What Advantages does the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter have over a Conventional "FULL-FLOW" Filter?

The direct benefit of installing a Frantz Filter is less engine wear, savings made by using less oil and less frequent oil changes. The Frantz Oil Cleaner is a high-grade "bypass" filter. This means that only a portion of the oil moved by the oil pump is passed though it, but this portion can be filtered to a much finer degree than it would be by a "full-flow" filter. The Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter filters particles as small as one tenth of a micron. These particles are trapped in the filter element. Under load particles as small as 1 micron can cause significant engine wear. Larger particles do not so easily remain suspended in the oil, but tend to settle to the bottom of the crankcase. Any that are sucked into the pump will eventually be trapped by the Frantz filter.

How can Filtering only a portion of the Oil be as effective as filtering all of the oil, like the Full Flow Filter?

When engine oil is cold, it passes through the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter at a rate of about one and one-half cups per minute. When the oil is hot, the rate is four times that, or about one and one-half litres per minute. At this rate, and allowing for mixing, more than 99% of the oil in a five litre crankcase will have passed through the high-grade filter element in only about six minutes. Virtually all the oil is constantly kept clean of fine grit and dust particles which can enter the lubrication system in various ways.

If the Filter Element for the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is so Effective, isn't it rather expensive to replace?

Not at all. Therein lies the real genius of Mr. John Frantz' patented invention. He designed his Oil Cleaner/Filter to use a filter element that is already widely available and cheap: a roll of Toilet Paper! It has been proven that this roll of thin paper, manufactured and sold for a different familiar purpose, is also a most highly effective oil filter. Frantz Filters were originally designed to use the common toilet paper roll. Toilet paper has changed over the years but the filter system hasn't. Most toilet rolls are not suitable for the system. To ensure the best filtration we recommend using only Frantz manufactured filter elements. In the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, the roll is placed over a hollow upright post where it fits snugly. Oil from the engine pressure source flows up through this central post and is forced downward through the circular roll of paper, "from one end of the roll to the other", so to speak, through about 110 mm of densely rolled paper. The oil has nowhere to go except through the paper, which is highly effective in trapping fine particles. The bottom edge of the roll rests upon a metal screen which holds it in place. Filtered oil passes through this screen and is returned to the crankcase. While the toilet paper does a far better job at cleaning oil than the standard spin-on filter, Frantz Filters offer a specially manufactured high density element that refines oil and fuel far more effectively than the humble toilet roll.

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What is a Bypass Filter?

The Frantz Filter is labeled a bypass filter because it is in a fluid circuit that bypasses the standard fluid circuit. Bypass fluid circuits are always installed in addition to standard fluid circuits and this arrangement is used to install high efficiency filtration while allowing the standard lubrication system to perform its job.

Because the Frantz Filter is installed in addition to the standard filter it doesn’t require a bypass valve as the bypass valve is built into the standard filter circuit. Therefore if the standard filter becomes blocked then the bypass valve opens to allow full flow of oil to the engine.

Note: some vehicles are manufactured with OEM bypass filters installed but these by pass filters do not provide any better filtration from the standard filter. As the standard filter blocks and the bypass valve opens, flow is redirected to the by pass filter. These are both full flow filters. As both filters become blocked, these are bypassed and unfiltered oil flows to the engine.

A bypass filter is a device for removing solid contamination from lubricating oil. This type of filter is capable of removing extremely small size particles from the oil by providing filtration in depth through a densely packed filtering media. Oil flow through the bypass type filter is controlled at a rate so deliberate that it can trap and remove from the oil the extremely small solid particles.

Why is the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter better than other bypass filters?

The Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is better because it is more efficient. Its cellulose based tissue element provides a greater depth of filtering media through which the oil must pass (110mm of depth filtration) thus permitting it to remove more contaminants and solid particles of a much smaller size than the conventional bypass filter. In addition, it will remove up to 6 ounces (190mL) of water from the oil.

Just how efficient is the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

On the basis of laboratory reports which have been received from independent oil testing facilities, the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is the most efficient oil filter that is commercially available for automotive engines today. Even after many thousands of kilometers of use, oil filtered through a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter will be free of contamination to such a degree that it is considered analytically clean and suitable for further use. Because the OEM bypass filter is not a highly efficient filter, it is no way as effective as a Frantz oil filter.

