Not all oil filter are created EQUAL!

[charleskieffner]

Originally posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson
Yes, the minimopar site says that good as they are, Mobil1 filters aren't worth the money, since they're no better than other Champion-made filters that cost substantially less.

Mobil 1 is a huge marketing thing, good as the oil is. They now have "extended-life oil," "SUV and truck oil" and I believe "four-cylinder oil." Pretty soon they'll have "variable-valve-timing oil" and "cars equipped with nav systems oil"... And filters, and Mobil 1 dipstick rags and drainpans.

TOO DAMN FUNNY! right on! i will stick w/mahles. next dragon to slay today???

[masraum]

Originally posted by RickM
Why is that? Do you have evidence to back up your claim?

Well, I can't verify it, but this is from a link on the above page.

Russell,
I obtained great satisfaction from reading your oil filter survey.

I worked for two years as the oil-filter production line engineer in
an Allied-Signal FRAM facility and I can confirm every bad thing you
have said about FRAM automotive filters. That's from the horse's
mouth, as it were.

I'm also a quality engineer and can confirm that FRAM applies no
quality control whatsoever to any of the characteristics for which we
buy oil filters. I frequently saw filter designs which were barely
capable of meeting J806. Many of FRAM's designs will block and go to
bypass after trying to filter very little contamination. There were
often leakage paths at the paper end discs when these were not
properly centered on the elements. Some designs had the pleats so
tightly packed against the center tube that they would block off in no
time. I had discovered that the FRAM HP1 that I had been buying for
about $20 Cdn was EXACTLY the same as a PH8 inside - the only
difference being a heavier can - no advantages in flow capacity. The
paper filtration media was of apparently poor quality and the process
of curing the paper resin was very inconsistent - elements would range
from visibly burnt to white. FRAM's marketers admitted that there was
just about no way the public could ever prove that an oil filter
contributed, or did not prevent, engine damage. The only thing FRAM
tested for was can burst strength. Another problem that they have from
time to time is in threading the filter base - often there are strands
of metal left behind on a poorly formed thread.

I have not used a FRAM filter since I started working there. Their
claims are entirely and completely marketing bull****.

If people really want to protect their engines, a good air filter is
vital (which excludes FRAM from that list as well) and a combination
of one depth and one full-flow hydraulic filter, together in parallel,
will do the job of filtration to perfection.

Thanks for doing a great job in trying to get the truth out! You can
quote me anytime.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

But the site I referenced earlier says that the Mobil 1 and Mahle are virtually identical--possibly actually identical--in construction, case thickness, drainback valve, materials and other interior features. I think that's what Charlie is talking about...

[RickM]

Interesting info...sounds credible as well.

I'm curious how the Mann engineer came to his conclusion. I should've asked.

[charleskieffner]

who makes aircraft oil filters? seems there would be some real testing involved there for quality!

[MattAlpha]

cashflyer,
Thanks for the link to that site. Very informative, and I will stop putting Fram filters on my wife Grand Cherokee. Wonder if Mahle makes filters for Jeeps?
-Matt

[RickM]

Originally posted by charleskieffner
who makes aircraft oil filters? seems there would be some real testing involved there for quality!

LOL........

[charleskieffner]

well just talked to our A&P,IA guy and the mfg. he uses for all planes is CHAMPION. said there was one other mfg. but couldnt remember name off hand.

[charleskieffner]

rickm too damn funny! who would have thunk?

[PPilot]

Champion is well known for aircraft engine filters...as you say, performance should be a given for certification, both to satisfy manufacturers and FAA. Having said that, I will continue using Mahle ........

[RickM]

Originally posted by charleskieffner
rickm too damn funny! who would have thunk?

Heh heh...not sure if it's an oil filter though.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

It isn't. It's an air filter.

I always used Champion oil filters on my airplanes.

[RickM]

Looks like Champion is the largest. Kelly seems to be another MFR.

[cashflyer]

Amsoil's previous line of filters (the SDF line) was made by Wix... same as Napa Gold. Now Amsoil has a new line (the EAO) that has a much improved, synthetic media filter element.

I believe they dropped their Hastings line of filters, but still carry Wix and Donaldson in addition to their EAO line.

[charleskieffner]

this question may prove once and for all, what is the best or most respected oil filter for a porsche engine. WHAT FILTER WAS USED ON PORSCHES AIRCRAFT ENGINE that they once offered??????

[BernieP]

Baldwin filters enjoy a great rep in the heavy equip. industry.
They also make filters for cars and trucks but I never checked for one to fit my SC. I use them on my other cars.

[Steve@Rennsport]

FWIW,...The ONLY oil filters we will use are the Mahle (OC-54) ones (and before those, the German-made Purolator PC-260).

I used to keep 2, 40 gallon garbage bags here full of American-made oil filters that had ballooned or burst casings, as well as faulty anti-drainback valves. In some cases, the filter burst without the drivers knowing it and all the oil was pumped out on the ground in a few minutes.

Needless to say, that was a VERY expensive experience.

No Yankee filters (on Porsche's) for me,....

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by IROC
There was a guy about 10-12 years ago on the old porschephiles mailing list that had his 944 engine taken out by a Fram filter. He got into it with Fram and in the end he proved that it was the filter that blew the engine and Fram paid for a rebuild.

That's the only story I know of first hand, but I have heard there are many more...

Mike

That was me. It was a 944 Turbo. Fram had the wrong or defective gaskets on the bottom. The oil leaked out but landed on the 944T's undertray so there wasn't a telltale puddle.
-Chris

[DaveE]

Originally posted by Steve@Rennsport


...........No Yankee filters (on Porsche's) for me,....

I bought some official Porsche filters for my SC over the summer, the ones with the nice "PORSCHE' logo. To my dismay, they said 'Made in the USA'.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

You're lucky they didn't say, "Made in China."