Yup, I like to take stuff apart and oil filters are no different.
So here's what the OEM oil filter looks like after 14,000 km (~8,700 mi). Guilty as charged: I took it a bit too far this time, usually I change oil per the recommended 10k km (~6k mi) interval.

With the OEM oil filter I mean these three that are all identical except for the printing and packaging.
Volvo 3517857
Bosch P 3219
Mann Filter W 917



For those interested: the photos of the teardown are here.

This is not a very large filter. Yet the filter element was a bout 5 cm wide (~2 in) and stretched to about 3.7 m (~12 ft)length. Some lesser quality filters (FR#M?) might not come close to the total filter area...

When replying to kittysgreyvolvo, I found some photos that seemed to closely resemble the OEM filter, especially the D-shaped inlet holes on the baseplate, and I thought of them as either rebrands or knock offs.
I didn't give it much further thought until today, when I stumbled upon this YT video from a guy in the Ukraine showing (and probably also explaining) the differences between a genuine and a fake Mann filter.
No I don't speak the language, but the images speak for themselves.

Of course one video led to another, and that's how I found out about a production mark hidden in plain sight. I checked the filter I tore down (datecode "1410", i.e. 2014 week 10), but it wasn't on it yet. However, the recently acquired Bosch does indeed have it, showing up here under the UV light of a bug zapper:

Hi Grey,

Yep, there's been some posts imitation parts that other RWD Volvo users have encountered or articles of fake parts branded as SKF bearings at warehouses that were part of fake part busts. Though how many get through?

Why I'm ware has heck about buying Volvo 240 parts through the internets.

I have an incandescent black light and may give it a try. I have a large Bosch filter like the W 940 / 1 (or Fram PH-8A?). Got it from the Autozones.

Yep at 9€ or so, your paying about the same as I did for the three Mann W917s. So, I should not complain. Though I discovered a favorite mechanic service of mine remains in business. His trade is Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and the like.

Thank you for the video link.

Please let me know if you need a technical writer in Netherlands. I'll defect instantly. Or Finland, Switzerland, Norway, and so forth. Me and the Volvo 240s!

Thank you,

Stilton Cheese Boyeeeeeeee.

I have an incandescent black light and may give it a try. I have a large Bosch filter like the W 940 / 1 (or Fram PH-8A?).

It may not be on filters that Bosch had made in the USA, it certainly was on the one they sourced from Mann.

Failing a UV light, you can also find it by shining a light over the top of the filter, so from the side. Even though the printing is transparent, it will sit ever so slightly proud of the surface and you will be able to discern it.

A more recently produced (say 2016) W 917 should also have it.

Please let me know if you need a technical writer in Netherlands. I'll defect instantly. Or Finland, Switzerland, Norway, and so forth. Me and the Volvo 240s!

Now, this wouldn't have anything to do with today, would it? ;-)

I've used W917s and 10W-30 on all my Volvos (two 240s and an 850, 2005-2011, then a Volvo break until 2016-present) and never had any problems. The oil light even on an new unfilled filter stays on only a second or two before it builds up pressure. I bought a dozen of the filters from what was then called FCP Groton in 2008 and held on to them for some reason but now it's paying off, though I might have only one or none left in my stash now.

My current 240 is just my weekend toy car registered on antique plates so i'll pay whatever the going rate is for a new Mann W917. I did the oil right after I got it in June for $500 and then again in early October which is 1200 miles ago. Would be interesting to send it off to Blackstone Labs, I might do that next oil change.

For what anything's worth, I'll keep putting the Mann filters in my 240.

Yes, that's the beauty of the OEM filter, they fit and are suitable for ALL red blocks and some later Volvo engines.

When I had sold my Amazon, I also was left with quite a few, and it was then that I found out Volvo just kept using them on and on and on.
And they're also hard to beat, price/quality ratio wise.

Hi Grey,

You are in Netherlands? Would you have links or post images of your 240 Wagon Polar in Grey color? What year? How equipped? And such? You own other Volvo models? Thank you.

I asked the same question as to oil filter. The consistent reply is the Mann W 917. The OEM for the Volvo oil filter for 240 with B230. I'll imagine a few others. Though the Mann W 917 and brands you mention is small, to fit under the automatic transmission cooling lines on so equipped 240s.

