I'm not understanding by that would be a problem. The lower the micron rating the smaller the particles it will filter, thus longer engine life. Just fyi, I use the same Wix filter on all my Kawasaki's. http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=51348. I order them in bulk (50+) at a time for less than 3.25 a piece from fleetfilter. They have a micron rating of 15 which is pretty good.

 

I'm not understanding by that would be a problem. The lower the micron rating the smaller the particles it will filter, thus longer engine life. Just fyi, I use the same Wix filter on all my Kawasaki's. http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=51348. I order them in bulk (50+) at a time for less than 3.25 a piece from fleetfilter. They have a micron rating of 15 which is pretty good.

That's basically my thinking as well, I just didn't know if on these small engines at some point the filter could become too restrictive. I don't actually have a clear conception on what a 15 micron difference would mean on flow, if anything. Other than the lower micron rating should be better, one would think.

Good price on the Wix filters, I've used them quite a bit in the past and think they are top notch. I've been buying Baldwin from Zoro Tools for the past few years and use them on the trucks, tractor, etc. They are priced in the $5-6 range with free shipping, so I feel like its a fair deal for a good filter.

 

I'm not getting into a lengthy discussion over this but I can tell you I'm seeing longer oil change intervals with the use of synthetics myself, apparently low micron filters can help in this regard although there does exist some concern in regards to the bypass valve.

 

No problem.
I generally try to fit a longer bodied filter on a unit if possible. Longer = more oil capacity, every little bit helps when there ain't that much oil to start with. I would see if baldwin makes a longer filter, myself.

 

There are lots of longer filters out there. But it all depends on the machine. The ztr I could fit one, but the stander has a height adjustment lever running on that left side and wouldn't allow a longer filter on one of my standers. I do agree, I like longer filters, but they won't fit all my applications. When I order, I order in bulk for discount, so I get the same filter and use it on every machine. As far as the filter being restrictive with lower microns. I don't think so, I've never had an oil related failure, in fact I've never had any small engine failure and I've been using these 15 micron's since day one.

 

I'm not getting into a lengthy discussion over this but I can tell you I'm seeing longer oil change intervals with the use of synthetics myself, apparently low micron filters can help in this regard although there does exist some concern in regards to the bypass valve.

I've seen plenty of UOA's from Blackstone saying there's much life left in some synthetics that haven't been changed in a high amount of hours or miles. However, I use synthetics and still do oil changes every 50 hours like clock work on the mowers. Some people may call it an over-kill I call it cheap insurance. Not only cheap insurance, but it gives me peace at mind at night. I've changed the oil in my gasoline truck with synthetics ever since new every 3,000 miles like clock work and it has no signs in giving up at 315,000 miles of towing a trailer. Pretty remarkable for a gasoline engine. So I'm going to keep trucking these 50 hour mower changes and 3k mile truck changes since it's working for me. Not saying your wrong or trying to start a debate, just saying what's worked for me. What works for you might not work for me and what works for me might not work for you.

 

Well how about a S-10. Mobil one every 3500. Never anything heavier than a surf rod and waders. Lifter failure @125000. You were lucky about the life. Most oem filters are 98 - 99% efficient. The rest is Madison Ave horsechit.
Flow is as important as micron rating. IMO.

 

I've seen plenty of UOA's from Blackstone saying there's much life left in some synthetics that haven't been changed in a high amount of hours or miles. However, I use synthetics and still do oil changes every 50 hours like clock work on the mowers. Some people may call it an over-kill I call it cheap insurance. Not only cheap insurance, but it gives me peace at mind at night. I've changed the oil in my gasoline truck with synthetics ever since new every 3,000 miles like clock work and it has no signs in giving up at 315,000 miles of towing a trailer. Pretty remarkable for a gasoline engine. So I'm going to keep trucking these 50 hour mower changes and 3k mile truck changes since it's working for me. Not saying your wrong or trying to start a debate, just saying what's worked for me. What works for you might not work for me and what works for me might not work for you.

I wouldn't know, these aren't conventional oils, the same rules do not apply.