anyone use those metal mesh oil filters?

[pennyrobber]

You guys are missing the point all together.  The Scotts filter has fins.  More fins = more better, therefor, permanent Scotts billet oil filter = better. 

The only cure for poor filtering is more FINS!

   (Sorry, but that's actually the main reason I bought mine, been running it for about 20,000 miles.  Love it.  My argument is many of my past bikes didn't even have replaceable oil filters and those bikes seemed fine for thousands of miles.)

FINS?! Its a bike, not a fish.

[Langanobob]

The YZ filter contains about 15 sq/in of mesh, which means that the media itself has the ability to flow over 28 GPM of cold 90 weight.

Just wondering "90 weight" what?  If it's SAE 90 gear oil, there is a different rating system than for motor oils.  I think 90 weight gear oil is less viscous than SAE 50 motor oil. 

Also, what temperature is "cold"?  If you are going to post numbers as evidence you have to be more precise.     Not trying to be negative, it's just that at the moment I might want to satisfy my curiosity by trying these tests with some convential filter element materials.  I sacrificed an Amsoil Eao filter to use part of the element in the lube oil system on my lathe, so  I  have some extra material lying around.

[Langanobob]

I have a note in to my aforementioned buddy in the biz to find out what an average clearance (thickness of oil) that exists between those surfaces on basic 20/50 oil at running temps.

This has been an interesting thread.  I was initially knee-jerk against the Scott filters due to the apparent discrepancy in filtration micron rating, but now I'm re-thinking my thinking   

One comment about your Chemical Engineer buddy - nothing personal intended but I work with and know lots of engineers, including chemical engineers and unless the guy has specific credentials and experience as a tribologist, having a CE degree in no way qualifies someone as being a  motorcycle lubrication and wear expert.  So, if your friend does come back with some info it would be great if he included references and some documentation.

Hope the above doesn't sound negative as you Scott defenders have come up with some interesting stuff.

[dlearl476]

I don't know specifically what my buddy did, but I do know that he had access to specific engine lubrication R&D taking place at his company.  The question I asked had to do with clearances in the transmissions.  He sent this:
http://www.shopfiltermag.com/Summary_SAE_FilterMAG1.doc

which is pretty interesting.  I'm going to look into one of these to fit the Perf Form filters I use in the Monster.