Champion service tools are distributed under license by Ideal Aviation, Mesa, AZ. * Racing Spark Plug Only.
Over Pressurized Lube Oil Filters
Have you ever had a filter that appears to be “BLOWN UP”? Looks like a balloon or the
gasket is protruding from the base of the filter? Often the deformed filter is the only sign
that a problem existed in the lube oil system.
The first thing you want to blame is the filter. However, if the pressure was sufficient to blow
out the gasket or unroll the lockseam, the pilot may have experienced immediate and
costly problems. This should be considered a non- airworthy condition.
A look at how a lube oil system functions will show that the oil pump creates oil pressure. A
pressure-regulating valve controls the upper limit of this pressure, which is usually an integral
part of the pump.
Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of the lube oil system showing the pump, regulating valve, filter
and bearings.
The oil pump supplies sufficient flow to lubricate the bearings and other moving parts of the
engine. This oil must be under pressure if it is to properly separate the highly loaded parts of an
engine and prevent excessive wear. The purpose of the regulating valve is to provide a constant
pressure for the system.
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Bearings
Spin-On Filter
Pressure Regulating
Valve
in Open Position
Excess Oil
Pump
NORMAL PRESSURE
FIG. 1
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