Direction of oil flow through a filter

[Col_T]

A typical modern cartridge oil filter has a large central, threaded, bore and a number of smaller holes around that.

 

A simple question - what is the direction of flow through the filter? I guess that oil is either pumped through the central bore and 'sucked' through the outer central holes, or vice-versa but which?

 

Engine is a Beta BV1505, if that helps.

 

Colin T

[Tony Brooks]

Traditionally in through the small holes, through the filter to the centre and then out of the centre hole. If you think about the old style replaceable element they had a large washer at the bottom to seal the centre hole yet dirt collected in the bowl so oil had to flow from the outside to the centre.

 

The rubber anti-drain back diaphragm on spin on oil filters sits under the small holes to seal them so oil must flow into the small holes so it can push the diaphragm away from the hole. If you tried it the other way the diaphragm would be forced even tighter closed.

Edited December 15, 2016 by Tony Brooks

[BEngo]

Generally a filter works "Outside inwards" so that any debris collects in the bowl of a loose element and canister type. The same convention is followed for a one-piece type as there is most area of filter on the outside and least space for debris in the middle.

 

N

[Col_T]

Excellent, nice and simple - thanks chaps.