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Tempest Filter Cutter: Versatile, Easy to Use

You can mount the Tempest tool or place the filter itself in a vise. Mounting the filter makes a bit less of a mess. Install the tool and begin cutting the can (as shown in the picture), increasing the tension on the cutter via the black knob as you go.

If you’re doing your own routine maintenance—and if you’re not, why not?—you’re going to need a means to open your canister oil filter after every oil change. There are choices on the market, and each design seems to follow a slightly different philosophy, even if the desired result is much the same: Cut the base end off the metal filter body so you can examine the paper filter media.

One complication in our world is that there are basically three kinds of filters, including the small, spin-on style for Rotax engines that more resembles motorcycle filters than conventional aircraft pieces. Of the two remaining, there are differences in spec, whether they have an internal bypass or not and in overall length. But the one difference of most interest here is whether the filter has a male thread extension or a female equivalent to thread onto the oil-filter adapter. The male version is more common among Lycoming engines (typified by the 48110 part number), while Continental tended toward the female style (the 48108). What’s more, several aftermarket adapters, like the one on my Titan IO-340, use the version with the stud on the engine, not the filter.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.