledge about micron ratings and the actual size of particles being trapped might be good to relay to your customers. After all, a knowledgeable technician is more likely to be trusted by customers and might respond favorably to preventative maintenance suggestions.

A word of caution

Although a filter may be marked with a “10 micron” rating, a technician and their customers won’t know exactly what this means unless the technician also has a description of the test methods and standards used to determine the filter rating. This is where it gets tricky. The different test methods may not be comparable as their methodology varies greatly, along with the eventual results. Two well-known media ratings are a nominal micron rating (50%) and an absolute micron rating (98.7%). A nominal rating usually means the filter's media can capture a given percentage of particles of a stated size, according to the Filter Manufacturers Council. An absolute micron rating can be determined by single-pass or multi-pass testing and is usually obtained by passing a test fluid containing particles of a known size through a small, flat sheet of filter media or a filter element. An absolute rating is also expressed in the form of a percentage of the size of particles captured. If you really want to “wow” your customers, this information will certainly solidify your shop as an expert on oil filters. I’m sure your customers would agree.

It’s important to note that only leading manufacturers of oil filters adhere to the toughest standards in the filter industry. Filters made by manufacturers that institute the multi-pass testing procedure, or other stringent testing methods, should be used by lube shops like yours.

Clearing the air

Are the same testing procedures used to determine the micron rating of an “air” filter? The quick answer to that question is, no. However, even though air filters are not assigned a micron rating (since that term is only used in liquid filtration), the life of an air filter can be measured in total grams fed or in hours of lab life and is determined by testing at a standard test dust concentration for the various types of air filters.

The end of the life testing is determined using the restriction method. When the predetermined restriction service point is reached, the test is stopped and the filter is weighed. The amount of test dust held by the filter is considered the capacity or life of the filter, according to the US-based Filter Manufacturers Council.

However, air filters can be easily accessed by the technician and viewed by the customer. This gives technicians and their customers a quick and easy, yet un-official method of deciding if the air filter needs changed.

Based in Albion, IL, Champion Laboratories is a quality and technology leader and one of the world's largest manufacturers of filters and filtration products and related services. The company manufactures the Luber-finer brand of filtration products. Luber-finer filters are made alongside the world’s leading private label and original equipment manufacturer’s filters, ensuring the most stringent filter construction requirements are met for maximum protection on today’s demanding engines. Champion Laboratories, Inc., has been a trusted name in filters since 1955, providing high-efficiency performance in the most demanding work environments. For more information, visit www.champlabs.com or call our Tech Hotline at (800) 882-0890.

Clearing the air... and the fuel

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Providing cabin air and fuel filter maintenance services can improve your customer’s vehicle performance while improving your bottom line

Every successful business continuously tries to increase revenue, while keeping their customers happy. It’s one of the most basic business principles. In the fast lube business, this translates into educating your customers on required routine maintenance on certain components of their vehicle. Two areas that can be very profitable for a fast lube location – and beneficial for your customers – are routine maintenance of a vehicle’s cabin air and fuel filters.

For various reasons, shops do not always offer cabin air and fuel filter service. Both styles of filters may be difficult to access on different makes and models of vehicles, adding to the overall time a vehicle is in the shop. On a busy day, in an effort to keep the line moving, some shops may opt to forego the time it would take to access the cabin air filter, for instance, in order to show the customer a change is needed. In addition, fuel filter service may be avoided due to the hazards in working with the fuel system. However, a complete line of filter changing services is ideal when trying to meet all of your customer’s needs while improving your overall ticket total.

Inside the cabin

Cabin air filters (CAF) are becoming more common today than in the past. According to the Filter Manufacturers Council, it is estimated that 85 percent of all automobiles and light trucks produced in the United States by the year 2006 will be equipped with a CAF. This is much different than just 10 or 20 years ago when they were nearly non-existent. The rise in CAFs may be directly connected with the rise in allergy-sensitive people in the United States, which is currently estimated at over 40 million. The typical consumer today is much more health-conscious than they were in the past and the air they breathe inside their vehicle (sometimes for a large portion of the day) should be clean and pollutant free. Studies show that the roadside air contains significant numbers of contaminants such as pollen, dust, diesel soot, and smog, and the contaminants are two to six times more concentrated inside a car than outside. That’s because the heating, air conditioning and vent system has the vacuum effect of concentrating contaminants inside the passenger cabin when it draws in outside air and the windows are closed.

