Oil Filters, whose is best, and Why?

csandste

is that I think that good and better are the same. Look at the data that K-Mart supplies as well as the cut away view in the catalog. There are only two qualities: the Penske is the same as the basic Castrol, the better Castrol IS a better filter. Wix's answer to you reflects K-Mart's price points.

Lessen learned when I was ten and bought my first (Shakespeare) rod and reel. The better real had a stainless steel spool the "good" reel had a plastic spool. I bought the "good" one. The plastic spool came off and the stainless steel one was underneath. Sometimes things are done for marketing reasons. This example is almost a half a century old, but I think the same thing holds true today. The only difference (witness the datasheets and box) between the Penske and low end Castrol is a paint job, the price, and marketing.

knapp3

Check out this link:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19990419/press021970.html

wain

of Dana
Filters for Kmart
Kmart Corp. has selected Dana to supply air and oil filters. Marketed under the Castrol® and Kmart Penske CarCare™ brands, the filters will be available in nearly 2,200 Kmart retail stores beginning in May.

knapp3

The differences between the 3 Wix-made filters is real, but subtle I think. It's been awhile since I've read the filter boxes at Kmart, but the Penski box says something to the effect that it has 20% more filter material, the Castrol box says it filters 20% better than the competitor (with an "advanced filter media" vs the Penski model), and the black Max Pro Plus line uses a synthetic-type filter media that is more efficient and has more capacity. When I emailed Wix, they told me the MP Plus line had an overall efficiency of 90% based on the SAE HS806 test and was rated at 19 microns. All in all, all 3 are pretty good filters for the price Kmart charges.

fleetwoodsimca

WIX did it, and KMART got it. As suggested, I looked into the threaded mounting port and saw the trademark spiral. The evidence has poured in, and I must conclude that between KMART and WALMART, I need not look any further (until one or both change suppliers!). And I shouldn't leave AUTOZONE off my list. Their BOSCH filters are outstanding.

zr2rando

I have cut up a used MP Plus from my newer Chevy and I have a Penske on my older Chevy now, both are the same model# just the black and yellow version.(replace the AC PF 52)..The MP Plus had thick media, and a very tight compression spring. The cartridge showed some curves in the pleats. There also was not much clearance between the cartidge outside diameter and the can...it was full of cartridge.
I would consider it a good filter for $5.
It sounds like it breaks down into 3 levels;
Penske- base quantity and quality of media
Castrol White- higher quality media
Castrol Black- more quality AND higher quantity
Like Knapp3 said, the Penske says 20% more filtering area, the Castrol White says 20% more dirt, and the Castrol Black says 50% more dirt..
I will eventually have all 3 cut up after they get used and check em out...
I'm just glad they did away with the old Fram clones they used to have....can you imagine a "low cost" version of Fram?
see y'all
Rando

adc100

Any numbers here??

wain

but have not been in to K Mart
if there are three levels, Penske, Cast white and Cast Black
1. what is the MP Plus several people mentioned?
2. Will the average K Mart stock a popular filter in all three?

Does sound good tho - wix is probably better than wal marts Fram or Filtech

Canister thickness needs a mic to check - maybe not a problem - I do not hear of many on cars breaking - boats another matter - they rust quick - mercruiser advertises extra coating to prrevent that.

wain

I could not get your auto channel post to open

zr2rando

The MP Plus is the Castrol black.
For my truck, Chevy 4.3 v6, When I go to Kmart, they usually do have all 3 , it is the 3980 in that case. Not sure about all the versions, and now with Kmart thinning out in some locals, they may start getting low on general stock as well maybe.
Only thing I have really noticed on can thickness is that the Walmart AC filter was obviously tougher to cut than the Kmart version of the AC filter (pf52 in that case), Walmart AC made by Champion, Kmart version made by ????
The Walmart supertech looks like it is changing, for the better, box says higher efficiency now and made with synthetic mix, painted black on new stock on shelves.

wain

They e mailed me:
"Wix manufactures the Penske/Castrol brand of filters to their
specifications. They are not the same as the premium Wix brand. Thank you for your inquiry."

intersetingly the application manual at K mart listed two filters for my Camry 4 cyl, one larger than the other.

what is the premium wix called?

is the supertech a wal mart only brand???/ If yes, it would be suspect to me.

