Do I really need to change my oil filter?

[Lakesailor]

[ QUOTE ]
Messy and unpleasant on the skin.

[/ QUOTE ] Good grief man. Haven't you heard of latex gloves. You don't see mechanics without them these days.
If you get a reaction there are dusted and undusted types. There are also vinyl gloves or Marigolds.

On the matter of diesel cars with 12,000 miles oil changes. Any good garage will recommend doing a oil and filter change sooner than that. Extended service intervals are a selling proposition that can hurt the longevity of the engine, but as long as it gets out of the warranty period, they don't care.

 

[Anonymous]

Much like my generator oil, thanks.

 

[ytd]

the lack of an air filter on any engine will seriously shorten its life. The med atmosphere may be cleaner than a road but if you get any dust inside or fallout on the deck you need an airfilter. I doubt there is anywhere in the world you don't need one. The dust is ingested by the engine and makes its way into the oil via piston rings and valve guides. Because of the cost of oil and filter changes for large mining machinary, the decision to change them is usually done after a daily or weekly engine oil analysis. A different brand of air filter can shorten the service life from 2 weeks to 1 week.