How do you all like your remote oil filter setups?

[Lou C]

Thanks for the answer! Well when I get the valve I’ll see if I can test it & see at what psi it opens. I wish we knew which valve GM used in the marine/industrial
engine blocks. Only other thing I know is mine was from Tonawanda NY not Romulus Mi. That’s the 2 plants that built the 4.3s….

 

[Pmt133]

I honestly think by the time the 90s rolled around, the blocks on the line were all the same and just were boxed and sent wherever. The last marine 350 I tore down (original to the boat) had the same cam in it as my 00 c3500. Casting numbers and all.

I think pretty much all s10s had an oil cooler too... so most of the 4.3l engines probably had a higher bypass pressure even without the remote filter...

 

[Pmt133]

So I made the confirmation on this yesterday. I didn't accurately measure the bypass pressure but I can say the original installed in the block was lower than the mercruiser one I added. I used a 1/8 drill bit to depress both plungers and the factory one took maybe 1/3 the pressure of the mercruiser one used with the remote filter kit. The mercruiser part is stamped with an AC and has a 28 inside the end of the bypass.

I used a bolt to thread into the old valve and was able to yank it out by hand. The bore had a lip I tapped the new one down to using a 1/4 inch drive 7/16 socket with extension which was the perfect driver. Being I used a large amount of force to get it seated I didn't bother peening it in place as the original wasn't and showed no signs of being pulled or walking out.

Total cost of parts, $230....
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CXvcHBOtFG2cXYR-jQ4tGYg-vlVLpj3J/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CUTlee7LlUsdcXMWRL2XXLysfC6dmmB9/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CRGQ_zsRC5IFU_4emsnxZ7X8fWrs91xa/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CGa6ipts3xrA_9Dc9Y-DfOsLbxmLZQAF/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C78JmLd0c3N3AchCc5ehDloajZUjJEm0/view?usp=drivesdk

I'm sure you'll ask why I put the filter there... I have rod holders on the dog house. They land exactly where the filter mount would normally be. I don't want to lose those.

Also, it allows for me to use an off the shelf hydraulic hose. 24" is a pretty standard size.

 

[Lou C]

Thanks for the confirmation on the bypass. I think I bought that same valve from Merc, I have to check the package. As my engine is installed I can't get at it for now, so not going to install the kit I bought from Michigan Motorz till I have to pull the engine due to old age or whatever happens. I'm planning on running that engine as long as I can, till the block rusts through or it starts making expensive noises. I have pacified it for some time by running Mercruiser's best Syn Blend 25/50 oil. We'll see how far I get lol. Got 7 seasons so far on my top end overhaul from 2017.
In the meantime I'll just continue pulling out the port side rear seat, sliding the battery back a bit and using the conventional filters. I have part of an old rear seat that I saved to lie down on while doing that, lol. At 68 years old almost 69 I'm glad I can still do this stuff.

 

[Pmt133]

Thanks for the confirmation on the bypass. I think I bought that same valve from Merc, I have to check the package. As my engine is installed I can't get at it for now, so not going to install the kit I bought from Michigan Motorz till I have to pull the engine due to old age or whatever happens. I'm planning on running that engine as long as I can, till the block rusts through or it starts making expensive noises. I have pacified it for some time by running Mercruiser's best Syn Blend 25/50 oil. We'll see how far I get lol. Got 7 seasons so far on my top end overhaul from 2017.
In the meantime I'll just continue pulling out the port side rear seat, sliding the battery back a bit and using the conventional filters. I have part of an old rear seat that I saved to lie down on while doing that, lol. At 68 years old almost 69 I'm glad I can still do this stuff.

If you're good with a mirror you probably could do the valve installed. Though it would take 10 seconds if the engine is already out. I fought the old oil filter more than anything. This engine for whatever reason always is a pain with removing the filter... Gets really good and stuck with a normal hand tight installation.

 

[Lou C]

If you're good with a mirror you probably could do the valve installed. Though it would take 10 seconds if the engine is already out. I fought the old oil filter more than anything. This engine for whatever reason always is a pain with removing the filter... Gets really good and stuck with a normal hand tight installation.

I did think of that but bending myself into the spot I've have to get into, is beyond my current physical flexibility lol. And don't want to muck it up. I use either Sierra or Merc filters and have never had trouble getting one off. Another good option for these engines is Wix. I have a collection of about 10 different cap wrenches so I always have one that fits. But yes, next engine remote oil filter AND closed cooling are a MUST. I will gladly pay the extra $$ for closed cooling.

 

[Pmt133]

I know I already posted it, but here are the photos for the remote filter setup. When changing the filter last week I poked a hole in the filter and loosened it until the gasket just touched the base plate. Completly drained and no mess at all. Much better than the non remote mount.

The bypass spring was lighter in the block for anyone interested. Mercruiser PN in last photo.

 

[Lou C]

Thanks for posting that, it answers the question, that you do have to change the valve, even though the guys at Michigan Motorz who sell engines with that kit, and also sell the kit, say you don't. I think I bought the same Merc valve, I have to check it to see. I wonder if the "28" on the valve refers to the psi rating?

 

[jimmbo]

I like them installed with the Flow going through the Filter the Correct Direction. 22yrs ago, when I bought my Boat, I had the Dealer install the Remote Filter. 2 Seasons later, at about 100hrs, the engine sounded like it had Mechanical Lifters. I happened to touch the Oil Filter nad noticed it was barely above the temp in the Bilge. I knew the Filter speced for the Motor, had the Anti-Drainback Valve.... I took it back to the Dealer, and told them what I had Observed. They called me the next day and confirmed the Hoses were swapped, so the Engine had run 100 hrs with no filtering of the Oil(bypass in the Block opened allowing the unfiltered Oil to pass). They pulled the Engine, tore it apart and found lots of badly worn Bearings, Rocker Arms, Valve Guides, Damaged to Crank and Cam, and lots of Metal in the Pan. They ended up ordering a New Long Block from Volvo

 

[Lou C]

OK went and checked, same part # on the bag, although the number stamped is a '9' or a '6' so I guess that doesn't mean anything. Since I have to get in that area anyway to pull the drain plug, I can just keep using the block mount for now, I am going to switch from the short Merc filter to the longer Wix filter (BTW the Merc filters used to be longer, they are really small now).
I read a test of used oil filters in Practical Sailor, they cut open a bunch of filters, here are the results.
Might not want to use Sierra or Fram....

Marine Oil Filter Comparison Test - Practical Sailor

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

www.practical-sailor.com

 

[Franco_boater]

Hello, im following this topic for a while. Why do You need to replace check valve at the filter?
Now I am using longer WIX filter instead OEM. Is it worth to replace and go for remote kit? Does anyone know the # number for Mercruiser/Sierra for 4.3L V6??

 

[Lou C]

It is a bypass valve, that opens if the filter clogs, this "should" be replaced if you change from a normal block mounted filter to the remote, due to the extra resistance to flow in the remote filter hoses, you don't want the oil to by pass the filter much of the time. However, in some boat installations, the bypass valve is very difficult to access as much as I'd like to install the remote filter set up I have, don't want to chance boogering this job up.

 

[Franco_boater]

Oh i see, i assume it might be difficult to unscrew / reach it for me…. I think I’ll stick to the filter at the block just a longer version from Wix

 

[Lou C]

Keep in mind you have to be careful with any remote oil filter system because there are a lot more places they can leak oil. The adapter on the block, the oil line fittings etc. If your boat has decent access for a once a season oil change you can just keep doing that.