Which AMSOIL Bypass Filter System For Semi-Tractor Engine?

A reader asks: I am looking for a bit of advice on an oil bypass filter system. What is the difference between the AMSOIL BMK22-EA Dual Gard Bypass System and BMK30 Heavy-Duty Bypass System? This is for a highway tractor pulling super B’s. This unit would probably be logging about 95,000 miles (150,000 km) per year. We are looking to extend the oil change interval and lower engine wear.

Our answer: Of the two heavy-duty by-pass system options, the BMK30 Heavy-Duty System would be the better overall choice. The BMK30 delivers longer filter service life. It also has a lower initial cost and lower replacement element costs. This BMK30 is a much newer design than the BMK22. It was created as complete system for heavy-duty diesel engines.

Adding an oil by-pass system to your engine can certainly help to extend the time between oil changes. Bypass oil filtration offers vastly improved oil filtration. This reduces wear, extends oil change intervals and promotes longer engine life. The longer drain interval reduces service costs and creates less waste oil.

Both the BMK30 and BMK22 systems offer the same filtration function and efficiency. Here are the differences between the two systems.

BMK30 Heavy-Duty Bypass System
Capacity– For engines with sump capacity of 24-60 US quarts (22-57L)
Filter Change Interval– One year or 120,000 miles (193,000 KM) or one year or 1800 hours (whichever comes first)
Overall System Length– 17.5″
Oil Capacity Added– 1 US Gallon
System Cost*– About 27% less than total BMK22 cost. BMK30 system includes EABP120 filter element along with mount, fittings and hoses.
Filter Replacement Cost*– Requires a single EABP120 element. Replacement filter cost is about about 70% less than the BMK22 replacement elements.

BMK22 Dual Gard Bypass System
Capacity– For engines with sump capacity of 15-48 quarts (14-45L)
Filter Change Interval– Two years or 80,000 miles (129,000 km) or 1200 hours (whichever comes first)
Overall System Length– 13.5″
Oil Capacity Added– 1 US Gallon
BMK22 Cost*– About 27% more than BMK30 system cost. The two EABP110 elements are sold separately. System does include filter mount, hoses and fittings.
Filter Replacement Cost*– Requires two EABP110 elements. Replacement filter cost is about 70% more than replacing the single element for the BMK30.

*Regarding system and replacement filter prices. We are prohibited from publishing AMSOIL’s wholesale prices. Contact us using the form on this page for a wholesale price list.

About the only drawback for the BMK30 is that is about 4-inches longer than the BMK22. For the engine bay of a heavy-duty diesel, this should not be a significant drawback.

About Extending Oil Change Intervals

Bypass filtration removes most of the abrasive wear particles that regular full-flow oil filters just can’t touch. Regular oil filters remove particles down to between 15 to 25 microns. Bypass oil filters remove particles down the 1 to 2 micron range. Therefore, bypass filtration can extend engine oil life quite dramatically.

To determine exactly when to change oil, we suggest performing periodic used oil analysis. We can offer reasonably-priced oil analysis services. Oil analysis takes the guess-work out of deciding when to change the oil. The cost of oil analysis is much less than the cost associated with an oil change for a diesel engine. Oil analysis can also pick out issues such as fuel dilution or coolant incursion.

Looking For More Information And Prices On Bypass Systems?

Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.