Oil Filters Are Unobtanium

[mshac]

Both the Champion CH48108-1 and Tempest AA48108-2 oil filters (that fit our planes) are out-of-stock with every aviation supply house I could find. There was one on Ebay for over $100 but I'm not that desperate yet.

In all my days, I've never seen a major oil filter be 100% unavailable.

Do any of you guys have a stash of oil filters???

[patrolpilot]

I've had some on order with an expected back-in-stock date of 7/27/22. Today, the expected day was rolled back to 10/14/22.

All that is going on sure makes it a uphill battle to continue.

[Learjetter]

Sometimes you can buy the six-pack when the individual filters are sold out. I bought a six-pack earlier this year.

[patrolpilot]

Joel, the order I referenced above is for the six-pack.

[wslade2]

OMG
What next.

[mshac]

SOLUTION #1: Challenger Lifetime Oil Filter - Never buy an oil filter again! $315 to fit the Skymaster
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...clickkey=38453
https://kandpengineering.com/technical-information/

SOLUTION #2: Install automotive filters that fit perfectly (and do the same or better job of filtering) - this comes from Beechtalk.com, where they have the same issue with their IO550's:

The Donaldson P169071 and Lifeguard LF3487 have outstanding filtration properties and utilize top of the line synthetic media for finer filtration than conventional paper media and could be seen to have the same thread size and dimensional equivalent of the CH48109 filter. It is believed that Donaldson and Fleetguard/Lifeguard are made by the same manufacturer.

Donaldson is about $18 https://www.dieselequipmentinc.com/products/p169071

and Fleetguard may be found for even less https://puredieselpower.com/products...er-lf3487.html

The WIX functional equivalent to the LF3487 is PN: 51515 but may only use conventional paper media (do your research on that), as it is priced at about $6 each https://www.amazon.com/WIX-Filters-5.../?tag=btalk-20
A case of 12 here for $50 http://www.discountfleetsupply.com/wix51515mp.html

K&N makes one that looks like a Champion - it has the hex nut on top and has safety wire holes. Not sure which model, post if you find out. Maybe this one? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/knn-hp-2004

SOLUTION #3. Use a Tempest AA48109 (If you can find one). They are now LEGAL for the IO360 and TSIO360: See advisory Letter attached. This filter is taller, so it may not fit???

KEEP 'EM FLYING BOYS! DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO KEEP THAT BIRD IN THE AIR!

[cessnadriver]

MSHAC
I bought a 6 pack last year, so I have plenty. If you need a couple, I can sell you two? But here's the deal. $40 each plus shipping and replace them when you get yours? Let me know.
Regards, BILLS

[cessnadriver]

Question to ALL.
How can an automotive oil filter be used when they don't have safety wire holes? and they are NOT listed in our Continental/STC approved parts lists?? I understand the need to used other sources for parts, but I don't think I'll trust an automotive oil filter? FYI!
Regards, BILLS

[mshac]

UPDATE:

Aircraft Spruce has again pushed back our filter's expected availability date.

Now they're saying October 3rd for the Tempest filter to come back in stock.

October 24th on Champion filters being back in stock.

As many times as they've changed the date, I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Frank Benvin]

Aircraft Spruce Canada Shows

CH48108-1 - Single Expected to ship: Friday, Dec. 16
12 Pack - No Stock (Canada) no shipping date

Tempest AA48108-2 - Single - Expected to ship: Thursday, Feb. 2
6 Pack - Expected to ship: Monday, Jan. 30

[patrolpilot]

My Challenger filters order continue having a rolling 30 day expected date.