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ITV oil filter alternatives
⚠CAUTION - WARNING - DANGER - OMG⚠
This is only a description of what I have done, could be entirely stupid, and in no way suggests what you should or might do. Your actions are on your own judgment and entirely your responsibility.
Where I started: The original oil filters in my ITVs were the MWM 9.0541.18.8.0018. The MWM (now a subsidiary of International/Navistar) Sprint 2.8L TCA4.07 turbodiesel engine has been used by VW and GM globally, but original-style filters have been difficult to find in the USA. These oil filters are fairly common in Europe and elsewhere, where I have found filters online for under $20US delivered and up, under commercial listings such as:
⚠CAUTION - WARNING - DANGER - OMG⚠
Where I am now: I located a filter that is dimensionally identical for mounting threads, similar for gasket size, though with a smaller diameter but longer body. This filter is listed for 1983-1995 Ford, IHC, Navistar and Mercury Marine 6.9 and 7.3 diesel engines (among others), carrying Ford OEM part numbers such as:
This filter type has generally better flow and filtration ratings than the MWM original, however it does not contain a bypass valve nor an anti-drainback valve. The apparent purpose of the bypass valve is to bypass unfiltered oil above a certain filter pressure, such as when the filter becomes clogged or the oil is very thick at very low temperatures, and could collapse or rupture the filter element. However, many experts and racers prefer no bypass in order to ensure all of the oil is filtered. Again, your judgment applies here.
There is a version available that claims to contain an 18-22 psi bypass (but no AD valve) under:
In order to test this filter, I purchased a $4 economy MicroGard (WIX/M&H?) for temporary trials. Removal of the original filter type was fairly easy, but would rub and bind against the power steering hydraulic hoses (see old filter hose indent in photo). Installation of the new test filter was also straightforward, but also pressed against the same hose further back. It appears the hose is not collapsed as much as with the original filter. For seal-testing purposes, I only tightened minimally with bare hands to about 3/4-turn past gasket contact.
After installation and test run, no leaks and full "normal" oil pressures were observed. Since that time I have driven a few days around town without issue. There has been no delay in pressure rise on cold startup so far (minimum 40F/4C), with maximum time between runs about 24 hours. As I was unable to remove and measure the ITV oil filter adapter, I could not verify if the gasket sealing is marginal or full-contact and ready for a nuclear blast. Assistance by others in this regard would be appreciated.
Note that I have only tested briefly at local speeds and temperatures, and higher pressures possibly due to high-rpm or colder weather has not been tested, but so far it seems quite happy. I am watching pressures closely and carrying a spare original-type filter and extra oil while I test. I will update with any new info as it becomes available. Other possible options are welcome!
⚠CAUTION - WARNING - DANGER - OMG⚠
DO NOT try anything I did without your own research and judgment. It is not a proven alternative, and could easily cause serious harm or damage.
This is only a description of what I have done, could be entirely stupid, and in no way suggests what you should or might do. Your actions are on your own judgment and entirely your responsibility.
Where I started: The original oil filters in my ITVs were the MWM 9.0541.18.8.0018. The MWM (now a subsidiary of International/Navistar) Sprint 2.8L TCA4.07 turbodiesel engine has been used by VW and GM globally, but original-style filters have been difficult to find in the USA. These oil filters are fairly common in Europe and elsewhere, where I have found filters online for under $20US delivered and up, under commercial listings such as:
- Bosch 0451103368
- VW 062 115 561
- Mann W1323
- Hengst H300W09
- and many more.
⚠CAUTION - WARNING - DANGER - OMG⚠
Where I am now: I located a filter that is dimensionally identical for mounting threads, similar for gasket size, though with a smaller diameter but longer body. This filter is listed for 1983-1995 Ford, IHC, Navistar and Mercury Marine 6.9 and 7.3 diesel engines (among others), carrying Ford OEM part numbers such as:
- E2PJ6714AA
- E3TZ6731A
- MCFFL784
- 1990 Ford F-250 Diesel
- Ford Motorcraft FL784
- WIX 51742
- Purolator PL30288
- and many others.
This filter type has generally better flow and filtration ratings than the MWM original, however it does not contain a bypass valve nor an anti-drainback valve. The apparent purpose of the bypass valve is to bypass unfiltered oil above a certain filter pressure, such as when the filter becomes clogged or the oil is very thick at very low temperatures, and could collapse or rupture the filter element. However, many experts and racers prefer no bypass in order to ensure all of the oil is filtered. Again, your judgment applies here.
There is a version available that claims to contain an 18-22 psi bypass (but no AD valve) under:
- WIX Racing 57007R
In order to test this filter, I purchased a $4 economy MicroGard (WIX/M&H?) for temporary trials. Removal of the original filter type was fairly easy, but would rub and bind against the power steering hydraulic hoses (see old filter hose indent in photo). Installation of the new test filter was also straightforward, but also pressed against the same hose further back. It appears the hose is not collapsed as much as with the original filter. For seal-testing purposes, I only tightened minimally with bare hands to about 3/4-turn past gasket contact.
After installation and test run, no leaks and full "normal" oil pressures were observed. Since that time I have driven a few days around town without issue. There has been no delay in pressure rise on cold startup so far (minimum 40F/4C), with maximum time between runs about 24 hours. As I was unable to remove and measure the ITV oil filter adapter, I could not verify if the gasket sealing is marginal or full-contact and ready for a nuclear blast. Assistance by others in this regard would be appreciated.
Note that I have only tested briefly at local speeds and temperatures, and higher pressures possibly due to high-rpm or colder weather has not been tested, but so far it seems quite happy. I am watching pressures closely and carrying a spare original-type filter and extra oil while I test. I will update with any new info as it becomes available. Other possible options are welcome!
⚠CAUTION - WARNING - DANGER - OMG⚠
DO NOT try anything I did without your own research and judgment. It is not a proven alternative, and could easily cause serious harm or damage.
but putting this out there for others
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