Oil filters exposed

[kemo]

Champion Labs makes the K&N filter. It is almost exactly the same as the Mobil 1 filter since they are both based on the same design.

 

[shane96ranger]

I buy Motorcraft filters almost all the time. This makes me feel good knowing it's made by Purolator and hearing your words that it had no negative flaws. I did however go to the local Autozone and buy their 14.99 deal where you get 5 quarts of Valvoline and an STP filter. Any idea on how good these are and if they are made by Purolator? My guess is they are POS in every way......they just feel cheap to me.

Oh, I was going to ask you.....what did the Fram rep want from you?

 

[kemo]

STP is the same as the Supertech filter, they are both Champion Labs Ecore filters. One way to find out, is to look at the base of the can... I also show how to identify it in my ST8A video (supertech)

Fram rep wanted to get me buying fram again. One of my cars had a cartridge style filter, and since it was a new car and style at the time, very very few stores even sold my particular filter... so they only stocked fram. Well, I told him I used to buy fram, and he wanted to know what changed my mind. He then heard that it was merely by lack of selection for roughly a year.

 

[billpac4u]

Very cool, kemo . . . Thanks!

I have definitely changed my approach to buying oil filters; they certainly are NOT all the same! Keep it up.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I have something to add.

All the filter area and construction stuff is great, but what about it's actual filtering ability?

Is there any one you know of that would know how many microns the media filters down to? Or the pressure it takes to pop open the bypass valve? (could probably test that one)

Maybe take a square section of filter media and see how long it takes of medicine cup of a generic 5W30 engine oil to seep through it, the longer it takes the smaller the holes.

That'd tell a much more complete picture.

 

[ragajungle]

thank you!

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i was considering buying oil change supplies last night and i decided to wait until i watched the results of these tests. good job

also i've been curious of the NAPA 91515

 

[kemo]

I have something to add.

All the filter area and construction stuff is great, but what about it's actual filtering ability?

Is there any one you know of that would know how many microns the media filters down to? Or the pressure it takes to pop open the bypass valve? (could probably test that one)

Maybe take a square section of filter media and see how long it takes of medicine cup of a generic 5W30 engine oil to seep through it, the longer it takes the smaller the holes.

That'd tell a much more complete picture.

Not all of the brands supply efficiency ratings of their filters, or even the bypass pressure specs. Purolator is the ONLY one that I have found that actually has those specs. Since the rest don't, no point in mentioning it.


As far as the 91515, nothing special compared to the Proselect or Gold. The gold is definitely better. They (nascar filter) don't sell well, well at least here the don't.

 

[Destroyer000]

so from my understating... the purolator gold and the motor craft are the better of the filters.. they filter out More media have metal end caps, media is thicker. correct?

 

[kemo]

I like them because the bypass valve is not a separate piece, unlike the Napa Gold/Wix filter. That, and the anti-drain back valves sit in place rather than loosely.

No one else really has specs on filtration efficiency. Napa's website says "19 microns" (napa gold), but nothing more as far as what percentage. Purolator classic is 97.5% @ 20 microns, PureOne is 99.9% @ 20 microns.

And to the poster who asked about Bosch filters... I sent a email to Purolator and their email addy is as follows @us.bosch.com That should tell you something about your Bosch filter

 

[JohnnyO]

so from my understating... the purolator gold and the motor craft are the better of the filters.. they filter out More media have metal end caps, media is thicker. correct?

You are correct.
As someone who has studied this for a ling time and is a charter member of BobIsTheOilGuy.com, I will lay out the following:

Best filters for the money: Motorcraft, AC
Very good filters for a little more money: Purolator Pure ONE, Wix, NAPA Gold
Best filters: Mobil 1, K&N

 

[Destroyer000]

thanks johnny.

 

[kemo]

Mobil 1 and K&N filters are nearly the exact same filters, both made by Champ Labs. The mobil 1 filter sells for about a buck less. For roughly the same price, you can also get a Royal Purple filter.

Whomever says AC Delco filters are the best for the money is insane... the AC Delco filters are Champ Labs Ecore filters, well, except for the AC Delco "Classic" line.

Purolator Classic is arguably the best filter for the money... more filtration material compared to the Motorcrafts.

Why I won't do the AMSOIL filter:

Amsoil has many TSB's out right now for their Ea oil filter product line. Amsoil claims that their products are so great that you can go 25,000 miles on a single oil change. BUT, their TSB's however, beg to tell a different story in MANY different vehicles.

