Frequently Asked Questions about Frantz Filters, and bypass oil filtration systems at Cleanest-Oil.com

Frequently Asked Questions.

This page covers the most frequently asked and commonest questions about the Frantz bypass filtration systems. If there's something more you'd like to know please don't hesitate to contact us.

Does fitting a bypass filter affect my manufacturers guarantee ?

In principle, no. When asked, the manufacturers state that all the parts they make are covered by their warranty, and fitting a bypass filter does not alter this.

The car manufacturers warranty would not extend to any fault in the bypass filter itself, obviously enough. That is covered by Frantz itself, assuming the system was fitted correctly.

However, in the 50 years the Frantz filter has been in use, no claim has been made against Frantz because of failure of a filtration system, and the system was homologated for use on light aircraft in the early 1980s, in the USA., so it is considered extremely reliable.

Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter remove Acid from the Oil?

The Frantz Oil Cleaner will not remove acid from the oil. It will prevent the formation of corrosive acid by removing the water from oil. Without water, corrosive acids cannot be formed. Numerous laboratory analyses have shown no acidity content in oil filtered through the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter even after many thousands of miles of use.

Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter lower Engine Oil Pressures?

No. The engine oil pump will produce many times the volume required by the engine and the by-pass filter. Most of the oil pumped is excess and returns directly to the crankcase through the oil pressure regulator valve.

Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter solve the problem of Fuel Dilution?

Fuel dilution of lube oil is a problem that no filter can solve. Fuel dilution is not a problem in a properly adjusted engine, as the fuel is evaporated from a hot engine crankcase at a rate which is dependent on the engine temperature reached and the time maintained relative to the number of starts made or the amount of raw fuel added by an engine malfunction.

What is the Cleaning Capacity of a Frantz Oil Filter/Cleaner?

Each single unit will clean up to 8 quarts of lubricating oil (This can be up to 10 quarts with more frequent element changes). Two single Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filters may be installed in a "parallel" sequence to provide sufficient cleaning capability for those engines with a crankcase capacity exceeding 8 quarts and up to 20 quarts.

Why are Clamps needed in addition to the Push-on Hose Fittings?

Although push-on hose fittings were originally designed to form a perfect seal, it has been determined that the additional use of the Oetiker clamps provides prolonged safety and security of the hose connections. (This is highly recommended by the current manufacturer, for long term use and satisfaction similar to Automobile manufacturer procedures).

Does the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter fuel line wear out?

The oil line used with the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is the best quality fuel line obtainable for its purpose. It will give years of satisfactory service with little or no maintenance; however, like any rubber-like material, it can become weathered over a period of years. When the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is transferred to a new car, we recommend that the hose be replaced as a safety precaution.
Note: When oil line shows any indication of deterioration (hardening or cracking) it should be replaced.

What is the effective life of the Base Tetra Seal?

Gaskets of ALL materials have a limited life. The standard practice in the filter industry is to replace the gasket each time the filter is removed whether or not it is deteriorated or damaged. Rubber-like gasket materials take a permanent set under compression, particularly under elevated temperatures which tend to speed age hardening. As far as we know, the gasket material that will overcome these problems has not yet been invented. These are plain "gasket facts", and we must live with them.
Our Base Tetra Seal gasket can be successfully reused if it is turned each time the tissue element is changed. For best results, it should be rolled 90 degrees so that the top surface becomes the outer diameter. As long as the gasket remains soft and pliable this system will work. A good practice would be to change the gasket on every (4th) filter change. Thoroughly clean the gasket and groove when reusing or installing a new gasket. Dirt is frequently the cause of leakage.

What happens if the tissue element is not serviced for an indefinite period?

The tissue element will become clogged with solid contamination and shut off the flow of oil through the Frantz Oil Cleaner. The oil in the crankcase would not be cleaned.

What is the Flow Rate of Oil through a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

The normal rate of flow of 30 weight oil at a temperature of 180 degrees and 30p.s.i. is approximately 1 quart per minute. This flow rate will vary depending on oil viscosity temperature and oil pressure.

What does it mean when you say the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter can be used as a "Barometer" for Preventive Maintenance?

Due to the unique filter media and construction of The Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, it is one of the greatest indicators of engine malfunctions. "Reading" the used tissue element and making a visual comparison with the Instant Engine Analysis chart provides an early detection of engine malfunction when abnormal deposits are seen. Such early detection of engine trouble can prevent more extensive damage and save you costly repair bills.

What are the recommended Service Intervals for a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

After you install your Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, the first element change should be at 500 miles. This removes any particle load from existing oil, or from the old oil if you changed the oil when fitting the bypass filter. Thereafter, these guidelines should be followed.

In town driving: Change your element every 5 months or 4000 miles.
Highway Driving: Change your element every 12 months or 10,000 miles.
If your driving is a combination, but with a high proportion of short distance town trips where the engine doesn�t get to normal temperature, to be sure of removing all the water, err towards the more frequent filter change.

This will ensure any water in the oil produced by condensation is fully removed. Diesel engines should decrease these limits by 25%.

Does a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter have to be mounted in a certain position for proper operation?

No. Since the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is pressurized, it can be mounted in any position.(Upright, upside Down, sideways or at an Angle).

If I do not have access to the Oil Pressure Sending Unit on my Vehicle, how else can I provide the Pressure feed into the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

If access to your vehicles oil pressure sending unit is either difficult or impossible, we do offer for an additional cost, an Adapter Ring that can be placed between the engine block and your spin on full flow filter.

Why are bypass filters not fitted by the car manufacturers?

Excellent question! As they are fitted for military vehicles applications (to avoid the need for oil changes in battlefield conditions) and on many HGV vehicles, it does make you wonder why they aren't yet fitted as OE on the average car, doesn't it? If governments were serious about "saving on oil supplies" they would make bypass filters mandatory. Meanwhile, you can do your bit for the environment, at the same time as giving your vehicles full protection against expensive wear, and save yourself money on oil changes and worn out engine parts simply by fitting the bypass filter and completing the filtration system as it should have been in the first place.

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