Typically, CAFs are located in the vehicle’s fresh air intake system and are designed to trap virtually all pollen and dust particles that may cause allergic reactions. Such particles are generally 7 to 100 microns in diameter (for reference, a dot made with a pencil equals 200 microns). To certain customers, “selling” them on a new CAF is relatively easy, while others may take some convincing. When referring to the CAF, associates may consider using alternative terms such as passenger compartment filter, pollen filter or dust filter, in order to draw on the more common phrases and keywords. For other customers, a selling point such as a cleaner dashboard may be more important than inhaling pollens. Another selling tip here would be to ask the customer if they are having a difficult time defogging their windshields since the CAF is involved with that process.

CAFs come in all shapes and sizes, but typically come in three designs:

Particle Filter – the filtration media used is a special type of paper or non-woven material that could be electrostatically charged. This type traps solid particles such as dust, soot, spores and pollen.

Absorption Filter – the filtration media is activated charcoal. Filters out noxious gases and odors.

Combination or Two Stage Filter – this type combines the two filter applications above.

Filtering fuel

The second type of filter that is sometimes ignored during routine maintenance is the fuel filter. As mentioned earlier, extra precautions must be taken in order to offer fuel filter changing service. Since most engines are fuel injected, the fuel filters used on these engines are exposed to higher pressures in excess of 50 psi (345 Kpa), for example. For shops looking to offer fuel filter changes as a regular service, properly trained personnel is key. Once in place, these trained personnel must also know how to “sell” the service.

Fuel filters protect an engine’s fuel system by removing contaminants such as rust, dirt and other foreign materials from the fuel. Recommended fuel filter change intervals range on average from 15,000 to 35,000 miles, so the opportunity to sell this service occurs at least once per year with many customers.

There are two types of fuel filters: In-line and element/cartridge style.

In-line Type – these metal or plastic fuel filters are located in the fuel line between the tank and injectors or carburetors. In-line fuel filters are manufactured in various shapes and sizes with different connectors; quick connectors and threaded. Some require gaskets, clamps or hoses.

Element/Cartridge Type – these fuel filters are installed within some type of housing in the fuel system and usually located in the carburetor itself, but may be located in or on the fuel pump or close to the fuel tank.

Fuel filters should be replaced at least once a year for optimum engine performance. The most noticeable sign that your vehicle is due for a fuel filter change is loss in engine power, hesitation and hard starts. If a customer ever complains of these problems, the fuel filter is the first place to start. Technicians can mention the need for fuel filter change-outs to their customers when discussing "other vehicle filters" such as transmission, engine intake and cabin air filters.

Many car owners are not even aware there are fuel filters on-board. The days of the fuel filter positioned in-line with the carburetor and in plain view are long gone. There is a tendency for vehicle owners to believe that fuel filters do not need to be changed for the life of the vehicle. Filters cannot last indefinitely yet when they plug or clog, which can strand the vehicle, the filters are often blamed. The reality is the filters did their job of preventing the contaminants from damaging the fuel injection system.

Users and installers need to understand they also need to select a fuel filter of quality design and manufacture to trap the abrasive particles that cause premature fuel injection system wear. Inferior, or under-designed, filters are more leak-prone than fully qualified designs. This is true both internally to the filter element, which allows injection system wear by letting contaminant to pass through, and externally which allows gasoline leakage and is a fire hazard and environmental risk.

It’s important to partner with leading-edge manufacturers and suppliers of automotive equipment since the vehicles on the road today demand only the best parts to keep them running at the optimum level. Backed by a world-renowned product testing laboratory, the Champ brand has been thoroughly tested to meet all of the top industry standards for performance and quality. Champion Laboratories manufactures many filters for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as major automotive, agriculture and diesel engine manufacturers, for both on and off-road applications.

Quality cabin air and fuel filters can certainly boost revenues, but above that, the improved quality of the air inside the cabin and the improved performance of the engine can actually be felt by your customers. “Selling” this service can be tough in some cases, but the customers that choose to keep these filters changed regularly will certainly appreciate the service.