knapp3

Well I just tried the auto channel and it worked okay. It opens in a new window. In case you can't get it, it's a news release by Dana in '99 announcing that their Wix division is making oil filters for Kmart. The relevant part reads, "Likewise, the company said that its Wix Filtration Products Division had been selected by Kmart Corporation to manufacture and market air and oil filters beginning next month. Marketed under the Castrol(R) and Kmart Penske CarCare(TM) brands, the oil and air filters produced by Dana will be available in nearly 2,200 Kmart retail stores nationwide. A part of Kmart's Penske CarCare program also includes Castrol(R)
MaxPro(R) and Castrol(R) MaxPro(R) Plus oil and air filters, which are also manufactured by Dana."

fleetwoodsimca

I can't get too concerned about differences in WIX filters that are marketed as WIX, versus WIX filters marketed as PENSKE and CASTROL. Never forget that NAPA has WIX provide filters for them, and NAPA does not mess with shoddy products. I contend that if WIX makes it, it is a strong and worthy product, no matter the trade name. Now, if painting PENSKE on the outside of a WIX filter makes the price drop 50%, then just tell me where to back up my empty truck! Fill it with WIX. (:oÞ

csandste

but identical to most other Champion Labs filters such as Deutsch, STP, Champ, etc. Recent boxes have indicated an upgrade in filtering media which might make it the equal of upmarket Champion Labs filters such as Bosch. Every indication on this forum is that this is a very good filter. Remember Wal-Mart spends considerably less than rivals such as K-Mart on distribution and operations (17% v. 23%) so I would expect them to deliver a pretty good product at the price.

Wix may be a slightly better filter than Champion Labs but IMHO they're awfully close. Certainly both are infinitely better than Fram.

BTW--If you don't like Wal-Mart, Car&Driver filters at Target are also Champion Labs.

opera_house_wk

You have to use a can opener that has a cutting disk. They will open "like butta" as they say. I look for a filter construction that has a lot of pleats because it is the bottom 1/3 of the pleat that is responsible for oil flow. All oil filters trap the major dirt and there just isn't much of that. One filter that had gone an extreme period of time had no indication of contaminate build up. A filter in a Jeep was the first filter I found that had the pleats filled with a granular sludge. On this car, the PCV system had failed. This caused the rear oil return holes in the head to clogged with sludge. The oil would pool and bake.

A more important design criteria than filtering is how the filter will act when the oil is thick at startup. All filters go into bypass at this time. The first one to exit bypass mode is the better filter long term.

wain

Well the ad people have fuzzed it so you can't tell who is best. Wonder who "the leading filter " is that they talk about.

I could not find info on Bosch or the champion lab filters or Hard driver.

What I got was:

WIX web site: SAE J806 tests prove that WIX oil filters hold 45% more dirt than the leading national brand – (note - the AMSOIL charts show WIX as next to worst in capacty between Fram and NAPA.)

PUREONE web site: SAE tests prove the PureONE oil filter is #1 among ALL leading brands when it comes to protecting your car's engine against potentially damaging contaminants. With its exclusive Micronic ® filtration system, PureONE captures 96% of all contaminants.

For the Plus (not PureOne) they say: PremiumPLUS Filtering Media removes 10-20 micron-sized particles under actual driving conditions.

AC DELCO web site: UltraGold filters 4 GPM of cold oil …compare that to Wix Sport Truck Brand which filters only 2.3 gallons at this pressure … And "with an Efficiency rating of 98% at 8-10 microns, it traps particles 4 times smaller than conventional filters."

FRAM web site:

The SPE Test is one of the industry standards for evaluating and comparing oil filter performance, and measures a filter's ability to remove less than 20 micron-sized particles of dirt the first time through.

The FRAM Extra Guard filter performs at 96.2% efficiency in the single-pass efficiency

Tough Guard filter has even more synthetic glass and cellulose than Extra Guard® filter for an even greater life and efficiency with a SPE of 98%.

PENNZOIL site – 94% target efficiency on oil filters, thicker than conventional media, designed to catch 10-20micron particles. April 99

Quaker State Site – no data

AMSOIL site: The AMSOIL SDF Oil Filter provides up to 100 percent more capacity and up to 20 percent greater efficiency than other filters provide. It is ideal for use with extended oil drain intervals.

They have a good comparison at http://www.amsoil.com/products/sdf.html

Showing Mobil 1 as very good (expensive) and AC and Pure one as close. FRAM, WIX and NAPA on bottom.

OF course, filter capacity may not be important if you change every so often. And the filtration eff chart numbers are all in the 75-94 range – that may not make much difference either – anyone know?.

I was surprised that WIX scored so low in the AMSOIL tests.

