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Filter substitution
So, somehow I managed to get one wrong filter from NAPA for the generator. I went to a closer auto parts store and bought the equivalent of the Baldwin B227 that was on there, which was a Fram. Two questions: First, does it matter that it was one of the cheapest choices offered? Second, does it matter that it said “oil filter” on the case when it was being used as a diesel filter?
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7 Replies
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Fram does not have a good reputation for filters
and I won’t use them on any of my vehicles or equipment. -
It has been my experience that I cannot put the wrong filter in place of the correct one because the thread and gasket diameters vary. But if in fact an oil filter fits where the fuel filter is supposed to go I would think that is bad.
Relative to the amound of filter media I would guess a fuel filter needs a lot of area to filter a small flow. On the other hand oil is flowing at what I presume is a significantly greater flow rate than fuel so its filter area has to be larger or the porosity greater.
My gut tells me the filter needs to be replaced with the correct one. But before doing that confirm the filter is actually wrong. Any parts store can cross reference filter numbers.
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Do not rely on same threads, gasket, and size as meaning compatible! Almost all spin on filters have bypass check valves. It the check valve isn’t correct the filter may always be bypassed or not bypass when needed.
Ditto on Fram comments.
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Triple Ditto on the Fram filters. Throw them in the trash!!
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A fellow TN resident throwing stones at Volunteer Orange Fram filters. Holy Moly!
Who would have believed it?
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I found that site too, Andre, and several others. The red Baldwin B227 is the one Jon helped me put on last year. Since this Fram filter is on the list I presume it is a match. It looks the same, fit the same, and didn’t leak. Perhaps when I change them again, possibly in a month if I use the generator on this next trip, I will go with the NAPA 1334, which is what I thought I was going to use, but I got the wrong one and didn’t want to drive across town again.
So what’s wrong with Fram? They seem to stay in business….
For a point of interest, here is a before and after of the air filter:
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