The Importance of Being Filtered

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Proper maintenance of a vehicle’s oil, air and fuel filters can enhance overall performance.

It’s not much of a stretch to think of your car, SUV or light truck as a rolling version of the human body. None can run without the correct type of fuel, which flows through an engine that converts that fuel into the energy necessary for it to operate properly. Both also contain filtering components designed to remove impurities from the fueling system, helping prolong its life and make it run at its efficient best. And if any of those parts malfunction, a breakdown is sure to occur.

But while problems with the human liver, heart or kidney can require major maintenance and months of time spent “in the shop,” many times a vehicle can be put back into tip-top condition after just a minor check up of its primary parts, which brings us to the importance of filter changes.

Vehicles cannot survive on gasoline alone. During the course of driving, there are many outside elements that can affect a vehicle’s performance, among them road conditions, traffic patterns, driving style, air temperature, and air and fuel quality. To help ensure that these demanding elements do not have a chance to adversely affect the performance of the vehicle, a series of job-specific filters are on board. And when these filters reach the end of their useful life, they must be replaced, which can take as little as 15 minutes, or about half the time of your average sitcom.

Oil’s well that ends well

By now everybody should know that a vehicle’s oil and oil filter needs to be changed based on the manufacturer’s recommendation, or every 3 months or 3,000 miles. If the oil, which provides lubrication for the engine’s moving parts, isn’t maintained on a regular schedule, it will lose good chemical properties and pick up impurities, which can adversely affect the engine’s performance. Hand in hand with that, old, dirty oil contains contaminants that bombard the oil filter. As the filter itself gets older and dirtier, more and more of these contaminants—most commonly soot, acids, moisture and wear particles—escape the filter media and enter the oil stream, putting the engine in danger.

To combat this assault on the engine’s moving parts, a high-quality oil filter must be incorporated into the maintenance plan and changed according to the appropriate maintenance schedule. The best oil filters offer high filtering efficiency for maximum performance and either meet or exceed the requirements specified by OEMs.

A key word when selecting an oil filter is “micron.” By definition, a micron is another word for a micrometer, or one-millionth of a meter. In terms we in the United States more readily understand, a micron is something that measures .000039 inches. In other words, it’s a very, very small particle. But many of these microscopic particles assault a vehicle’s engine every time it hits the road. To combat this assault, most oil filters are rated at 10 microns, meaning the filter media has the ability to capture foreign particles as small as talcum powder. It is this high-performance particle-trapping capability that allows a quality oil filter to protect its host engine.

The air we breathe

Air quality is an important consideration for both the vehicle and the people who ride in it. The best automotive air filters are constructed with optimal dirt-holding capacity in mind. Dirt contaminants are capable of getting all the way past the piston rings. This filtering efficiency helps provide protection from harmful airborne contaminants that can foul the engine. According to a U.S. Department of Energy report, changing the air filter every 12,000 miles can also increase fuel economy by as much as 10%, so it is recommended that the air filter be changed during every third or fourth oil change, depending on its cleanliness.

Inside the vehicle, a maintenance area that has been gaining in acceptance involves the cabin air filter. As of 2006, the Filter Manufacturers Council estimated that 85% of all automobiles and light trucks produced in the United States were equipped with cabin air filters. Relatively unknown to the driving public until that time, cabin air filters are located in the vehicle’s fresh-air intake system and are designed to trap pollen and dust particles that may cause allergic reactions. In fact, studies have shown that the air quality inside cars on most roads is even worse than the outside air because the heating, air conditioning and vent system concentrate airborne contaminants inside the vehicle when the windows are closed.

Cabin air filters clean the air before it enters the passenger compartment. In addition to cleaning the air, they also trap dust and pollutants, preventing them from entering the vehicle and, in turn, leaving the glass, dashboard, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems cleaner.

Typically, cabin air filters are available in three designs:

• A particle filter that uses a special type of paper or non-woven material that can be electrostatically charged, allowing it to trap solid particles like dust, soot, spores and pollen.

• An absorption filter with an activated-charcoal media that filters out noxious gases and odors.

• A two-stage filter that combines the other two filter applications.

Current recommendations suggest that cabin air filters be changed every 18,000 miles, or around once a year.