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What is a Full-Flow Filter?

A full-flow filter is a device for filtering, removing solid contamination from lubricating oil. In principle, full-flow filtration can be without a doubt the ultimate in oil filtration in that all oil flowing directly to the bearings must first pass through the full-flow filter. However, in actual practice, because of the cost and size limitations, the full-flow filter is no more than a coarse strainer and must be built to guarantee against restricting the oil supply to the engine. The demands of the engine require that bypass valves be built into the system to insure an oil supply to the bearings when the filter will not handle the required volume. These bypass valves bleed at 3p.s.i. and open wide at 9p.s.i. differential pressure across the filter. These pressures may be frequently exceeded on starting the engine and also during normal operation when the filter becomes restricted with contamination. When this occurs, unfiltered dirty oil bypasses the filter and flows directly to the bearings. Despite its practical limitations of keeping the oil clean, it does provide the bearings with some protection by removing particles larger than 25 microns in size. It has been proven that particles as small as 1 micron can cause wear on bearing surfaces when under load. This is why you should install a Frantz oil filter on your engine to remove the contamination that the full flow filter will not.

Will a full-flow filter or a bypass filter provide the best protection for an engine?

The best filter protection that can be economically provided for an engine today is a combination or dual filtering system of a full-flow filter and a bypass filter.

Is there any way that I can visually distinguish a bypass filter from a full-flow filter?

Generally on automobile engines, a bypass filter is connected independently to an engine with external lines. The full-flow filter is normally attached directly to the engine block without external lines. Occasionally a full-flow filter may be installed with external oil lines; however, these lines will be large in diameter (approximately the size of a garden hose).

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Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter lower Engine Oil Pressures?

No. The engine oil pump will produce many times the volume required by the engine and the by-pass filter. Most of the oil pumped is excess and returns directly to the crankcase through the oil pressure regulator valve. A properly serviced oil pump will continue to deliver the flow rates required with a negligible drop in oil pressure.

Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter solve the problem of Fuel Dilution?

Fuel dilution of lube oil is a problem that no filter can solve. Fuel dilution is not a problem in a properly adjusted and tuned engine, as the fuel is evaporated from a hot engine crankcase at a rate which is dependent on the engine temperature reached and the time maintained relative to the number of starts made or the amount of raw fuel added by an engine malfunction.

Will the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter remove Acid from the Oil?

The Frantz Oil Cleaner will not remove acid from the oil. It will prevent the formation of corrosive acid by removing the water from oil. Without water, corrosive acids cannot be formed. Numerous laboratory analyses have shown no acidity content in oil filtered through the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter even after many thousands of kilometers of use. Note: K Acidity (Modification of A.S.T.M. method D974-55T.) See Nov. 1957 edition of American Society for Testing Materials, page 434, i.e., no general relationship between bearing corrosion and acid numbers is known. Naphtholbenzein green-blue indicator is used instead of pink phenolphthalein, to detect the total acidity of both weak and strong acids. The values of acidity tests are doubtful.

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What is the Cleaning Capacity of a Frantz Oil Filter/Cleaner?

Each single unit will clean up to 8 litres of lubricating oil. (This can be up to 10 litres with more frequent element changes)     A dual filter system (contains two elements) can be installed to provide sufficient cleaning capability for those engines with a crankcase capacity exceeding 8 litres and up to 20 litres. The size of the filter is matched to the engine capacity.

Why are hose clamps needed in addition to the Push-on Hose Fittings?

Although push-on hose fittings were originally designed to form a perfect seal, it has been determined that the additional use of the Oetiker clamps provides prolonged safety and security of the hose connections. (This is highly recommended by the current manufacturer, for long term use and satisfaction similar to Automobile manufacturer procedures).

Does the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter fuel line wear out?

The hose used with the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is the best quality fuel line obtainable for its purpose. It will give years of satisfactory service with little or no maintenance; however, like any rubber-like material, it can become weathered over a period of years. When the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is transferred to a new car, we recommend that the hose be replaced as a safety precaution.
Note: When oil line shows any indication of deterioration (hardening or cracking) it should be replaced.

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What is the effective life of the Base Tetra Seal?