Maybe the answer is anything but Fram (their web site shows the "cardboard" ends.

bluedevils

What is generally an easy way to do this? I know some filters will open with a standard electric can opener but I can't imagine they all do this.

adc100

Put in vice and just go around the filter in the middle. Probably a little slitter wheel would be easier.

opera_house_wk

The trick is to not get oil all over the place. A can opener with a cutting wheel can be used in side can seams like WIX and FRAM also. The cutter wheel goes into the outside seam and you keep going around the filter like you are cutting a pipe. It eventually cuts through and the seam falls off. Unfortunantly, the thick metal plate is under the cut which has been made smaller. I grab this edge with a wire cutter, make a slit, and peal away about an 2 inches of the edge like opening a canned ham. It will come away in 3/8 inch pieces. At that point you can pry off the top.

Using the can opener on these side seam cases is only marginally better than making a small hole with a chisel and prying off pieces of metal. Its a lot of work but this method does not introduce any foreign metal if your purpose is to inspect for foreign objects in the filter.

Professional cutters have a metal plate you hold the filter against. A cutting wheel cuts the body just above the metal backing plate. Two wheels press on the opposite side of the filter while you twist the filter.

wain

Well, I needed to be sure the hacksaw still worked so I cut up 3 filters today that fit my car, a 1994 4 cyl Camry.- about 90% of camrys are 4 cyl.
.
I bought a Purolater Premium plus L14476 ($2.48) from Advance, a Supertech 4967 from WaldoMart for $1.97, and a Castrol MaxPro cm4967 from K Mart for $3.49. This is really Donald Trump level finances – what ---$8?????

What I saw:

Overall height of the outside, and diameters were all the same, though the filter media size inside varied surprisingly. Weights were about the same.
The WIX and Supertech had the same and biggest 8 holes on the base plate– Pureolater had 8 smaller inlet holes – I don’t know if that’s good or bad.
All the media looked about the same. Purolater and WIX were same color, ST was a little lighter. Non of the media was "fuzzy".
ST had AA stamped on base like some AC filters.

1. Center Tube Holes – WIX has the spiral tube and the others have a rolled and crimped tube, but the WIX has only a small number of flow holes, even though their holes are bigger. The SuperTech and the Purolater had both the same looking type tubes and lots of small holes, which I think is better for even and more flow distribution to the pleats of the filter media. The WIX had room for more holes. Winner? Purolater and ST

2. Bypass relief valve springs – Wix has a nice coil spring with the "range" you get with coil springs, the other two have the flat leaf type spring. I am not sure which is best. This feature may never be used unless you are starting in very cold climates or get the filter real dirty. Winner: ?????

3. Antidrain back valve – important to me as the Camry filter is mounted upside down. I think the winner was the Purolater as the surface it sits on is a rolled ring on the hidden (inside side) side of the baseplate that gives lots of places for the drain back valve lip (a piece of rubber) to seal. The base plate outside is flat and Purolater must have added this ring for a seating surface. The ST and WIX filters have the valve lip just sit on the flat baseplate steel, and the sealing surface is "reduced’ on the inside side by the flow holes and on the outside side by the spot weld dimples, leaving only a small sealing area.
Winner: Purolater in my opinion.

4. Filter Size. Even though the filters were the same height, the media area was not. The Pure and the ST were about the same height, the WIX media was shorter visually compared to the Purolater. The WIX media glue job on ends looked a little better than other two, that were about the same as each other.
Number of pleats: Purolater 52 ST 42 WIX 38. Are more pleats better? It may not matter.
I cut the media out and measured it. The media is not very stretchy even though someone said that earlier. If a piece is say 40 inches long when pulled out, you may get only another 1/2 inch out of it by really pulling on it.

The sizes I got were;
Purolater: 50.25 long x 1 7/8 high = 94.2 square inches $2.48 sale price
SuperTech : 40.5 x 1 3/4 high = 70.8 square inches $1.97 everyday
WIX 39.5 long x 1 5/8 high = 64.2 square inches $3.49

I was surprised the WIX was smaller by such a big number cause the box says it holds 20% more dirt than "the leading filter". Wish we could find out who that is.

But the Purolater has 46 % more filter media than the WIX. Either Purolater is throwing away lots of filter media nationally, or the WIX is too small or will fill up quicker.

Based on the anti drain back valve and the bigger media I would choose the Purolater.