Fuel for thought

The fuel that allows a vehicle to run is the lifeblood of the fueling system, so why not ensure its cleanliness and performance capabilities? That’s where the fuel filter comes in. Fuel filters are designed to protect an engine’s fuel system by removing contaminants such as rust, dirt, scale and water before they reach the fueling system. This is more important than ever as today’s demanding engines need high performance and protection to keep vital engine components such as fuel injectors clean and functioning at the optimum level. The most noticeable indication that a fuel filter needs to be changed is loss of engine power, hesitation and hard starts.

There are two common types of fuel filters:

• In-line fuel filters are metal or plastic filters that are located in the fuel line between the tank and injectors or carburetors.

• Element or cartridge-style fuel filters are installed within some type of housing in the fuel system and are usually located in the carburetor itself or may be located in or on the fuel pump or near the fuel tank.

Recommended fuel filter change intervals range from 15,000 to 35,000 miles, though fuel filters should be changed at least once a year for optimum engine performance.

Making the Most of Your Air Filter

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

When it comes to powering vehicles—whether your average minivan or a heavy-duty construction truck—most people think the energy comes from petroleum fuels and petroleum fuels alone. However, the internal combustion engine is a complex piece of equipment that relies on many parts acting in concert with each other in order to provide optimum engine operation.

So while petroleum products may in the end be the thing that makes a vehicle “go,” don’t discount the role that the air filter plays in an engine’s operation. In fact, according to information provided by the Filter Manufacturers Council, the average internal combustion engine uses around 12,000 gallons of air in order to burn one gallon of gasoline. That’s a lot of potentially harmful airborne contaminants that are assaulting the engine, and they can only be stopped by an air filter that has been designed to trap and hold the contaminants in the most efficient manner. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, air filters that are replaced every 12,000 miles can improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by up to 10 percent.

However, air filter life is not necessarily dependent on miles, per se, but on the environment the vehicle is used in. For example, an air filter used on an automobile that is used to transport someone back and forth to work everyday will undoubtedly last longer than an air filter on a cement truck that drives in and out of a dusty construction site on a daily basis. With that in mind, air filters have evolved to the point where they are able to isolate and neutralize 98.5 percent, and higher, of the airborne contaminants before they reach the engine.

One area that has helped in not only air-filter performance, but knowing when an air filter needs to be changed is the introduction of the air-filter restriction gauge into the engine setup. With engines now able to adjust fuel delivery and use to air-flow rates, it is a lot harder to determine when an air filter needs to be replaced because there is no more of the engine sputtering to indicate a plugged filter. It is also unreliable to use visual inspection to determine if a filter needs to be changed out because even a filter that looks plugged can still have a lot of life left in it.

Enter the air-filter restriction gauge. These gauges have the capability to measure the air-flow resistance in a vehicle’s air-intake system. This is done by measuring the amount of vacuum that is created when the air travels through the filter. When the filter has reached the end of its useful life, the air-restriction gauge alerts the driver that the filter needs to be replaced. Knowing exactly when the air filter needs to be replaced not only protects the engine, but also saves time and money in reduced filter changes, maintenance and vehicle downtime.

The most recent advancements in air-filter design come in the area of size. New designs feature filter media that is fluted or corrugated, meaning that a lot more filter media can be contained in a much smaller space. With this new filter design, it’s all about maximizing filtration properties given “X” amount of space available.

Looking to the future, the main challenges in filter design, construction and operation will continue to focus on size issues, i.e. attempting to make the filter as efficient as possible while taking up as little space as possible in the engine compartment. Another area to consider is the new hybrid-vehicle technology that is entering the motor pool. The engines on these vehicles may have some unique operational characteristics that will impact the type of air filters needed to ensure efficient operation.

Back to the Future

2010-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

The return to prominence of cartridge-style oil filters promises many benefits…if installed correctly

Dating back to the invention of the internal combustion engine in 1806, and later the automobile, cartridge oil filters were the preferred technology once automakers began to utilize filtration. Filtering the dirt or impurities that can affect the performance of engine oil extended engine life and performance. Cartridge oil filters are those in which a permanent filter housing features a replaceable filter cartridge, or element. This housing is mounted either directly on or near the engine, and when the filter becomes contaminated to the point that it is no longer adequately filtering the oil, the housing cap is removed and the dirty filter is replaced with a new, clean one.