Please see Uncle Art's reply in the thread here:
https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1634111/220/240/260/280/best_oil_air_filter_noormally_asipried_240.html



My question was, on manual transmission equipped 240s (as without the automatic transmission cooling lines) is using a larger capacity oil filter in the form factor such as the Fram PH-8A that was used on Volvo B30 in the 164. With a bypass valve at the same pressure rating as the Mann W 917.

I use Mobile 1 10W40 on all three 240s. So, change by date, annually. Like a larger capacity oil filter for extended oil change intervals.

Brickboard member sjulier suggests the Donaldson P550008 in the thread I mention.

Uncle oldduke mentions Purolator. I believe the 1A.

MANN no longer offers such a larger filter. MANN used to when you research their catalogue.

Thanks,

Influenza Season Boy.

hi kitty grey- having read many of your fine epistles i commend your high knowledge of the volvo 240. regarding oil i have no problem using (since 65) 10 30namebrand conventional oil. have usually used purolator oil filters on various tanks and again no problem and no slow oil pressure. have been using purolator L14670 on the 92 245 since bought in 11. this filter seems to be at least the equal of the mann. what think you ? thanks tons oldduke

Hiya Uncle Old Duke!

Thank you. You provide to this forum wise and illuminating commentary, with insightful humor.

And any was to point out and avoid the shysters!

There is a thread on the Bob is the Oil Guy that tests a host of filters. Does not include Mann or Mahle. Yet Purolator, a premium model, showed the best results for fine particle filtration. (I don't recall the particle size filtered out, yet was as small as any of them).

Here is one that shows the model Purolator use (versus Fram from a different engine):

Fram PH2870 and Purolator L14670 Cut Open

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2800812

The Purolator appears to be the utter superior to the Fram.

Yep, target = blank. I forget you need not use parentheses everywhere. From HTML 2 to HTML 5, one cannot always follow what's deprecated.

The link to the thread I ask about air filters for noormally aspried 240 in my reply to Grey240Polar.

I'd not performed an oil filter tear down intentionally. Well, unless the oil filter was seized onto the engine block thread, and you use a big screw driver to pierce the can to get the thing off.

Though Grey240Polar makes a point about the Mann W917 and the number of pleats and the size of the filter media versus, at least Fram.

I've used Purolator filters before, yet got into the Fram habit as a family way. No more. Though, again, the Purolator filters appear to show among the best of oil filters. Bob is the Oil Guy site has more than a few oil filter tests.

Art's image, again:



Purolator L14670




The problem I have to getting these Mann or Mahle filters. Either buy online or pay like 8$ per filter or so at some shyster independent auto parts store here in the fetid St. Louis. Few good independent auto parts stores in the former city location of the NFL Rams.

Here is a Mann vs Purolator post:

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1597150

A BMW forum thread suggesting no to a Purolator filter and to use Mann for BMW:

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?915350-Stay-away-from-Purolator-oil-filetrs

Would be nice to see the Purolator compared with Mann.

Sorry not to be more conclusive. I won't use the Fram anymore. (Breaks another family habit.)

The wikipedia article indicates Mann+Hummel owns Purolater:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mann%2BHummel

Happy Sat-Your-Day! Hope that helps. Happy New Year!

Cold and Flu Season (Sneezin') MacDuffy's Tavern.
Flu fever and several pints of ale do not go well together at all. Delirium (No cause for tremens).

Hi,

Yes, I am in the Netherlands.
Your request had me going over my holiday photos to find some with my 1992 240 Polar as I never seemed to have done a specific photo session, but here are a few.
I've owned it for over 11 years now, and for the past 10 it has been my only car. Previously, I owned a 1970 Amazon.

The model is a 245, equipped with a B200F and M47.
"Polar" indicates the most basic trim level, so no luxuries whatsoever. The only mod I did was swap the clock for a rev counter.

The thread you linked to had already caught my attention. It was actually Art's photo that inspired me to tear one down again (I had done so before, about 10-15 years ago).

The Mann Filter W 917, Bosch P 3219 and Volvo 3517857-3 are all the same thing.
If I say "OEM", I mean any of those. Mann Filter is the actual manufacturer. Volvo dealers would have used the Volvo branded filter, obviously. Volvo parts specialsts usually carry it under the Volvo brand, but will often offer the Mann or Bosch too at a slightly lower price.



I tore these down in the past too, and can confirm they're indeed identical to the Mann.

