Oil filter no longer stocked?

[Dixie]

I went to every single parts store near me (true, it's only two) and could not find one that stocked an oil filter for my '88 911.

What's up with that?

I even broke down and went by Wal-Mart. No surprise they didn't have one. Their inventory is horrendous.

I've never had a problem acquiring an oil filter before. Do the manufacturers no longer make them, or are the filters now considered "C" stock items?

[1911Guy]

Pelican Parts. Support this website.

[450knotOffice]

Yea, I had the same problem. What sucks is that unless you've got a new one already laying around you can't just decide at the last minute to do an oil change. No, you've got to friggin order one, pay shipping charges, and then wait.

I suppose you should probably order a couple (or more) oil filters to keep in stock.

Personally, I have a supply line through a friend with his own repair shop. I can usully get what I need within a few hours.

[imcarthur]

I just needed one for season shutdown & I was inbetween Pelican orders & xborder charges always get me etc. . .

So my local Porsche stealership got the sale for $21.

Ian

[ChrisBennet]

Even if you could get one locally it probably wouldn't be a good one - a Mahle. Get a few filters and a gasket set and set them aside for the next time.
-Chris

[S2GART]

Having 3 Mercedes and the 911, I have a bit of a inventory of parts in my garage. When one of the cars needs something, I take a look at what I am low on for all the cars and make a list. This saves on shipping. It's real nice to know that if I wanted to do an oil change, I just need ot buy oil and reach for a filter off the shelf.

[Dantilla]

Last time I ordered oil filters, I got a couple for the 911, and a half-dozen for the 944 race car. Shipping is pretty minimal that way, I've always got them on hand, and I support this great forum.

And even with shipping charges, a whole lot cheaper than the dealership.

[real550A]

Oil filters are a great item to use if you need to "round up" the total on your Pelican order to get to the free shipping level.
That way, there's always 2 or 3 on the shelf.

[Quicksilver]

The difference in between Mahle filters and the stuff in a US parts store is noticeable. When I used to race rotory motors (in a different life) we used to only use 944 filters because of the huge difference in pressure drop.

Get the Mahle filters and keep a couple in stock.

[Dixie]

Went by the dealership in the "Big City" today. Bought two filters for $17.50 each.

While there I had them look up prices for some odd-and-ends I need to order. Wow, you would not believe what they wanted for parts! Oodles and oodles more than Pelican! If I had to pay their prices, I'd sell the car.

[scottb]

I've heard that the Mobil 1 filters aren't bad, and will do in a pinch when a Mahle isn't available. Can anyone comment on that?

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

And when you order the three or four filters, don't forget to order a similar number of oil-drain-plug crush washers, which is probably the single most improperly re-used item on any 911.

[Hugh R]

about 8 bucks for a Mahle from Pelican

[cygtoad]

Well, at least you can get them out in California.   I got to the parts store here in New Hampshire and they look at me like I am asking for some plutonium for my flux capacitor.  

Realistically I have one of three choices...

1) Special order and wait 3 days
2) Order from Pelican and wait a week.
3) Drive to the closest Porsche dealer over an hour away.

I usually go with option two and buy several at at time.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Uh, realistically plan ahead? Like make belive you're going to change your oil maybe every 5,000 miles or so? Works for me.

[3.2 CAB]

I bought a case of the Mahle OC-54 filters, very cheap buying by the case, about $4.75 ea.

[KS120196]

Originally posted by 3.2 CAB
I bought a case of the Mahle OC-54 filters, very cheap buying by the case, about $4.75 ea.

Source, if not Pelican?

[wastintime]

Originally posted by scottb
I've heard that the Mobil 1 filters aren't bad, and will do in a pinch when a Mahle isn't available. Can anyone comment on that?

Scott,
I've actually spent a lot of time corresponding with Mobil and Purolator engineers on the phone and via e-mail. In the end, I've reached the conclusion that Mobil 1 or Purolator Pure One filters are superior to OEM filters. It's like oil, you can do things with synthetics you just couldn't otherwise do. Both have been engineered to filter down to incredibly small particles repeatedly, and not strip synthetic oils of their additives, cleaning agents, etc... Actually, Purolator filters are more efficient than Mobil down to a certain micron level where Mobil filters are more efficient trapping the smallest of particles. Of course we're talking about like a 1.2% difference on both ends of the spectrum... I think the Mobil filter's overal package is a bit better though, in terms of burst pressures, drainback valving, etc... but with cartridge filters on newer cars that doesn't even matter.
The other big benefit with synthetic filters and their filter media is additional storage capacity.
In my shop we stock both Mobil and Purolator, depending on the application, and OEM... Mobil/Purolator is cheaper (most of the time, especially with Porsche applications), and better, but a lot of people like to see the Porsche stamp on things and use OEM... kinda like belts. Don't get me wrong, OEM filters are very high quality and do a great job, but I don't believe they compare to newer synthetic filters in several areas, not just pure filtration ability. Of course you can argue for hours on the benefits of oem drainbacks, filter seams, filter media amount vs. flow rates, etc.. but... eh...

lol, wanna compare synthetic oils now?

[donstevens]

I agree with Andrew. I have spent a lot of time comparing oils and filters and agree that the Purolator Pure One filter is an excellent filter.

Does anyone have the Mahle filter numbers for various vintage 911s. If so I'll volunteer to do a spread sheet of various alternative filters for those who might be interetsed.

Don

[scottb]

Andrew: Thanks for the interesting analysis. I'm running dino oil in my 3.2. Is there any reason NOT to use a Mobil 1 or Purolator filter on my car?