Oil Filter vs. Fuel Filter

[Biffitis]

I was having a little trouble finding an inline oil filter for my Challenger, and then got to thinking, why not just use a fuel filter? Has anyone tried this? Can anyone think of any cons?

I would imagine the media in the filters is very similar, and since it's not a high volume of oil flow...??? I dunno. What does everyone think?

 

[DooWacka]

I assume you are thinking of a non-Seadoo automotive type small plastic fuel filter?
I'm in favor of finding cheaper, but just as effective, replacements for expensive BRP parts.
However, the BRP oil filter has very little restriction, which makes sense if you look through it because it is nothing more than a fine screen. If you blow through most fuel filters they seem pretty open to air, but with the viscosity of oil they may be slower. Some glues and materials will dissolve in oil but not gasoline, and vise versa. So, as long as oil can move through the fuel filter (by blowing) as easily as through an OE oil filter, and if nothing dissolves in the oil, it could be a possible replacement.
I guess some experimentation would be useful.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I asked a similar question a few months ago. I was told by Dr Honda that for my 96 GTX, the aftermarket oil and fuel filters are NOT interchangeable.
You must buy the oil filter at the dealer. So that's what I did. I also bought a big fatty fuel filter at NAPA to install. (mine didn't have one)

Remember this is for an 787 engine.
I personally won't experiment with oil filters...if you get one that restricts the flow you may be asking for trouble.

 

[Biffitis]

So it's a screen rather than a paper element? That would make a difference in the flow rate since it's really only gravity pushing it through to the injection pump. I was thinking it was more automotive type media.

Alright, so the search for a replacement continues... Thanks for the feedback.

 

[DooWacka]

Yes, it is just a screen in the oil filter.
I was surprised when I held a new one up to the light and looked through (like a telescope) to just see a screen inside.
So, you are right, with only gravity getting it to the oil pump, it would have to be pretty "open", to flow well.

 

[Biffitis]

Solved! I picked up a generic inline oil filter for a Ski-doo from a local supplier. Sled parts are readily available up here in the Great White North, eh.