Gaskets of ALL materials have a limited life. The standard practice in the filter industry is to replace the gasket each time the filter is removed whether or not it is deteriorated or damaged.
Rubber-like gasket materials take a permanent set under compression, particularly under elevated temperatures which tend to speed age hardening. As far as we know, the gasket material that will overcome these problems has not yet been invented. These are plain "gasket facts", and we must live with them.
Our Base Tetra Seal gasket can be successfully reused if it is turned each time the tissue element is changed. For best results, it should be rolled 90 degrees so that the top surface becomes the outer diameter. As long as the gasket remains soft and pliable this system will work. A good practice would be to change the gasket on every (4th) filter change.
Thoroughly clean the gasket and groove when reusing or installing a new gasket. Dirt is frequently the cause of leakage.

Is the Steel Locking Clamp safe?

Yes. This "over the center" locking clamp is one of the most positive pressure clamps available. Tests that were first conducted by the Engineering Department of the previous manufacturer in Stockton, California, revealed that this locking clamp firmly held the cylinder kit to the oil cleaner base at pressures above 400p.s.i. Needless to say, this oil pressure far exceeds of any normal oil pressures which would be encountered in actual use.
Note: The Model C, 2nd edition, manufactured in Stockton, California (1976-1988) and the newly manufactured Model 2000 (SE), currently manufactured by We Filter It!, uses an "over the center" clamp that straddles the two mating halves of the flange with a "T" bolt and black knob for better stability. This clamp pulls the two halves of the flange; the filter base and the element canister, together with a high compressive force. (This change took place due to some instability reported of the "D clip" holding the clamp latch down on early model Frantz filters). This new type clamp is required on many aircraft engine low and high pressure oil fittings and other engine parts including fuel and oil pump assemblies.

Can the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter be used to clean lubricating oil on marine engines?

Yes. The Frantz Marine Unit is recommended for this type of installation. With the Model 2000 (SE), the canisters are made of solid stainless steel and the aluminum bases are "anodized" to resist corrosion and rust. Larger multi-element filter units are available that are made of stainless steel specifically for these types of applications.

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What happens if the tissue element is not serviced for an indefinite period?

The tissue element will become clogged with solid contamination and shut off the flow of oil through the Frantz Oil Cleaner. The oil in the crankcase would not be cleaned.

What is the Flow Rate of Oil through a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

The normal rate of flow of 30 weight oil at a temperature of 180 degrees F (82°C) and 30p.s.i. is approximately 1 litre per minute. This flow rate will vary depending on oil viscosity, temperature and oil pressure. It also depends on the service condition of the oil pump and the ability of the pump to deliver oil flow and pressure when the oil viscosity decreases under normal operating conditions. Flow rates are higher for multi element systems because each element works in parallel. For example: For the same conditions as above, a 3 element system will filter 3 times the volume in the same time span.

How Efficient is the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

The Frantz Filter has a nominal rating of 0.1 microns which means that at least 85% of particles of 0.1 microns or larger in size will be trapped by the filter and up to 6 ounces (190mls) of water.

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What quality or type of Hose is used for the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

The oil line supplied for use with the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is a "lock-on" type fabric reinforced neoprene line for use with lubricating oil and fuel. This oil line is rated at 300p.s.i. constant work pressure at 300 F (150ºC) degrees and a guaranteed minimum burst pressure of 800p.s.i.

What is the Base Gasket made of?

The base seal, or gasket, is made from the finest quality material available. It will give many months of trouble free service under normal conditions. Each time the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter cylinder is removed for servicing; the base gasket should be wiped clean and inspected. Eventually, the gasket will harden and develop a groove from the edge of the cylinder, which will lead to oil leakage. Gaskets should be replaced at least once a year to assure reliable service.

What about Oil Pressure?

The flow rate of the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is primarily controlled by a restricting orifice located at the "inlet" opening in the filter base "or supply line to Filter". This orifice is the standard size for bypass filters as required by Federal Specifications F-F 351a, and is the size used by most oil filter manufacturers in their bypass filters for automotive engines.
The lubricating oil pump, in any engine, has the capacity to produce many times the volume of oil required by the oil system of the engine. Most of the oil volume produced is bypassed by means of an oil pump regulator valve and dumped directly back into the crankcase. The very small amount of oil diverted by the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is supplied from the excess oil produced by the pump.
When properly installed on a normally functioning engine, the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter cannot lower the oil pressure or "starve" an engine of oil to the extent as to cause damage.