The print says "Model: Volvo Cars 1962 ->" and "Excl. Diesel, Dieselturbo & 340 B 14 1985 ->".
Yes, it means indeed that this one filter is suitable for all red blocks.
Edit: I just tried the Mann Filter online catalogue and searched for the 164 B30E, and now I see what you mean. It gives two results. First result is the bigger W 940/1, the second is the W 917 with the remark "with oil cooler".

I use 10W40 and change it once a year as well and it works fine. Oil consumption of the engine is still negligible.

I normally wouldn't recommend you use any other filter than the OEM. These OEM filters have been around so long and been on so many engines that I'd say they're thoroughly tried and tested.
Going for an oversized filter might work if you go for at least the same quality, because lets go back to that picture from Art. Notice how the number of pleats of the Mann are a multitude of the orange FRAM filter? The Mann has at least twice as many, meaning it has at least twice the total filtering area of the FRAM.

I measured the OEM's filter element at 3.7 m length (stretched out) and 5 cm width making it a total area of 0.185 m2 (286 sqin). Now look at what these guys measured on a FRAM PH8A: only 193 sqin...
Bigger on the outside, smaller on the inside than the so called "small" W 917.

If you insist on using a bigger filter, than go for the W 940/1. I would be surprised if you couldn't get it because it fits some Fords as well
Please notice that the pressure relief valve in thw W 940/1 opens at a slightly higher pressure than the one in the W 917. I don't know if this is of any significance when used on the 4 cylinder red blocks, though.


Edit:
Seems that there are more rebrands around, or would this be a knock off?


Made in China? Hmmm, searching for the Volvo part no also resulted in this... If that isn't a copy...

I looked around a little more and found that Mann Filter does list the W 940/1 in its North-American catalogue, just not as an application for Volvo Cars.



Bosch has it under the part. no. 0 451 104 063 or P 4063.

And over here the Donaldson you mention is sold as a possible alternative to the above, as a tractor oil filter.
Funny, look at the country of origin:


No doubt there are loads more alternatives, but I'd probably stick to the Mann or the Bosch.

Hi Grey240Polar,

Ooooph, my, your 1992 240 Polar is a lovely 240! Thank you.

The 14" Corona wheels are your Summer tires and the Draco 15" your Winter wheels, then? Or you upgraded to Draco wheels? Nice trailer hitch!

Do you set up a caravan for leisure or work? Like a camping trailer for outdoor leisure in Switzerland?

I get the trim level specifications confused beyond the DL, GL, GLE, and Turbo. I had the impression from somewheres the 240 Polar was a premium model version for use with the good Boge factory Turbo Gas dampers and heavier wire coil springs with limited slip differential, yet with cloth interior. I'd not ever encountered an interference B200.

Your 1970 Amazon is also lovely. I'd like to own a few of the overhead valve pushrod redblock models including an Amazon and a 164. My first 240 was a 1975 Volvo 244 DL sedan with M40 and metric B20 F with K-jet. Wish I had it now, though in some manner restored.

I'll defer to the expertise of you, Art, and others with direct experience with service items. Also, you, Art, and others put serious miles on your 240s. I may put on around 15k-20k miles distributed between three 240s. (Very few miles this past year, tho.)

The only time I'd ever opened an oil filter can was when the oil filter wrench would not remove it from the engine block. Not a careful tear down as you've done here, Art shows in his image, and at the Bob is the Oil Guy site.

I do not find Mann filters at the retail store. The retail chain stores in the states do not sell Mann or Mahle. All is some manner of pricey special order. Rather walk into a store and pay cash. Considering the variety of oil filters brands I'd used though the decades, including the Fram brand, no-engine I'd owned demonstrated disconcerting wear, though now, I'd rather have used Mann the entire time.

Yep, I'll stick with the Mann or use the Bosch as you explain. I have no notion of Donaldson quality considering origin country.

It will be another 11 months before I perform three oil changes. I'll seek out the Mann W940/1 perhaps then. Though a different retail outlet. Probably continue to use the OEM W917 model.

Nope, would not put some knock off or copy on. I'll stick with OEM perhaps from now on. Full appears to be made in Thailand, a cursory web search so indicates.

Thank you,

Hot Oatmeal and steaming Earl Grey Tea boyeeeee.

Hi kittysgreyvolvo,

Ooooph, my, your 1992 240 Polar is a lovely 240! Thank you.