Related - I do not see how there is room in a PUREONE for more media – these I looked at were all full now. The minimopar study said the same about PUREONE. The above filter measured is the Premium Plus, not the Pureone.

opera_house_wk

I used to have a Mazda rotary and it was upside down on top of the engine. What a mess! I learned to pop a hole in the top with a nail and come back in 20 minutes to take it off. I also have a Jeep Cherokee that points up at an angle. It always seems to drain out over time. The Jeep has a center collection tube and the filter seems to have a center gasket that connects with the tube. I wonder how much leaks past the threads. After a while, I think most check valves stiffen up from exposure to the oil and heat. The ideal check valve would have a silicone flapper with some metal spring to maintain pressure. I'll have to check out Advance, Purolator at $2.50 is a deal.

adc100

Did you measure canister thickness??

wain

no.
they seemed about the same from trying to flex the pieces.
Maybe the Purolater was thinner than the other two but it could have been an illusion as the ST and the Castrol (WIX) had fancy/thick paint jobs and the Purolater had a "thin" looking and feeling paint.

fleetwoodsimca

I discovered I had a defective new SuperTech filter, and took it back to Waldo's. I had peered into the threaded mounting hole and noted that the filter element gasket was clenched out of its seal position over about 45 degrees. My assumption was that unfiltered and filtered oil might mix in that area, thus defeating the filtration to some percentage. The good news was that I found the same application ACDelco filters there on sale for $2.00 each.

alternator

Planning to switch to Purolator oil filters in my new 2002 Mazda Protege and 1996 Cavalier, I was surprised by the following:

The new Vector (plastic "B") filter wrench I bought was too small to fit over the top of the Protege OEM filter. Space being so limited, I haven't figured out yet how to remove the OEM filter, which is reachable only from the end. However, the Vector wrench seems exactly made to fit the replacement Purolator filter (L14622 or L14620).

The WIX/NAPA (metal #6) wrench I have always used on the Cavalier Fram filter (PH3387A) was very slightly too small to fit the replacement Purolator filter (L10111). But a Vector (plastic "J") wrench seems to exactly fit.

I didn't realize that replacement oil filters (of apparently the same diameter) are made in an assortment of slightly different sizes and/or profiles!

csandste

I'd always assumed that the SuperTech continued to be a Champion Labs unit in new box with slightly better filtering. I can't remember ever seeing a defective Champion Labs filter although some of the old STP filters that Wal-Mart used to feature had a bit of rust on them (detailled by the MiniMopar study as well).

Did you notice a different construction on the unit, like it was possibly made by a different manufacturer. Since Wal-Mart owns the brand they could rejigger suppliers.

zr2rando

I bought a new st3980 the other day, no issues with it, I think that the new filter line may be starting up and as usual at the beginning there probably will be a few f... u.ps, before long the line will be going smooth though (hopefully!). Anytime some new mfg line starts up the quality control gets some extra workout, we will have to pay attn for awhile though ....
I'm pulling for them so far
Rando

fleetwoodsimca

This was an ST4967 of the old line blue-grey filters. I suspect that if I hadn't been looking for center column characteristics versus WIX' spiral, I'd never have seen this defect. Just knowing it was there, I was "compelled" to get it refunded. I'm CERTAIN that no harm would have come to my vehicle. Actually, it brough me good luck. I found ACDelco filters for the same application on sale, so I bought two!

adc100

Lisle tool # 63600...can't be beat. Here's the link. I've seen it cheaper on the internet, but can't locate now. Wait for picture to load:

http://www.lislecorp.com/tools/catalog/filters/index.htm

zr2rando

glad you caught a defect filter, good thing you looked, I usually look when I buy them just to make sure the mfgr is the same as last time he he,
but now I will all the time. I think those AC's are on CLOSEOUT, the Walmart near me also has a few left and they are $2 as well (RED TAG!) They still have some Motorcraft so far and they mainly have Fram and ST.
Good Morning
Rando

alternator

Thanks, would undoubtedly work, but for a one-time use only I hope I can jerry-rig something that will suffice. I'll use the Vector wrench from then on.

fleetwoodsimca

I plan to keep an "eye peeled" when buying filters, too. A little inspection could save hassles, although I always wonder if the store security people get suspicious of customers lingering and opening boxes, etc., at the filter section! Ahhhhh! Let 'em sweat!
Some years ago, and I do not remember the circumstances, I came up with a device for removing stubborn filters from impossible locations. It has spikes on it and a socket wrench drive cavity on the other end. I suspect you could puncture a canister and twist it out with this. I know that the real intent of it was for removing filter bases after a disaster left you with only a base plate needing removal. The spikes will fit into the holes that let oil pass into the filter. I've never seen a broken off filter canister on any vehicle, but I reckon it is possible. I have removed a few with screw drivers-- you know, where you puncture the can and use the screw driver as a lever handle. This technique requires lateral room. The spike device is for no-room jobs!

harry31

Here is a link to that filter wrench (mentioned in #879) at a lesser price.

