Bypass filter blow out, left stranded 3 times!

[TexasExcursion]

I've got the Amsoil BMK-11 bypass filter mounted on my X. I installed it on January 3rd and it has blown the rubber o-ring on top of the spin on canister 3 times since then, each time leaving me and the family stranded.

Here's a picture of the blown--or popped-- o-ring:

Oil on the hood (hood blanket is still draining in the garage from first blowout):

Oil all over the engine bay (taken at service station while refilling):

Needless to say, I'm unhappy with the bypass filter and need advice on fixing the problem. As I see it, I've got 3 choices:

1. Send the bypass filter back to Amsoil, have them inspect it and try to fix it.

2. Send the bypass filter back to Amsoil for a refund, and get the Oilguard bypass filter.

3. Try to fix the thing myself and reinstall it.

Since the rubber o-ring is blowing out, I think that either the Amsoil system can't handle the oil pressure from the engine, or something in the filter assembly is clogged. If the inlet to the bypass were clogged, I'd think that the oil simply would not enter the bypass system. But since the o-ring is blowing out, I think the outlet from the filter is clogged causing too much pressure in the bypass filter element.

Any ideas on what I should look for? My faith in the Amsoil system is pretty much gone (we got stranded yesterday in the mountains in Vermont, -5* windchill, three little kids in truck; luckily I had just enough oil in the back that the truck could hobble back down the mountain to a service station to get more oil). Therefore, #1 and #3 above are not great options.

I sent paperwork to Amsoil asking for a refund for the 8 gallons of HDD 3000 5W30 oil lost on the first two blowouts....that was Friday. The third blowout was Saturday. I'm thinking of getting a refund for the whole ball of wax from them. FWIW, I still like Amsoil oil, just not the bypass system.

What do you recommend?

 

[jvencius]

FWIW, I still like Amsoil oil, just not the bypass system.

What do you recommend?

I would recommend that you chitcan the whole bypass system and stick with the good single filter/frequent oil change option.

I had an Amsoil dual-bypass system in my garage for a while and decided to return it when (1) I couldn't find a good place to mount it since the bracketry for my step bars got in the way and (2) I figured that with a FL-1995 filter and changes every 3K, that is good enough protection and filtration.

 

[Tx_Atty]

If you want a bypass, return that one and go with oilguard. I have been doing research on them all and plan to go with oilguard as soon as I have the funds. The FS2500 is too expensive and not different than oilguard sufficiently to justify the cost. FWIW, I plan on the single bypass and not a dual - as a result of what I have seen and read.

 

[hheynow]

Needless to say, I'm unhappy with the bypass filter and need advice on fixing the problem. As I see it, I've got 3 choices:

1. Send the bypass filter back to Amsoil, have them inspect it and try to fix it.

2. Send the bypass filter back to Amsoil for a refund, and get the Oilguard bypass filter.

3. Try to fix the thing myself and reinstall it.

What do you recommend?

OilGuard!. Had one for three years now without a problem.

 

[Tbar]

Have you called AMSOil...................???

If so, what did they say.......


Tbar

 

[TexasExcursion]

Have you called AMSOil...................???

If so, what did they say.......


Tbar

Didn't call, I emailed with the problem. They're canned solution is to remove the whole thing, pay to ship it to them so they can look at it, then pay them to ship it back. At the time, I thought the problem was due to faulty installation instructions (in regards to how tight to tighten the canister on the assembly). They acknowledged their mistake and told me to send in the paperwork and they'd take care of it; I assume that means refund the lost oil cost and filter cost, but I'll find out shortly what they meant. Since then, it blew out again and now I think it's a mechanical problem.

 

[TexasExcursion]

I would recommend that you chitcan the whole bypass system and stick with the good single filter/frequent oil change option.

I had an Amsoil dual-bypass system in my garage for a while and decided to return it when (1) I couldn't find a good place to mount it since the bracketry for my step bars got in the way and (2) I figured that with a FL-1995 filter and changes every 3K, that is good enough protection and filtration.

I thought about that, but I like the extra protection of the bypass filtration. And I also like the quieter operation and better mileage of the synthetic oil, so I'd like to go 25k between $110 batches of oil instead of 5k.

Option #4 was to scrap the whole thing, but I'd like to look at other options first.

 

[DaveBen]

You will never get your $$$ back from them. Scrap the whole deal and learn a lesson.

Dave

 

[Tx_Atty]

There should be some sort of warranty information with it. If you still have it, read it carefully. You may be able to send it back and (assuming they refuse to refund) contest the charge with your credit card.

 

[Frankenstien]

It sounds as if you have a faulty filter, the system is most likly fine. On the bottom of the filter is a spring and baffel, when the preasure gets to high, the baffel is supposed to open and allow the oil to free flow past the filter. If the Baffel is stuck or if the spring on the bottom of the filter is faulty it would cause the problem you describe. I would get a new filter, I suspect you would be OK after that.