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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 11:54 am 
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There is always a lot of grit found in my oil filter when I send it in for oil analysis. I cant find anywhere that I think unfiltered air is getting into the system. Only other thing is I would think is that I would need to try a different air filter. Any other suggestions as to how to lower the amount of grit being found?


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Rich Brazell
PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 2:14 pm 
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Is it solid "grit" like pieces of sand or is it black granules that can be crushed when put between your fingers ? :o If it is black and can be crushed it may just be carbon deposits from combustion . Exactly what are the oil guys saying it is ? ??? I used the disposable foam infused with some type of oil from ACS for my air filter . :P What filter are you using now ?

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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 9:08 am 
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When I cut my own open, it doesn't look black like carbon. I do notice some grit (like sand or dirt), but it doesn't worry me when looking at it. When I send the filter into Avlab for analysis, they always come back with "Major Grit" found. I use a Wix brand filter. I guess it would be worth a try to use another brand. Im just wondering if Im missing something obvious thats allowing the dirt/grit into the system which is being caught by my filter.

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WIX filter.jpeg
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jrevens
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 11:02 am 
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Hey Ryan,

Are you talking about sending your air filter into a lab for analysis (shown in the picture), or your oil filter. And surely you're not sending the whole oil filter in - just an oil sample, right? Do you fly from a dirt strip?

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Rich Brazell
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 11:55 am 
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I thought you were talking oil filter and don't call me Surely . ??? If it is the air filter is it possible that it is not sealing correctly in the housing ? :o

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fytrplt
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 2:11 pm 
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Carb heat air leak?

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Jeff J
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 2:15 pm 
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Proper fit of the air filter in the housing was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw what is being used. I have seen that style of filter siliconed top and bottom because of improper fit (loose). Carb heat boxes are rarely tight and provide unfiltered air if on.

I would think the analysis shop could tell what the "grit" is. Grit could be anything from carbon to sandblasting media or even metal filings.

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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 4:42 pm 
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Sorry for the confusion. I am talking about the results of my oil filter analysis. I have called Avlab about what "grit" means, and although I cant recall exactly what they said now, I came away with the understanding that it was basically dirt. I was thinking that the only way grit could be getting in was around a poor fitting air filter (and now I'll check the carb heat box too). I only fly off paved runways.

I just wanted to bounce it off everyone in case I was missing something obvious.


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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 4:15 pm 
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well, I called Avlab today to reinforce my understanding of what "major grit" was and what they considered "grit"......and I am glad I did. Apparently, when they say "major grit" was found in my oil filter, that is a good thing, and it means my filter is doing its job really well. Grit is defined as anything that is caught by the filter. I hope that may help somebody understand their filter analysis in the future.


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Jeff J
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 4:31 pm 
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I am glad to hear you didn't have a problem that needed fixing.

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Rich Brazell
PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 5:27 pm 
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Ryan : Did you find my lucky penny in that filter ? ???

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speedbird1
PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2020 10:12 am 
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You may want to think about the drain tube that you use the get the oil out, if you use one? Those tubes get dumped on a bench after use and collect dirt which in turn comes out in the sample that you send off.
I just had the same problem with my Debonair and the tube I used had not been used for a while and was the culprit. Wash the tube out with gas before use was my solution.
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TonyNZ
PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 6:25 pm 
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Ryan
The filter in your picture, is that the one called out in the original Thorp drawings? I'm having a great deal of trouble trying to find one for my T18. I gather its a WIX, can you give me a part number.
Cheers
Tony
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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 6:30 pm 
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I don't know if its the one called out in the original drawings, but it fits my filter box like a glove. Its WIX part # 42091. I have just switched to using a K&N Filter that is a cross referenced fit to the WIX 42091 in hopes of reducing the amount of grit found in my oil filter samples.


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TonyNZ
PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 7:35 pm 
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Thanks Ryan
Dimensions look familiar, all I need to do now is find a local supplier. WIX is not common in NZ!
Cheers
Tony


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