<http://www.bobstools.net/Store/LS63600.html>

Usual disclaimers.

alternator

harry31: Looks like good tool, but costs $15 with shipping added and only works to remove filter, not in reverse to tighten filter. I'm sure I can rig something to remove OEM filter, then I will use Vector tool from there on. Thanks however for your reply.

fleetwoodsimca

I have used water pump/channel lock type pliers effectively. It usually gets a little messy.

gjnbn

Has anyone used this filter yet and if so any comments? This seems to be a good filter but looking for opinions! Thanks for any info

fleetwoodsimca

I use DuraGuard ACDelcos from time to time and find them wholly satifactory. If UltraGuard is more expensive, I would pass on buying them.

joatmon

I've been using Delco UltraGuard w/ Mobil 1 for some time on my 4 Runner. I looked at all the premium filters and this seemed the best to me. They appear to be well made, but I've never cut one apart.

These filters seemed to run about $10 - $11 online. I found a AC Delco jobber here (Greenville, SC) that sells them for $6.30. I go in every several months and buy them out in my size. I still have 12 sitting in my garage. I think $6.30 is a great price for such a well made filter.

Check out the AC Delco website for info on the filter at http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_filt_oil_gold_main.htm

I used their web sites parts locator system to find the jobber. Don't wast your time at AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. Look for something like jobber or parts warehouse.

Happy Motoring

wain

at least the delco web site names brands by name.
most of the others say "leading filter"

wonder who makes the AC filter or do they?

the pureone scores good too in the flow test answering the minimopar concern about flow rate, and is sometimes on sale.

csandste

I think they make their own for GM cars and obtain from an outside supplier(s) for others. There have been several postings regarding the fact that K-Mart and Wal-Mart base AC filters are different.

fleetwoodsimca

...for my Prizm is an impressive filter. I bought a couple for my shelf at Walmart the other day. They were on closeout for $2.00 each.

brorjace

Thanks Rando for answering that question several posts back. I've been busy lately and keeping up with these threads seems impossible sometimes. Also, you answered that question more comprehensively than I would have. >;^)

I heard somewhere that they much-vaunted "Ultra Guard" filter was being phased out because they found it difficult to market such a premium filter. Anyone here any more on this?

--- Bror Jace

wain

sems to have switched to Super Tech and Fram filters.

No AC

joatmon

I talked to a manager at the AC Delco parts warehouse, and he said the UltraGuard is being discontinued, except for UPF44. That happens to be the one that fits the Vette.

Can you spell P U R E O N E.

fleetwoodsimca

Not a bad choice, PUREONE, but the coverage of vehicles is too spotty. [thinking of Ultraguard] Expensive filter prices are hard to justify in a marketplace where so little is gained by the added cost.

wain

if ultraguard is dead they need to kill the web page
course I never saw one for sale anywhere.

fleetwoodsimca

Very few shoppers want to pay exorbitant prices for a (very good) filter that can be equalled for considerably less money. ACDelco conjures up General Motors, while $10+ conjures up "rip off."

wtd

I talked to someone at AC-Delco and the story on these filters being discontinued is that they were not selling enough of them. I asked them why only Pepboys and some GM dealers were the only ones that carried these. They told me that only these two suppliers agreed to carry this line of filters. No one else wanted to. The cost and availability killed it.

I bought a case of 12 from gmpartsdirect about two months ago so I would have them for awhile. For anyone who still wants these, try there as they may still have a stock of them.

fleetwoodsimca

Did you ever get trustworthy info on who manufacturers any or all grades of ACDelco filters?

alternator

"Common Knowledge" says that draining engine oil is best done with a hot engine because any particulate matter will be in suspension in the oil and therefore will flow out easier.

It seems to me that there is so much area up inside the engine for the old oil to cling to that it would be more reasonable to wait until the engine is almost cold to allow time for more of the oil to collect in the oil pan before draining. Then, it might be prudent to pour a fresh quart of oil through the engine to flush the pan itself more thoroughly.

Has anyone seen any scientifically proven evidence that oil should only be drained while hot? Hot oil is certainly messy, and also a real safety hazard.