AA48109 Oil Filter

[tomreneau]

A wise man once said said if you are having to look for ways to talk yourself into something then it probably isn’t what you need to be doing.

[2066]

longer "lever" out on the mount casting.

That's one you don't want to find out about by experimentation!

Amen, John! ...+ Tom wrote: "A wise man once said said if you are having to look for ways to talk yourself into something then it probably isn’t what you need to be doing."

It took a long time...prob too long, in fact, for me to get that there are vital reasons for not straying from TCs and STCs (unless purely "experimental" -- even then, tread carefully!). Admittedly, and this case may seem to show it(?), there might instances where descerning exactly what an "older/evolving" STC may actually & safely allow isn't simple. It can be worthwhile to hear and consider interpretations and opinions of trusted others. In a final analysis, a trusted A & P and involved aircraft owner most often identifies best specific solutions. I'm confident that it will work that way with this one, too. Thanks to all for the input!
Mac

[6277]

Just bought a 48108 on ebay for less than $60 will be here on Friday.

[2066]

Just bought a 48108 on ebay for less than $60 will be here on Friday.

Prob about as good as you could do right now, Ray -- at least you found one. While a few of the distributors show better prices, when you dig deep enough to order they admit that they're backordered with no dependable estimate for availability. The Tempest mfg facility is near us here in NC & they can't get materials for production. In fact, their "proprietary magnets" are no longer available and may never be again, so the plan is to produce new without them, of course, when (if?) they can access materials again. They're overloaded with calls right now by shops and owners attempting to "go direct" and they're pleading* with all of "us" to order only from their distributors.

*"As our team continues to work diligently in response to increased demand in the marketplace, please place all orders for oil filters through our distribution network. Click here to find a distributor of your choice. Thank you for your continued support."

Interestingly, there is now a "Letter of Engineering Concurrence -- AA48108-2/AA48109 Interchangeability" shown on the Tempest website, complete with an FAA "approval" stamp.

It seems that everything from oranges to eggs to aircraft oil filters continues to spike in price as well as slim availability these days. ...interesting times, indeed.
Mac

[6643]

Interestingly, there is now a "Letter of Engineering Concurrence -- AA48108-2/AA48109 Interchangeability" shown on the Tempest website, complete with an FAA "approval" stamp.

Sneaky making it look like a link!

Seriously, though, if the FAA says they're interchangeable, then I guess you can go ahead and substitute the longer one, as long as you can maintain the 1/2" of clearance. At least until the added arm causes the adapter to break off...

Randy's suggestion to stick with the screen is looking pretty good right now! (For $60 I'm going to check my hangar! I my have one or two sitting around, and I know I didn't pay anywhere close to that much for them!)

[6643]

I found the letter, and I don't interpret it as the FAA stating that the two are universally interchangeable. First off, the letter originates from Tempest, not the FAA. The tone of the letter appears to be suggesting that the AA48108-2 is an acceptable substitute for the AA48109, but doesn't seem to make the converse statement. In addition the letter states "It is important to note that the AA48108-2 size of filter is the only style
permitted for installation in conjunction with Stratus Tool Technologies spin-on oil filter adapters". (Emphasis is mine). The statement is apparently meant to prove that the smaller filter is up to the task of the larger one. I interpret the letter as saying the smaller filter can be substituted for the larger one, but not necessarily the other way around.

[2066]

I found the letter, and I don't interpret it as the FAA stating that the two are universally interchangeable. First off, the letter originates from Tempest, not the FAA. The tone of the letter appears to be suggesting that the AA48108-2 is an acceptable substitute for the AA48109, but doesn't seem to make the converse statement. In addition the letter states "It is important to note that the AA48108-2 size of filter is the only style
permitted for installation in conjunction with Stratus Tool Technologies spin-on oil filter adapters". (Emphasis is mine). The statement is apparently meant to prove that the smaller filter is up to the task of the larger one. I interpret the letter as saying the smaller filter can be substituted for the larger one, but not necessarily the other way around.

No argument with your interpretation. Still, it's interesting. I'll likely be in their shop in the next month or so & willl try to hear their intent expressed. Yep, + agree more every day with "Randy's suggestion to stick with the screen is looking pretty good right now!"
Mac

[V529]

"Randy's suggestion to stick with the screen is looking pretty good right now!"

Who'd of ever thunk............