TSB #FL-2010-04-01

RECOMMENDATION:
AMSOIL recommends changing the EaO13 Oil Filter according
to OEM-recommended intervals in the following
applications:
• 2001-2010 Honda
• 2002-2010 Acura
• 1992-2006 Chrysler imports
• 1993-1997 Ford Probe
• 1996-2010 Nissan/Infiniti
• 1971-2000 Mazda
• 1999-2000 Mercury Villager
• 1990-2010 Mitsubishi
• 2004-2007 Saturn

Customers using an EaO13 Oil Filter beyond the OEM recommended
interval in any of the listed applications are
advised to change the filter at the earliest opportunity. If
the oil light is triggered, change the filter immediately to
avoid damage.

TSB #MO-2005-08-29

ISSUES:
According to the July 2009 report from
ConsumerReports.org, engines from four different
automobile manufacturers are candidates for possible
sludge problems. To satisfy customers,
Audi/Volkswagen, Lexus/Toyota and Saab have
all extended their warranties to eight-years/
unlimited mileage. Chrysler/Dodge is the only
manufacturer without an extended warranty program
and handles claims on a case-by-case basis.
Provisions of the extended engine warranty
coverage include changing the oil within the
OEM-recommended interval and maintaining
documentation for proof.

Follow regular OEM-recommended drain
intervals with the appropriate AMSOIL Synthetic
Motor Oil for cars prone to sludge. The AMSOIL
XL series oils may be a more cost effective option
depending on personal preference.

TSB #FL-2009-05-01

OBJECTIVE:
Inform customers of an issue regarding the oil sensor tripping
in the following applications:
• All Toyota/Lexus Vehicles
• Pontiac Vibe Featuring the 1.8L Toyota-Built Engine.

TECHNICAL DISCUSSION:
To protect the engine, the OEM has engineered the oil
pressure sensor to trigger the oil light when there is insuffi
cient oil pressure to maintain an adequate level of protection.
Each filter is equipped with a by-pass valve, so when
the filter is at or close to capacity, the engine is continually
supplied with adequate lubrication oil, although unfiltered.
However, if the filter reaches maximum capacity, the level
of restriction can become significant enough to trigger the
oil pressure warning light. In extreme situations, oil starvation
could occur.
Premature oil filter capacity can be attributed to a number
of factors such as poor air filtration, a leaking air intake
system or excessive contaminants being produced in the
combustion process. As discussed in the AMSOIL Technical
Service Bulletin Using AMSOIL in Engines with Possible
Sludge Issues,1 certain engines are prone to accumulate
sludge, including some engines from Toyota/Lexus.
RECOMMENDATION:
When used in conjunction with any Toyota/Lexus application,
or with the Pontiac Vibe featuring the 1.8L engine built
by Toyota, AMSOIL recommends changing EaO09 and
EaO10 Filters per the OEM-recommended change interval.
AMSOIL no longer recommends the EaO57 Oil Filter
for Toyota/Lexus applications, however, it is still recommended
for other applicable vehicle makes and off-road
equipment. Customers operating any of the above listed
applications with an EaO09, EaO10 or EaO57 Filter in
service beyond the OEM-recommended interval should
change the oil filter at the earliest opportunity. If the oil
light is triggered the filter should be changed immediately
to avoid damage. AMSOIL also offers WIX Filters as an alternative
to the Ea Filtration line and recommends the WIX
51348 Oil Filter for Toyota/Lexus applications that previously
called for an EaO57 Filter. If a WIX Oil Filter is used,
AMSOIL recommends changing it at OEM-recommended
intervals.

 

[kemo]

Due up:

Mobil 1 M1-301
Fram XG8A
Wix 51515
MicroGard MGL8A

I didn't forget about the Bosch filter... I just have yet to find one. I have yet to find the K&N filter to compare against the Mobil 1 filter... we'll see exactly how close they are to being the same after all (K&N contacted me already saying no one can match their filter...)

Fram Xtended Guard XG8A:

Just a shot of the filter element itself. In the XG series, they actually have metal endcaps.

On the bottom of the filter, you see a seal/gasket for where the leaf spring/bypass will seat. You also MAY or may NOT be able to see the metal screen through the holes of the steel core.

Here you see how the spring/bypass sits on the endcap. it does form a relatively nice seal, or so it would seem. the big negative, is that they STILL use the cheap bypass valve... plastic.

On the top side, we have a antidrainback valve that actually fits somewhat snug in the endcap, whereas on the TG and PH series just sit loosely.

 

[kemo]

Head 2 Head: Mobil 1 vs K&N Filters!