【Mrefilter】Can the oil filter be cleaned before use?

The oil filter is not recommended to be reused after cleaning. This is determined by the particularity, precision and complexity of the oil filter.

Engine lubricating oil is continuously polluted by metal chips, dust in the air, and carbon deposits during use. Among them, the heavy impurities are deposited at the bottom of the oil pan, and the light ones enter the friction surfaces with the lubricating oil, causing early wear of the mechanical parts. The function of the oil filter is to make the lubricating oil filter out the dirt through the filter. After the filter is used for a certain period of time, a lot of dirt will adhere to the filter element, so the filter should be replaced regularly. Generally speaking, the oil filter and the oil should be replaced at the same time. In this way, it is beneficial to extend the service life of the engine.

The oil filter has the following characteristics:
1. Particularity:
Oil filter, also known as oil grid. The function is to filter out the metal wear debris, dust and carbon deposits and colloidal deposits that are oxidized at high temperature during the working process of the engine, to keep the lubricating oil clean and extend its service life. The oil filter should have strong filtering capacity, low flow resistance, and long service life. Once these requirements are not met, irreversible damage will be caused to the engine;

2. Precision:
The automobile's requirements for the oil filter are:
a. Filter out all particles >30um
b. Reduce particles that enter the lubrication gap and cause wear
c. The oil flow meets the engine oil demand
d. The replacement cycle is at least longer than the life of the oil
e. The filtration accuracy meets the requirements of protecting the engine and reducing wear
f. Large ash capacity, suitable for harsh environments
g. Can adapt to higher oil temperature and corrosive environment
h. When filtering the oil, the lower the pressure difference, the better, to ensure that the oil can pass smoothly;

3. Complexity:
The oil filter is composed of filter paper, sealing ring, and various valves.
a. filter paper. Oil filters have higher requirements for filter paper than air filters, mainly because the temperature of the oil varies from 0 to 300 degrees. Under the drastic temperature change, the concentration of the oil will also change accordingly, which will affect the filtering flow of the oil. The filter paper of a high-quality oil filter should be able to filter impurities under severe temperature changes while ensuring sufficient flow.
b. rubber sealed loop. The filter sealing ring of high-quality oil is made of special rubber to ensure 100% oil leakage.
c. Backflow suppression valve. When the engine is turned off, it can prevent the oil filter from drying out; when the engine is re-ignited, it immediately generates pressure to supply oil to lubricate the engine.
d. Overflow valve. When the external temperature drops to a certain value or when the oil filter exceeds the normal service life, the overflow valve will open under special pressure, allowing unfiltered oil to flow directly into the engine, which is the key to protecting the engine in an emergency.

During the cleaning process of the oil filter, it is inevitable that the filter paper, sealing ring and other components will be damaged, which will greatly reduce the efficiency of the oil filter and cause damage to the engine. Therefore, it is not recommended to reuse the oil filter.