BMK-12 Dual-Gard By-Pass Filter Mounting Kit
Installation and Servicing Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Read all instructions completely before attempting to install this unit. Improper installation could result in serious system and/or equipment damage. The installation of this system is not difficult, however, some mechanical ability is necessary. If you are not comfortable with the instructions or have questions, do not attempt to install this system. Consult a mechanic or contact Performance Oil for further instructions or assistance.

WARNING: This filter system is not designed to replace the engine's normal full-flow filter. Do not attempt to install a by-pass filter element in place of the existing full-flow filter. This unit was designed for heavy duty and industrial equipment. For automotive and light duty truck applications consult your AMSOIL Dealer for the proper filter mount.

WARNING: Extreme care should be taken to avoid bodily harm during installation. Before starting, ensure the engine is cool to avoid burns and never work in the engine compartment area with the engine running.

A. Getting started
1. Check all parts against the parts list and inspect for damage.

2. Make sure you have the tools needed for the job.

Recommended tool list

5/16" Allen wrench
Torque wrench
Drill
7/16" wrench (2)
Hammer
1/4" drill bit
7/8" wrench
Center punch
Adjustable filter wrench
9/16" wrench

3. Because of the wide range of possible mounting configurations, hose and hose fittings are not provided with this mount. Hose should meet or exceed SAE-100R6 specifications, and have a minimum inside diameter of 1/4". The mount itself has 3/4"-16 straight threads and the adapter fittings provided are 3/4"-16 straight x 1/4" JIC. Read through instructions and determine which plumbing arrangement best fits your application. Purchase hose and fittings according Make certain hose fittings match the type of hose chosen. Note: Hose and hose tittings are available from AMSOIL and your local AMSOIL Dealer. Refer to diagram D below and the parts list for 1/4" components matched for use with this system.

B. Filter selection
Any of the 3 different sizes of the AMSOIL Spin-On By-Pass Oil Filter elements may be used with this mount. Select the element size according to your vehicle's oil capacity.

Service recommendations for these filters are listed later in these instructions. Selecting a larger filter than recommended will extend the service interval, while selecting a smaller filter than recommended will shorten the service interval.

C. Attaching the filter mount

1. Survey the engine compartment for possible mounting locations. Solid structures such as the firewall, fender well, radiator support or frame are normal locations. Refer to diagram A for minimum area requirements and consider accessibility for servicing.

2. Note that the filter mount can be rotated 180° in its mounting brackets. This allows the oil supply and return hoses to enter the mount on either the right of left hand side. Choose the side that will minimize the need for bends in the hoses or additional hose fittings. Refer to diagram B for preferred mounting positions.

3. When the location has been determined, use the mounting template provided to locate and mark mounting holes. This can be easily done with a center punch and hammer.

4. With a 1/4" drill bit, drill out the previously marked mounting holes and attach the two piece mount bracket. Use the 4 -1" long 1/4" bolts, nuts, small washer and fender washers provided. Note the assembly diagram D for details. Using two 7/16" wrenches or socket, tighten to 8 foot pounds.

5. Apply thread sealant onto the "0" ring adapter fitting (BP-213) and the restrictor assembly (BP-202) as noted in diagram C. Install the "0" ring adapter fitting (BP-213) in the mount end adjacent to the arrows pointing IN. Install the restrictor assembly (BP-202) in the mount end adjacent to the arrow pointing OUT. Using a 7/8" wrench, tighten both fittings to 40-43 foot pounds.
Warning: The system is designed for partial/by-pass oil flow. Failure to install the restrictor assembly (BP-202) can result in serious equipment damage.

6. Apply thread sealant as noted in diagram C to the Allen head "0" ring plugs (BP-191). Using a 5/16" Allen head wrench, install plugs in remaining mount ports and tighten to 40-43 foot pounds. Note: If optional oil sampling valve is to be used, refer to diagram D and install in place of either Allen head "0" ring plug.