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What does it mean when you say the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter can be used as a "Barometer" for Preventive Maintenance?

Due to the unique filter media and construction of The Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, it is one of the greatest indicators of engine malfunctions. "Reading" the used tissue element and making a visual comparison with the Instant Engine Analysis chart provides an early detection of engine malfunction when abnormal deposits are seen. Such early detection of engine trouble can prevent more extensive damage and save you costly repair bills.

What are the recommended Service Intervals for a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

After you install your Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, the first Element Change should be at 1000-1500 km. Thereafter, these guidelines should be followed.
In Town Driving: Change your filter element every 2 months or 3000 km.
Highway Driving: Change your filter element every 4 months or 8000 km.
If you're driving is a combination, change your filter element every 3 months or 5000 km.
Diesel Engines should decrease these limits by 25%.

How am I supposed to Service my Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

Always service your Frantz Oil Filter after your engine has been turned off for at least 1/2 hour. This allows the excess oil to drain from the filter and the filter to cool enough to handle. The steps to replace the filter element are:
1. Remove the Clamp.
2. Pull off the Canister.
3. Remove the filter element.
4. Replace with a clean new filter element.
5. Replace Canister.
6. Replace Clamp.
7. Top up your engine Oil Level: (Usually 800-1000mLs)
8. Start the engine and check seal and hoses for signs of leakage.
9. Check seals and hose for serviceable condition and replace if showing signs of wear.

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My Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter does not have the same kind of clamp you show on your website. Do I have the wrong one?

There are two types of Clamps used with the Frantz Oil Filter. The first and newest is a black knob with a "T" bolt type. The second and older version is an "over center" type. If you have not had any problems with the older version coming undone, you should be fine. To change out your filter element, you either unscrew the black knob and lift off clamp or swing the safety "D" clip out of the way, and snap the clamp open and then lift off.

Now that I have removed the Clamp, it seems as though the canister won't come off. What do I do?

To remove the canister, rock back and forth a few times to release the vacuum. When off, use the pull ring to remove the old filter element. Wipe the canister with a clean rag. Replace the pull ring into a new filter element and push it back into the canister. You may need to remove a couple wraps to get the filter element into the canister; just be sure it is snug & not too tight or too loose. Push the filter element in with the heels of your hands, and then push in further with a quart can or small arbor press if available. Wipe the base gasket clean of excess oil. Give the canister top one hard hit with your fist end & replace the clamp making sure that as it tightens, it pulls the canister flange toward the base evenly and together. If your clamp has the "D" clip, make sure you replace it, too.

Does a Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter have to be mounted in a certain position for proper operation?

No. Since the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter is pressurized, it can be mounted in any position.(Right side Up, Upside Down, Sideways or at an Angle). For servicing the best positions are vertical; upright or down.

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If I do not have access to the Oil Pressure Sending Unit on my Vehicle, how else can I provide the Pressure feed into the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

If access to your vehicles oil pressure sending unit is either difficult or impossible, we do offer for an additional cost, an Adapter Ring that can be placed between the engine block and your spin on full flow filter.

Can't I still use any brand or type of TP for my Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter?

Most toilet rolls are no longer suitable because they are wound too loosely or are embossed resulting in poor filtration.  For optimal performance of the Frantz oil cleaner/filter we recommend buying Frantz replacement elements which are specifically manfactured to achieve the best filtration.

I changed my Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter from my old car to my new one and I now have a leak problem around the base clamp. What is wrong?

The much older filter units did not have the flow restrictor due to the low pressure and flow generated by the early pumps. If you have moved your Frantz from an older vehicle to a newer one and have a leak problem, you may need a 1/16" Orifice Restrictor to help control the pressure of oil flow into the unit now. This can happen with vehicles that have a higher than normal oil pressure pump. Leaking is caused when oil is forced into the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter faster than it can exit. The other causes for leakage could be dirt on the seal or the seal needs replacing.

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What is a Frantz Transmission Filter?

It is the same as the Frantz Oil Cleaner/Filter, however it is fitted with a special adapter to allow bypass cleaning/filtration of your Transmission Fluid. The hose that is supplied as standard has pressure and temperature specifications suited for this application.

