Gregory Bender
Gregory Bender
Gregory Bender
 

Oil filter comparison

Suzuki DR350 motorcycles, 1990 - 1999.

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I've used the Tusk oil filter for several years on my Suzuki DR350, but lately I've noticed that the small O-ring that seals the filter to the engine case is displaced after I remove the filter. This is very disconcerting, as the purpose of the O-ring is to seal the filter such that oil is forced through the filter media. So, I purchased a Suzuki filter and took some photos and measurements. Based on my analysis, I will be using the Suzuki filter.

O-ring is clearly distorted and pushed out of place by the oil filter. This photo was taken after only a few hundred miles. After a couple of thousand miles, the distortion is much more severe due to the prolonged pressure and heat.
O-ring is clearly distorted and pushed out of place by the oil filter. This photo was taken after only a few hundred miles. After a couple of thousand miles, the distortion is much more severe due to the prolonged pressure and heat.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

O-ring is clearly distorted and pushed out of place by the oil filter. This photo was taken after only a few hundred miles. After a couple of thousand miles, the distortion is much more severe due to the prolonged pressure and heat.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

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Tusk filter on left; Suzuki filter on right.
Tusk filter on left; Suzuki filter on right.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Tusk filter on left; Suzuki filter on right.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

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Tusk filter on left: measures 59.9 mm in overall diameter; Suzuki filter on right: measures 59.72 mm in overall diameter. In my experience, this minor difference is insignificant.
Tusk filter on left: measures 59.9 mm in overall diameter; Suzuki filter on right: measures 59.72 mm in overall diameter. In my experience, this minor difference is insignificant.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Tusk filter on left: measures 59.9 mm in overall diameter; Suzuki filter on right: measures 59.72 mm in overall diameter. In my experience, this minor difference is insignificant.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

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Tusk filter on left: measures 33.94 mm in overall height; Suzuki filter on right: measures 32.34 mm in overall height. In my experience, the greater overall height of the Tusk filter directly causes the small O-ring to be displaced, greatly compromising the seal.
Tusk filter on left: measures 33.94 mm in overall height; Suzuki filter on right: measures 32.34 mm in overall height. In my experience, the greater overall height of the Tusk filter directly causes the small O-ring to be displaced, greatly compromising the seal.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Tusk filter on left: measures 33.94 mm in overall height; Suzuki filter on right: measures 32.34 mm in overall height. In my experience, the greater overall height of the Tusk filter directly causes the small O-ring to be displaced, greatly compromising the seal.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

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Tusk filter on left: depression measures ~1.6 mm in depth; Suzuki filter on right: depression measures ~1.9 mm in depth. In my experience, the shallower depth and more gradual corners of the Tusk depression may contribute to the small O-ring being displaced, thus compromising the seal.
Tusk filter on left: depression measures ~1.6 mm in depth; Suzuki filter on right: depression measures ~1.9 mm in depth. In my experience, the shallower depth and more gradual corners of the Tusk depression may contribute to the small O-ring being displaced, thus compromising the seal.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Tusk filter on left: depression measures ~1.6 mm in depth; Suzuki filter on right: depression measures ~1.9 mm in depth. In my experience, the shallower depth and more gradual corners of the Tusk depression may contribute to the small O-ring being displaced, thus compromising the seal.

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Direct link to image