I know this was discussed at least once last year and I'm not trying to re-hash the ins and outs. My question is for those who run a cleanable reusable filter made or sold by K&P, K&N, PurePower etc. (K&N and PurePower are the same filter sold under at least 2 different brands.)

My research shows that there are 2 mesh types-- one is a single layer of mesh stated to filter down to ~30 micron and another type which is a double weave stated to filter down to ~22 micron.

One thing to remember before you comment is that the spec for a standard disposable filter for a twinkie says that is filters down to 5 microns. What the specs don't say is that the filter testing for 5 micron size is NOT a single pass of fluid through the media, it's multiple passes through the media then the results averaged. Further, with a smaller restriction and cold heavy oil it's a given that the disposable filter bypass valve WILL be open until the engine warms up and thins the oil enough to pass through the filter media with the bypass valve closed.

The mesh reusable filters spec states that their ~22 or ~30 micron testing data is taken on the first pass of fluid through the filter and the capture size gets smaller with continued passes through the filter.

If you are a user can you advise if your still happy with the concept and function of the filter? Do you find that the mesh weave is filtering well and if so have you noticed less 'debris' on the drainplug magnet, and more debris on the magnet in the filter or ?

Obviously there is a lot of 'snake oil' information out there but I'm considering moving to one of these and value constructive input. Have at it members!

Having run the K&P type for a couple of years now I am happy with what it does. I find a bit of metal smudge? on the magnet inside the filter, But none on the magnet in the Oil Tank drain plug. After doing a bit of research about 5 micron filtering I tended to think that the filter is going to go into bypass a lot quicker due to blockages etc inside the filter. As such your motor is going to have unfiltered oil lubricating it.

If you do decide to go to one I would recommend the type that Walker is selling. It is a lrger filter than the K&P type, still the same material is sued and has the magnet as well. It is just larger. I don't know if that makes any difference, And it is cheaper as well.

thanks AJ56- I also found a previous thread where the reusables were discussed and found that Walka has them in black for a good price. Walka if you read this I'll contact you tomorrow.

I think you are right that this has been done to death in previous topics. I generally don't bother commenting on these topics, as I find a lot of it boils down to personal preference and opinions. However I will in this case offer my "old school, mug mechanic, two bobs worth". I guess most people are probably right in saying a 5 micron filter will bypass somewhat earlier with cold, high viscosity oil, but have they considered that the oil had been filtered down to 5 microns prior to the engine being shut down, so it may not matter much for the very short period it takes the oil to warm a little? Yes, I know when the most wear happens in an engines life. Also comment has been made that the filters will block up somewhat earlier and begin to bypass unfiltered oil through your engine.... FFS sake, don't you think the engine manufacturer would have possibly thought of this and taken it into consideration when coming up with service intervals?? I'm at not any stage bagging the re-usable filters or anyone's opinions of their performance, just putting forward what I would consider to be a "common sense" opinion... which is something of a misnomer, as I have found it to be decidedly "uncommon".....

and then we wait for the fallout...

Cheers,