Oil Return: Oil Filter

[joe_db]

FYI:
I had a DIY bypass oil filter for years before I got the Indigo unit. I just used a valve to set the bypass amount and kept an eye on the oil pressure. The drawback is the human error issue where you can set it wrong or bump it. I would set the oil pressure to 45 and set the bleed valve to bring it down to 40 more or less.

[Carl-T705]

paper filters

If interested in this type of filter, check out : www.gulfcoastfilters.com It's interesting read, I run one on my diesel Detroit engine and change the oil it this engine every 100,000 miles whether it needs a change or not. A friend who has run these filters for years rarely changes his oil and his engines run over 1 million miles. I use Scott triple roll paper towels but any brand will work. I'm always amazed when changing elements I have never had any kind of brake down in the roll of towels or the cardboard, pretty amazing stuff. At $900 for the canister and fittings it pays for itself pretty quickly when oil changes cost over $200 every 15,000 miles. I change two paper towel rolls and add 2 gallons of oil every 20,000 miles.... about $30.00, replace the spin on filters and add 4 gallons of oil every 40,000 miles.

[HalcyonS]

Of all the mods you could do to a 50 year old A4, seems like an oil filter is quite desirable. I'm a DIY guy, are there any opinions on if there is a better solution than the Indigo one? (where better = simpler, cheaper, more reliable or more effective, or any combination thereof).

[HalcyonS]

this thread was useful

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6700

found via google

[joe_db]

See my earlier post. You can aquire everything you need to build a bypass filter with a manual valve. It will work. If you want the Indigo type system with an adjustable oil pressure relief valve that is automatic, I can't see how you could do it for less than they charge. There are better valves than what Indigo uses, but they aren't cheap.

Of all the mods you could do to a 50 year old A4, seems like an oil filter is quite desirable. I'm a DIY guy, are there any opinions on if there is a better solution than the Indigo one? (where better = simpler, cheaper, more reliable or more effective, or any combination thereof).

[hanleyclifford]

Of all the mods you could do to a 50 year old A4, seems like an oil filter is quite desirable. I'm a DIY guy, are there any opinions on if there is a better solution than the Indigo one? (where better = simpler, cheaper, more reliable or more effective, or any combination thereof).

"Best" is full flow - we can't have that because of the configuration of our oil pumps (unless someone can figure something out that so far I haven't). Next best is independent recirculting loop with filter/relief valve and (for Cadillac owners) oil coolers. Next is the Indigo system. Last is the no filter option (for those who regard their A4 as expendable).

[joe_db]

One danger is you won't be able to look at the oil and tell if it needs changing by eye. My oil is light honey colored brand new looking at the 50 hour mark

[The Garbone]

Not a bad price on the Indigo system. I actually have the same filter bracket on my motorcycle as the stock filter is gause on a tube and not that good.



My one question is the PRV and if one could be had for less? The bracket itself is only $20 or so.

Also, why not make one of the trans cover bolts a Banjo fitting and not worry about drilling and tapping a new hole?

[joe_db]

You CAN do all that. I am not sure how easy it is to make your own valve. You can just use a normal valve and wire the handle in place after you set it. I did that for years and it worked fine. I got the Indigo system when I got my new engine and was going all-out pimping it up

[The Garbone]

Wonder if this would work as a regulator. Looks sharp and has the propper range.

http://bit.ly/1iPxLg2

After digging about the indigo kit is looking better and better.

[joe_db]

Doubt it. The valve you are looking for is a *pressure relief valve*, not a pressure regulating valve
Something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-Calibrated-Pressure-Relief-Valve-50-200-Psi-Adjustment/320855543668?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D261%26meid%3D4118124291136866827%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D121251481179%26

Wonder if this would work as a regulator. Looks sharp and has the propper range.

http://bit.ly/1iPxLg2

After digging about the indigo kit is looking better and better.

[hanleyclifford]

Wonder if this would work as a regulator. Looks sharp and has the propper range.

http://bit.ly/1iPxLg2

After digging about the indigo kit is looking better and better.

I like the look and price of that regulator if it has the range for oil pressure. I had the Indigo installed for a while but replaced it with a big one from McMaster.

[joe_db]

Do you have a part numbe for McMaster?
Also note a fuel pressure regulator does a different job. It maintains X pressure on the OUTPUT port. The relief valve DUMPS anything over X pressure on the INPUT port

I like the look and price of that regulator if it has the range for oil pressure. I had the Indigo installed for a while but replaced it with a big one from McMaster.

[hanleyclifford]

Do you have a part numbe for McMaster?
Also note a fuel pressure regulator does a different job. It maintains X pressure on the OUTPUT port. The relief valve DUMPS anything over X pressure on the INPUT port

McMaster #4704K32

[HalcyonS]

As a newbie to this project, I want to be sure I understand how this works.
The oil, at some point (just after the pump?) is under pressure, its taken up to the top of the engine where it trickles down to the sump to be picked up again by the oil pump? Presumably the oil pressure gauge reads just above the pump? (An oil circulation diagram would help). The filter loop takes some of the pressurised oil from above the pump through the filter and back - to where? sump? The valve - manual or automatic - regulates how much oil passes through the filter and by this we make sure we don't rob too much pressure from the oil supply through the engine. Is that roughly it?

Banjo fitting idea is clever, any downside?

I also like the idea of building in a better oil change system. I've had it with the manual pump down the dipstick hole. So a Tee, gate/ballvalve and hose would be useful. afaik, Indigo used to offer this option but do not any more.