Does the oil need multiple passes through the filter to be cleaned?

When the engine is operating, oil is continuously pumped through the Frantz filter. At the same time, contaminants are continuously introduced to the engine oil and the Frantz Filter is continuously removing contaminants. By matching the correct size filter unit to the engine, the rate of removal of contaminants should meet or exceed the rate of introduction. In this situation, you should never have to change the oil and only top it up when you change your elements.

Will the Frantz Filter remove Carbon Black from the oil?

The majority of Carbon black (soot) is removed. This can be demonstrated by performing a spot test where several drops of oil are placed on some tissue or blotting paper. The oil will spread out through the paper leaving the soot and other contaminants on the spot where the oil was deposited. Perform the spot test using oil that hasn’t been filtered with a Frantz filter and then repeat using a sample of oil that has been filtered through a Frantz filter and compare the spots for contaminants. The comparison shows that the oil which has not passed through the Frantz filter will have a much darker spot indicating a higher level of carbon and other solid contaminants. This can be independently verified by having the oil analyzed by a NATA certified laboratory experienced in oil analysis.

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Can the Frantz Filter be used to filter air?

Yes. There are many industrial applications requiring clean, dry air. Most compressed air services supply air up to 120psi. The Frantz filter is designed to withstand these pressures and is used in these applications.

What is a Frantz Fuel Filter?

A Frantz Fuel filter is an in-line filter using the same elements as the oil filter and will remove water and other solid contaminants from fuel. Giving protection against poor quality fuel and costly damage to fuel injectors.

Do I need a booster pump with my Frantz Fuel filter?

Not always. Most fuel pumps have enough suction to draw the fuel from the tank through the Frantz filter into the inlet manifold and deliver adequate fuel flow to the engine. However, there are circumstances where a booster pump can have some advantages. It is a good idea to have a booster pump installed as you cannot guarantee the quality of the fuel at the bowser. If there is water in the fuel, this will sit on top of the filter element and can cause restriction of flow through the filter even when eventually absorbed by the filter element. On diesel engines if tanks are not properly serviced and cleaned, bacteria can grow and this can lead to filter blockage requiring higher pressures to pump the fuel through the filter. If you know that your fuel supply has been contaminated, more regular element changes are advisable. If the filter becomes too blocked, the engine will loose power under load and is the first sign that the fuel filter element should be changed.

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Can the Frantz Fuel filter be used with Bio-diesel?

Yes. Most Biodiesel users make their own fuel. The quality of the fuel is unverified and can still have contaminants such as glycerin. This fuel needs to be filtered properly using a Frantz filter and it is advised that a booster pump is installed at the tank to ensure adequate pressure at the inlet to the filter.

Can the Frantz Filter be used with (SVO) straight vegetable oil?

Yes. Straight vegetable oil has a higher viscosity than petroleum diesel and biodiesel and must be heated at the tank and throughout the fuel line to decrease viscosity and allow normal fuel flow rates. It is advisable to install a booster pump when using SVO because there may be solid contaminants in the oil if the oil is not properly pre-filtered before being pumped into the fuel tank.

Can the Frantz Filter be used as an off-line fuel filter?

Yes. We have a range of filter products suitable for all types of offline fuel cleaning/refining (polishing). Contact us to learn more.

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Can the Frantz Filter be used as an off-line oil filter?

Yes. We have a range of filer products suitable for all types of off-line oil cleaning/refining. Contact us to learn more.

What is the filter element made of?

The Frantz Filter element is made from a special grade of cellulose fibre and is densely compacted to provide effective sub-micron filtration.

Does the Filter element break down and deteriorate?

No. The material used is specifically chosen for strength and durability to maintain its structural integrity for the applications in which it is used. The material does not break down when in use because the fundamental causes that lead to degradation of cellulose fibres are not present.

How is installing a Frantz Filter helping the environment?

Installing a Frantz Filter reduces the amount of oil used over the engine or vehicles life time. Less spin-on filters, metal and rubber products are used. The Frantz Filter assists in reducing the amount of non-renewable energy sources used to manufacture the oil, including coal and natural gas. Therefore less CO2 emissions are pumped into the atmosphere Less petrochemical resources are used to produce the oil and rubber therefore less waste products are generated.