Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The ONBOARD® System is the most advanced compact oil purification technology on the market today. It provides multiple gains in efficiencies which ultimately extend the service life of the engine and add significant revenue to your bottom line.

Oil does not lose its ability to lubricate, it simply becomes over-run with particulate and liquid contaminants. The ONBOARD System removes these contaminants allowing your oil to perform its designated duties uninhibited.

Structured and disciplined oil analysis is the key to success in this logical, long overdue maintenance protocol. Please contact us to inquire about your particular application.

What is the ONBOARD System and how does it work?

Our patented system is the first of its kind. Lube oil enters the ONBOARD System through our spin-on Particle Filter where particulates as small as 3µ are removed from the lube oil. The filtered oil then enters the vacuum chamber where liquid contaminants are exposed and evaporated through convection. The newly formed vapors from this evaporation process combine with crankcase vapors from blow-by, (soot and unburned fuel) and are vacuumed out of the chamber, back through the intake, and ultimately re-burned in the combustion cycle.

What is the filter element inside the Particle Filter?

ONBOARD uses only the highest quality G8 dual-glass filter elements designed to meet the strictest tolerances through a DFE testing method. This quantifies contaminate capture retention at a Beta 1000 3µ 99.99% absolute. Our filtration element is the same used by the ASAF to filter the hydraulic fluid in the F22 Raptor Fighter Jets.

How do you replace the ONBOARD Particle Filter and how often?

The Particle Filter is spin-on/spin-off. The filter change interval will depend upon the equipment use, miles verse hours, etc. ONBOARD suggests that the filters be changed from 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles based on application and age of the equipment.

Does the ONBOARD System replace my OEM full-flow filters?

Your full flow filters will remain in use. ONBOARD filters approximately 12 gallons of oil every 4 hours. ONBOARD has no effect on the full flow of oil through your engine.

What is Oil Analysis?

Engine oil analysis is a laboratory process that determines the integrity of engine oil. This scientific process measures 28 parameters including contaminates, liquids, wear metals and viscosity. Through analysis of used engine oil, a lab can determine the wear rate, overall service condition of the engine, and determine trends that may lead to potential problems and imminent engine failure. Oil analysis has become a critical tool for commercial shipping fleets, where downtime due to engine failure can be costly and potentially dangerous.

How often are the OEM full-flow filters changed once the ONBOARD System is installed?

ONBOARD recommends changing the factory or OEM full-flow filters at 40,000 to 50,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first.

How do you know when to perform a complete oil drain?

It is important to analyze the oil to ensure its integrity. Key points are viscosity, additives, soot, fuel, glycol, and water. For more questions about oil reporting, please contact us.

Why is the ONBOARD System a green technology, and how will it benefit communities?

The ONBOARD System protects our lands and waterways by substantially reducing the production of carcinogenic waste oil. It also protects the air by trapping vapors, unburned fuel, water, glycol, etc. in a closed chamber. This toxic mix is vacuumed directly into the combustion chambers for re-burn. Engines run cleaner, and soot production is reduced.

What is the ROI from the ONBOARD System?

The ONBOARD System generally pays for itself (in oil savings alone), in a matter of months. Field reports are showing increases in fuel efficiencies upwards of 12%. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) consumption can also be measurably reduced. DPF regeneration cycles are reduced. Fleets using the ONBOARD System are saving up to $.11 per mile. The ONBOARD System reduces downtime and increases engine life beyond 60%.

Does all this mean that if I install the ONBOARD System, I never have to change the oil?

Oil analysis will indicate when a change is necessary. ONBOARD recommends that users have an oil analysis program in place. Oil samples should be performed on your current OEM scheduled oil change interval or every 15,000 miles. Field reports of engines surpassing 100,000 miles are common. Your results will vary based on the mechanical condition of the engine, load, driving habits, etc.

Is the ONBOARD System compatible for cars?

Yes, the ONBOARD system is highly effective for gasoline engine applications as our current tests are revealing. However, the economics of oil changes for trucks and larger vehicles make the ONBOARD System more attractive for trucks, buses and larger sump diesel engines than for gasoline-fueled cars. Cars typically have limited available space under the hood for the System to be mounted. That said, drivers who travel above-average miles per year and have room for our system will find ONBOARD to be the best money they have spent on their vehicle. As for the pickup truck class, our LD System is now available for Ford, Chevy, GMC and Dodge with custom installation kits for each application.

How difficult is the ONBOARD System to install?

Only five connections are necessary: 1) Oil pressure port 2) Clean Oil Return Line to oil sump 3) Crankcase connection 4) Vacuum line 5) Keyed power source. The installation generally can be completed in 2.5 to 4 hours by an experienced mechanic and will vary based on equipment type.

Why is there an electrical connection?

It is important to have the viscosity of the lube oil maintained as it passes through the vacuum chamber. The electrical connection is for the chamber’s heating element which is designed to keep the oil at operating temperature. It’s important to note that the heating element is not intended to increase the temperature of the oil in normal operating conditions. In colder weather, it is designed to keep the oil at a regulated temperature as it travels through the chamber.

What is the amperage of the heating element circuit?

3 amps. This is a keyed power connection. 

Who can install the ONBOARD System?

We recommend an Authorized Dealer and Service Center. However, your fleet manager can perform the installations.

Where can I get replacements Particle Filters?

ONBOARD Authorized Dealers and Service Centers will have Particle Filters in stock or contact ONBOARD directly for assistance at 844-ONBOARD.

Does my ONBOARD System come with a warranty?

Yes. The ONBOARD System has a 5-year limited warranty. The Heating Element has a 2-year limited warranty.

Where is the ONBOARD System manufactured?

All ONBOARD Systems are manufactured in the USA.

Will my factory engine warranty be valid with the ONBOARD System installed?

The answer is yes. Implementing the ONBOARD System does not affect the primary function of the engine lubricating system. The ONBOARD System is designed as an additional oil refining system, working in tandem with your OEM engine filter, and requires no engine modification. Additional warranty protection can be purchased and will be subject to terms and conditions by the warranty provider.

Does the system work in equipment with larger sump capacities?

Yes. Please contact us for more information regarding oil sumps greater than 48 quarts.

Does the ONBOARD System work for power generation?

Yes, the ONBOARD System works on all types of power generation. Please contact us for more information by calling 844-ONBOARD.

What other applications benefit from the ONBOARD System?

The ONBOARD System will work on all types of applications ranging from Marine, Drilling, Oil and Gas, Transportation, Government, Municipalities, Power Generation, Agricultural, Yellow Iron and Construction equipment.

If bypass filters are so great why aren’t they installed at the factory on new vehicles?

Some Diesel manufacturers do offer bypass filters from the factory on larger engines. These filters remove the smaller particulates not picked up by the full flow filter. None of them, however, remove the liquid contaminants that the ONBOARD System does.

Planned obsolescence has long been a standard operating procedure for manufacturers of many products. Replacement parts and rebuilt engines are a major revenue source for the industry. Most manufacturers aren’t interested in their engines lasting many times longer than normal. But trust us… we are working on it.