How is your report grouped? What section do you have your data in? This will help me figure out why you're not seeing the data you're looking for.
To search a data like a text string, create the following formula:
InStr(ToText({EQ_Equipment.equipment_warranty}, 'yyyyMMdd'), {?DateString}) > 0
Please note that the format string in ToText is case sensitive!
{?DateString} would be a Crystal parameter you create to accept the number string you want to search for.
In the Select Expert, add this formula and select "Is True".
-Dell