This type of filter was the preferred choice of vehicle manufacturers and mechanics for the first several years that automobiles traversed the nation’s expanding roadways. Then, in the 1950s, a new filter technology entered the market. Called “spin-on” technology, these new filters were said to be superior to the traditional cartridge type because they offered a quick, efficient and clean method for changing oil, and did a better job of preventing leaks during the oil-change process. Spin-on filters were marketed as being more user-friendly than cartridge types and are actually credited with allowing vehicle owners to begin performing their own oil changes.

Cartridge Making a Comeback

But in an example of “what goes around comes around,” the venerable cartridge oil filter is making a comeback. There are several reasons for this shift in the oil-filter market. For one, improvements in filter technology have led to the creation of cartridge oil-filter models that are easier to change without the risk of oil leaks and spills. Second, the engine compartments in late-model vehicles are becoming smaller and smaller, and cartridge oil filters can be positioned on the topside of the engine for ease of service. Finally, the disposal cost of a cartridge oil filter is much less than the cost related to the disposal of a spin-on filter. In the 1990s, European and Asian automakers initiated the return to popularity of cartridge oil filters because of this reduction in disposal costs.

This return of the cartridge oil filter has become so prominent that no less an authority than the Filter Manufacturers Council, Research Triangle Park, NC, has announced that “the cartridge-style filter is back and will be the oil configuration of the future.”

While the benefits of using cartridge-style oil filters are many—as spelled out above—these benefits become lost if the filters are not installed correctly. In fact, the failure to follow the proper cartridge-filter installation procedure can result in oil leakage and engine damage. Therefore, let’s take a closer look and walk through the correct process for replacing and installing a cartridge oil filter.

Cartridge Oil Filter Installation Tips

The first step in the process is draining the vehicle’s existing oil from the oil pan by removing the drain plug, and disposing of this used oil in an acceptable manner. Once the oil pan has been drained, the filter housing must be located and the drain plug removed from the housing cap, allowing any residual oil to drain from the filter housing. Using an appropriate tool, the filter cap must then be removed from the housing. At this point, it is important that the person performing the oil change note the position of the O-ring(s) seal on the housing cap, and drain plug before the O-ring(s) seal is removed. After noting the position of and removing the O-ring(s) seal, remove the old filter cartridge and set both aside.

Before continuing, clean both the filter’s housing cap and the filter housing itself. If necessary, use a flashlight to look for damage such as a breakage, cracks or damaged threads. Also make certain that the groove in which the O-ring(s) rest is clean and undamaged. If necessary, replace any damaged components that are found.

Now, choose a new filter cartridge and compare it and the included O-rings(s) with the used filter and O-ring(s) that were set aside. This comparison will let the installer know if the correct filter has been chosen for the installation. It is imperative that no old O-rings are reused since they are not designed for multiple service intervals. Re-use of the old O-ring(s) may lead to oil leakage and possible engine damage.

Next, apply clean engine oil to the new O-ring(s) and the O-ring grooves on the housing cap. Then, install the new housing O-ring onto the housing cap by rolling the O-ring evenly into place in its groove. It is important that the installer make sure that the O-ring is positioned in its correct location in the O-ring groove. If the O-ring appears to be twisted, slide it around in the groove until it straightens out.

The new filter cartridge is now ready to be placed in the housing cap. Install the housing cap on the filter housing by tightening until the O-ring compresses. Using an appropriate tool, tighten the housing cap as indicated on the housing cap or in the owner’s manual. It is important that the installer does not over-tighten the housing cap. Next, install the housing cap drain plug O-ring into the groove on the drain plug of the housing cap. The housing cap drain plug should be installed by hand and tightened as indicated on the drain plug or in the owner’s manual.

Now, install the oil pan drain plug by hand and tighten as indicated in the owner’s manual. Finally, add engine oil as indicated in the owner’s manual. Run the engine for several minutes and then look for engine leaks at the drain plug(s) and housing. Turn the engine off and allow time for the oil to drain back to the pan. At this time, check the oil level on the dipstick to confirm that it is in the recommended operating range. If it is, the vehicle is ready to safely return to the road.

To download a Technical Bulletin on Cartridge Oil Filter Installation Tips, please go to http://www.champlabs.com/content/technical-bulletins.