Challenger Reusable Spin On Oil Filter

[Steve Pierce]

OK, so I changed my oil and cleaned my Challenger reusable oil filter this morning after a short flight before it got too hot around here. I think there is room to remove the filter with the top cowling on for those with a Cub Crafters 180 hp cowling that is a pain to remove.


It is pretty easy to undo 9 South Co 1/4 turn fasteners on my stock cowl so that is what I did. Pretty easy to get to everything.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I put my Form-A-Funnel on top of the muffler to try and catch the oil from the oil filter adapter.


The Form-A-Funnel caught most of the oil.


I did spill a bit but easily wiped up with a rag.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Oil filter removed.


Filter housing with screen removed.


The carbon in the pleats.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Cleaned the screen per the video posted here previously.


It was simple and easy. Put DC4 on the quad ring seal and simple install. Torque per standard specs.

 

[aktango58]

Pretty cool! I like the idea, especially if you work in controlled environments.

While magnets are a great thing, there is plenty of non-ferros metal that might be good to spot if it flows into your filters...

 

[Steve Pierce]

I got a PM asking me about my Challenger oil filter experience. Having done several oil changes since I installed it I tend to change at 25-30 hours and check the filter every other oil change. I soak it in a bucket of mineral spirits and agitate. Then filter through a paint filter like the above pictures and blow out with compressed air. I hate cutting filters and going through paper pleats. This filter probably doesn't have as much filter area as a paper media filter but way better and easier to maintain than filter or a screen.

 

[Speedo]

I got a PM asking me about my Challenger oil filter experience. Having done several oil changes since I installed it I tend to change at 25-30 hours and check the filter every other oil change. I soak it in a bucket of mineral spirits and agitate. Then filter through a paint filter like the above pictures and blow out with compressed air. I hate cutting filters and going through paper pleats. This filter probably doesn't have as much filter area as a paper media filter but way better and easier to maintain than filter or a screen.

Steve, how much time does it take for both types of oil filter change? From the pictures and descriptions you posted of the Challenger change it looks like that takes quite a bit longer. It also looks like you need more stuffs to do the job, like a way to backflush the filter and capture the debris as well as a soaking/agitating bucket.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Way less time to pop the element out of the Challenger than it is to cut open a standard filter, cut the paper media and inspect, less mess as well.

 

[Scooter7779h]

I’m on my second oil change, love it. It really picks up the carbon. When I drain oil, after about 20 minutes when I spin off the Challenger NOT A DROP of oil comes out as it completely drains! I have Casper Labs filter adapter on O-320. Follow the continued airworthiness directions for servicing. It’s so fast and slick for oil changes, probably save 1/2 hour shop time each change. Also, the design may radiate oil heat to make oil temperature come down a bit. Merrill Field Instruments is distributer in AK. Two thumbs up.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[40m]

Tom F changed mine last at annual never did ask what you thought of the filter.

 

[JohnnyR]

Steve,
Still good thoughts about the Challenger filter? I’m considering one for our incoming 470-50 PPonk.
J

I got a PM asking me about my Challenger oil filter experience. Having done several oil changes since I installed it I tend to change at 25-30 hours and check the filter every other oil change. I soak it in a bucket of mineral spirits and agitate. Then filter through a paint filter like the above pictures and blow out with compressed air. I hate cutting filters and going through paper pleats. This filter probably doesn't have as much filter area as a paper media filter but way better and easier to maintain than filter or a screen.

 

[Steve Pierce]

Yep, no issues. Easier to clean and inspect. Only issue was the initial cost but I am over it now. No more $20 oil filters and the mess of cutting them open.

 

[MoJo]

A friend of mine ordered one of these a few years ago, finally getting around to installing it.

Does anyone know why his filter came without the bypass ball in the end? Mine has a bypass like the one pictured. His is closed solid.

 

[jimbenbow]

Does anyone have a copy of the STC close by, if so does it specifically say "Engines fitted previously with oil screen, must have a certified spin-on filter adapter to accept this filter assy"
[FONT=Assistant, sans-serif][COLOR=rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75)][/COLOR][/FONT]I am trying to navigate the paperwork, I have a B&C adaptor fitted to my Lycoming O-320, so would normally require a CH48108 otr Tempest alternate, in the Challenger paperwork I can view, it only mentions Continental Engines on the AML for the CP48108C​