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MSR MiniWorks/WaterWorks Ceremic Filter Element
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MSR MiniWorks/WaterWorks Ceremic Filter Element
When you can fit the element gauge around the filter of your MSR WaterWorks EX or MiniWorks EX, it's time to replace the filter with the MSR Marathon EX Ceramic Element. This ceramic element removes protozoa and bacteria down to .3 microns, including giardia and cryptosporidium. If you have an older MiniWorks or WaterWorks, not to worry—this MSR element not only works with them, but it also increases flow rate by 25%.
Bottom Line: Keep the water flowing through your MiniWorks or WaterWorks Water Filter with the MSR Marathon EX Ceramic Element.
Talk shop with all the gear freaks out there: ask 'em questions, upload/browse photos, and give your 2¢.
Before you buy this READ THIS
By: Sam Reese
October 2, 2009
Please read your manual. I used to work in a gear shop, and every last one of these we sold was to someone who didn't need it, or needed it because they mistreated their old filter.
Step 1: Don't need a new filter: I've had a MiniWorks for 11 years, if you let it dry out after trips (prevent mold), don't let it freeze with water in it, and make an attempt to get clear water into it, it'll last a decade or more.
Once you think you need to get a new one of these, check the MSR manual (online too!), and scrub off the surface according to their directions. Presto, I probably just saved you $40. Scrub it off, and when you do that, just bite the bullet and get new O-rings for it (normally less than $5 at your local MSR rep).
Also, make sure that you've got the prefilter on the little floatie. That'll again extend the life considerably.
I bought my Miniworks filter about 4 years ago and I've filtered
I bought my Miniworks filter about 4 years ago and I've filtered more than 500 liters of silty canyon water and I've just bought a replacement cartridge back in june and I've only used it twice and both times it has screwed me over and the results have been stomach cramps and dehydration. There is a white seal around the top of the cartridge that is protruding out and I'm wondering if it's a defect cartridge. The filter won't put out any water no matter how much pumping I do and I've cleaned the whole unit several times and boiled the cartridge twice to try and revive it... Any ideas?
By: Jason Boblitt
January 3, 2010
The white substance pictured is the glue used to hold the black rubber top to the ceramic/carbon material. This shouldn't cause any pumping problems.
Typically what I see when someone has problem with their Miniworks EX is to check the duckbill valve located where the hose connects to the filter. By unscrewing the black plastic piece you will find the duckbill valve located inside. If it is ripped, damaged due to deformation (permanent creases, etc.), or otherwise damaged you should replace it (included in the Miniworks Repair Kit).
If this isn't the problem, I would then check the umbrella valve located underneath the head of the filter (red, flat valve that pops into the bottom). Usually there's a rock or some other debris logged in it not allowing it to sufficiently close.
If the filter works properly, it is the most thorough of any filter on the market. This means that any sickness you've experienced was most likely due from some other contamination (dirty hands, dirty and/or contaminated container, etc.). However, if the ceramic filter element is cracked then this might allow for contaminated water to enter in. I would inspect the element very thoroughly.
If none of these things work, I would recommend sending it back to Cascade Design. I would call them at (206) 505-9500.
By: Jason Livingston
January 4, 2010
Mini Works
By: Julie Zesch
August 21, 2008
The filter in the unit clogs fairly easily in silty water. It is also fairly easy to clean with the green scrub pad and works well when clean.
anyone know where to find the umbrela valve, and other parts
anyone know where to find the umbrela valve, and other parts for this filter?
By: Anthony Hartman
August 17, 2009
You can get the MSR filter mainetenance and cleaning kit and they have almost everything you need
By: Matt Miller
August 17, 2009
Fragile...
By: Tim Berrett
August 21, 2009
Bought a replacement after the original filter in the unit broke when I dropped it a couple feet onto a rock. Wish the ceramic filter was a little more durable it would be nice if replacements were cheaper. Thus the 3 stars...
That said, I am still overall very happy with the MSR Miniworks filtering speed and how easy it is to use and maintain. That was my first problem with it after years of good use.
I have an old MSR Miniworks, non-EX filter housing with the blue
I have an old MSR Miniworks, non-EX filter housing with the blue top and was wondering if the EX cartridge works with the old style pump. There is an O-ring on the top and bottom of the old style filter and only one on the bottom of the new one. Also, does the new maintenance kit contain everything I'll need for the old filter housing? Thanks!!
By: footsloggin' photog
July 5, 2009
It should work. You won't use the top large red O-ring, but instead the EX cartridge has a welded on rubber assembly that takes it's place. You still need the bottom red O-ring however. The repair kit should contain all the replacement parts for the old and new filters. For example, the old filter used a small blue ball instead of the duck bill valve in the new filter. Both are contained in the repair kit.
By: Jason Livingston
July 5, 2009
Works Great
By: Logan Spader
January 7, 2009
The only reason why I gave this three stars is because the price sucks. Other than that this filter beats all other filters that I have owned. It is extremely fast and makes some super clean (and tasty!) water. Sometimes I have to clean the filter after every single 32 oz bottle that I fill but cleaning it is so easy that I don't even consider this a negative towards msr.
When replacing a old waterworks ceramic filter with the new EX,
When replacing a old waterworks ceramic filter with the new EX, do you need the top screen?
By: captaindon2270729
June 20, 2008
No you do not. It will work just fine without it.
By: Matthew Niedermiller
December 22, 2008
Worth the cash!!!!
By: dolomike13965958
May 27, 2009
The filter lasts a long time!!! Easy to maintain and clean!!! Loved it on all the trips!!!
Change me.
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