june2021 - 36

" Synthetic blends can sometimes be viewed
as offering the best of both worlds, " Reamsnyder
continued. " With synthetic blends, manufacturers
can balance the key strengths of both cellulose
and synthetic grades and still provide enhanced
performance characteristics. Although costs
may vary, most heavy duty engines built today
require the level of filtration that these media
grades provide. "
Sometimes an oil filter also features unique
design characteristics. Fleets should take a step
back from the marketing razzle dazzle, though,
and come to understand how a given feature is
expected to help provide better engine protection.
For instance, patent-pending Spin Flow
Technology, as found in the WIX XD oil filter, uses
angled fins to start the filtration of heavy particles
away from the oil.
" Bigger particles are spun down and trapped,
providing an extra layer of protection, " Chilton
explained.
Newer formulations and
longer drain intervals
Something else fleets should consider is the type
of engine oil a given vehicle is using. Depending on
whether the vehicle is using a traditional 15W-40
or a newer, lower-viscosity oil, the ideal type of oil
filter may vary.
" Many of the newer engine oil formulations
are reverse-compatible with older engines, "
Donaldson's Tucker said. " They are also compatible
with many of the filters that have been designed
to newer OE engine specifications. "
What makes things interesting these days is
the choice between a newer CK-4 oil and an FA-4
oil. CK-4 oils are designed to be backwards-compatible,
meaning they can be used in older
engines. On the other hand, FA-4 oils have limited
backwards-compatibility.
" Some OEs are allowing for the use of a
lower-viscosity FA-4 oil, which provides fuel
economy benefits and extended drain intervals, "
Tucker pointed out. " Donaldson's oil filter technology
aligns well with this. Our base oil filters
are compatible with both CK-4 and FA-4 oils, but
we also offer an upgraded line called Donaldson
Blue filters. This is a smart option for a fleet that
really wants to push those oil drain intervals. "
Donaldson Blue is designed for increased
efficiency and longer life - both of which are
paramount to achieving the goal of longer drain
intervals without sacrificing protection. Obviously,
if the oil is staying in the engine longer, the oil
filter has to last just as long.
" With a lower-viscosity oil like an FA-4, you typically
get a thinner lubricating film, " Tucker added.
" Bumping up the efficiency of the oil filter provides
added wear protection in the engine because it
captures smaller particles that could cause wear
with these oils. "
To make its " upgraded " filter more efficient,
Donaldson has focused on the filtration media
that is used inside the filter.
" Historically speaking, standard oil filters have
used a cellulose media, or perhaps a blend of mostly
cellulose media mixed with some synthetic
36 Fleet Maintenance | June 2021
» The WIX XD extended-drain oil filter features Spin Flow Technology to increase filter lfe.
Photo courtesy of MANN+HUMMEL
" With synthetic blends, manufacturers
can balance the key strengths
of both cellulose and synthetic
grades and still provide enhanced
performance characteristics. "
Chris Reamsnyder, vice president of sales for commercial vehicle, First Brands Group
fibers, " Tucker explained. " These filters are typically
in the 20- to 30-micron range and have always
provided adequate performance at a standard
drain interval. On the other hand, our upgraded
Donaldson Blue filters have a fully synthetic
media pack. This includes smaller fibers that
deliver a higher level of contaminant capture and
retention, all while delivering lower restriction
for maximum oil flow. Now we're talking about
a 15-micron filter. "
Today's engines that run hotter can also benefit
from a higher-efficiency oil filter.
" Our upgraded filter has higher-grade materials
that can resist those higher engine temperatures
for longer durations, " Tucker pointed out.
» The Donaldson Blue filter features a fully
synthetic media pack consisting of smaller
fibers that deliver a higher level of contaminant
capture and retention, all while delivering
lower restriction for maximum oil flow.
Photo courtesy of Donaldson Engine Liquid Filtration
Understanding applicationdriven
needs
Sometimes a mixed fleet that services a wide
range of vehicle types, makes, models, and model
years wants to simplify by inventorying a single
engine oil, typically a 15W-40. Tucker said the
primary consideration is still the drain interval.
If the interval is more along traditional norms of
a 15W-40, a fleet may not be compelled to spend
the extra money on a higher-efficiency filter.
That said, a fleet must also consider the application
a given vehicle is undertaking.
" Applications that run hot or have a heavy
duty cycle - such as mining, short haul, and

june2021

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