7. Attach the filter mount to the mounting brackets using 4 - 1-1/2" long 1/4" bolts, nuts and washers provided. Warning: The bolts must be installed so that the nuts are on the side opposite the filter nipples. Failure to do this will result in the bolts hitting the oil filters. Using two 7/16" wrenches or socket, tighten to 8 foot pounds.

D. Oil Supply
1. Usable oil pressure sources are available on many engine blocks. There are openings into the oil channel through the side of the block and in the area of the existing oil filter(s). Make sure it is an oil pressure opening by replacing the plug with a gauge and turning the engine over, or by turning the engine over with the plug out and watching for increased flow. DO NOT START ENGINE WITHOUT PREPARATION TO CONTROL THE OIL FLOW. Install appropriate fitting to accept your hose connector.

2. An alternate installation is to use the existing oil pressure sending unit. Remove the oil pressure sending unit and install a street tee. Then re-install the sending unit in one arm of the tee. Note: With this installation a slightly lower oil pressure reading may register, indicating oil flow to the by-pass filter. A change of 10% or less is not to be considered significant.

3. Install selected hose and hose fittings between the engine block or the remaining arm of the tee and the filter mount port marked with the arrow pointing IN. Hose should be routed in a manner that avoids contact with sharp or moving parts and minimizes bends. If bends in the hose can not be avoided, make sure the bend is greater than the minimum radius recommended by the hose manufacturer. Note: Bends should not start at the fitting. Refer to diagram E for suggestions on proper hose routing.

4. To maintain hose position, plastic hose ties are advised.

E. Oil Return
1. Existing Porting Options: Most engines have an oil return opening in the crankcase wall or oil pan, usually on the same side as the oil channel pressure opening but somewhat lower. Remove the plug and determine that it is not a pressurized port and offers an unrestricted flow to the oil pan. Install the appropriate fitting to accept your hose fitting. Attach and route hose, connecting to the filter mount port marked with the arrow pointing OUT. This should be the same port in which you previously installed the restrictor assembly (BP-202).

2. New Porting Option: Where an installation requires a new hole (in oil pan or valve cover), a self-tapping hollow bolt may be used. (The bolt is available from AMSOIL. Order BP-40 Bolt and BP-41 Sealing Gasket.) Note: The self-tapping hollow bolt should be used on stamped metal components only.

3. Other Options: Use a hollow bolt (available locally) to replace a cap screw holding such components as the fuel pump, timing case, or an inspection cover. Remove the selected bolt and determine if it provides an unrestricted passage to the oil pan. If so, install the hollow bolt. Route and connect hose as previously described. You may also use the AMSOIL Oil Return Swivel fitting (BP-89). See additional information on swivel fitting below.

4. Fill the selected AMSOIL By-Pass Filter elements with the same motor oil being used in the vehicle. Lubricate the filter gasket with oil and spin filters onto mount. Tighten one full turn after filter gasket first contacts mount, back off 1/8".

F. Start up procedures
1. Check that all fittings and hoses are securely attached, and that the hoses are routed properly.

2. Check engine oil level. Fill to full mark if necessary.

3. Set vehicle parking brake. With transmission in park/neutral start the engine and immediately check oil pressure. Note: Pressure may initially take a moment or two to rise.
Caution: Carefully check for leaks at fittings, hoses and mount. If leaks are observed, STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY, repair leaks and continue.

4. After engine has warmed, shut off and re-check engine oil level. Fill as necessary.

5. Record vehicle mileage/operating hours and date of installation.

G. Periodic maintenance
1. Periodic visual inspection of the fittings and hoses is recommended. Check for leaks, hose deterioration and cuts. Repair and/or replace as necessary.

2. Properly sized, your AMSOIL By-Pass filters will last twice as long as your regular full-flow filters. It is recommended however, filters be changed using an oil analysis program.

3. To change the filter elements:

Installing an oil sampling petcock on the on the spin-on by-pass:

Getting a clean and uncontaminated oil sample is easy and simple when an oil sampling petcock is installed into the Spin-On By-Pass Oil Filter system. This can be easily done by ordering a BK-13.