Thanks, high praise! Looks okay from a distance, but up close it's like any old car. The paint seems to survive remarkably well, though the plastics are another matter. Temperate climate with limited amount of sunshine may help.

The 14" Corona wheels are your Summer tires and the Draco 15" your Winter wheels, then? Or you upgraded to Draco wheels? Nice trailer hitch!

Those 14" Coronas (and yes, we do use inches for wheel sizes) were part of the deal when I bought the car. As a Polar, it would originally have had steel rims and plastic covers, but at the time of the sale it was on some non-Volvo aftermarket alloy wheels I didn't like.

The 245 originally used tyre size 185R14 but most would have had 185/80R14 fitted (the sedan would have had 185/70R14). 185/80R14 is very hard to come by nowadays in normal passenger car load indexes (91-92), except for some obscure asian brands. I tried a few reinforced ones (95), but I found them too hard, especially at the front.

My Coronas were in very bad condition and I didn't have the centre covers, so I bought the 15" Dracos on the widely available 195/65R15. Now I can use good tyres (Continental PremiumContact 5).

Eventually I sold the Coronas and when I look back at the photos, I'm glad I did. Even though they're 740 wheels, IMHO they suit the 245 better than the Coronas.

Do you set up a caravan for leisure or work? Like a camping trailer for outdoor leisure in Switzerland?

No, I rarely tow anything, the towing bracket was already on it when I bought it. The majority of these cars will have had them fitted at some point in time. Even my Amazon had one.

I get the trim level specifications confused beyond the DL, GL, GLE, and Turbo. I had the impression from somewheres the 240 Polar was a premium model version for use with the good Boge factory Turbo Gas dampers and heavier wire coil springs with limited slip differential, yet with cloth interior. I'd not ever encountered an interference B200.

Polar was the most basic model, but in 1993 Volvo finally ended production of the 200 series with the Super Polar. That was the opposite end of equipment and trim level.

I have had to replace the rear springs and shock absorbers. My 245 had the Boge gas dampers and when I replaced them with Monroes, the rear started to sag within in year. The new springs I installed were slightly shorter but also slightly stiffer.
I still think it tends to look like it's sagging a bit, but that might be an optical illusion as the front wheel wells are much larger than the rear wheel wells.

The B200F, yes a slightly less common engine, basically it's the same engine as the B230F, but with a smaller bore. It was only sold in some countries.
In mine probably because cars over here are very expensive and we're mostly on flat terrain, and in some countries (like Italy), road taxes are based on engine capacity.

I'll defer to the expertise of you, Art, and others with direct experience with service items. Also, you, Art, and others put serious miles on your 240s. I may put on around 15k-20k miles distributed between three 240s. (Very few miles this past year, tho.)

Well... I'm also still learning as I go along.
In the 11 years and 100,000 km that I've owned it I have had to do some work, but not all that much, and I farmed some of it out.
Being a fuel injected engine adds a bit of complexity.

The only time I'd ever opened an oil filter can was when the oil filter wrench would not remove it from the engine block. Not a careful tear down as you've done here, Art shows in his image, and at the Bob is the Oil Guy site.

Both the Amazon and the 245 came with Fram filters when I bougth them. I don't remember the Amazon, but the one on the 245 I had to puncture with a big screwdriver and use that as leverage to free it. All subsequent OEM filters I could simply remove by hand after starting it with a filter wrench.

I do not find Mann filters at the retail store. The retail chain stores in the states do not sell Mann or Mahle. All is some manner of pricey special order. Rather walk into a store and pay cash. Considering the variety of oil filters brands I'd used though the decades, including the Fram brand, no-engine I'd owned demonstrated disconcerting wear, though now, I'd rather have used Mann the entire time.

Being a European brand, I can understand that availability may be an issue for you. But in this day and age of global economy, it should also not be too hard. And surely you can have domestic products with equivalent quality?

I saw in your answer to oldduke that you consider $8 for a filter expensive, but I have to pay €9,10 to get me a W 917 from the local store.

It will be another 11 months before I perform three oil changes. I'll seek out the Mann W940/1 perhaps then. Though a different retail outlet. Probably continue to use the OEM W917 model.

Volvo only ever considered using the bigger filter on the 164 B30, never on the PRV V6 or straight 4s, so you should be perfectly fine sticking to the W 917, especially since your low annual mileage means that you're not going to be anywhere near reaching the dirt capacity on that filter. Remember, that "small" W917 isn't really small inside.