Oil Filters, whose is best, and Why?

ruking1

The other thing that might be deceiving is that the manufacturer has probably made the filter smaller but still have to meet  the same or tighter filtering specifications. How did they do this? It is like a origami paper folding trick? I.E., put more filtering material more sq inches into a smaller container.

In my case I was used to using a Fram PH8a "sized" filter, which as most folks know, is app the size of a oversized coffee mug. Needless to say I was skeptical but the oem compared the filtering material and needless to say I now use the new and smaller oem filter size. Again this is in a Toyota Landcruiser.

fleetwoodsimca

Another feature that the size large canisters can potentially offer is a smidgeon of lagniappe-- that is, a little extra-- oil cooling.

ruking1

#1702

Two of the neatest things I have on my Corvette are an ambient outside temp gauge AND an oil temp gauge !!! In theory the great area and mass of metal does operate like a "heat sink". However in my Corvette, there is not much room to deviate from the PF-44 oil filter unless I do a complete filter reroute. Then of course you'd have to factor in the longer lines and the extra oil, in addition to the bigger filter and test it against a smaller filter...

edwardn1

Cut open a Toyota brand filter for a late model, say 92 and later 4 cyl. Camry. They use what I believe is called a crystal patern to get all the folds in. The quality appears to be excellent. Supposedly purolator makes it for them, but it doesn't appear to have the characteristic marks from the string used during assembly that purolators are known for.

csandste

not sure why. Here's a note from a Champion Labs tech. The 6607 was tiny-- whether ST or Fram. Hate to repeat the experience. I've checked the filter database on several occasions, both the book and the on-line one at Wal-Mart. Fram does call for a 6607-- wasn't sure of the Fram number for the larger filter because I never use Fram if I can avoid it.

________________

The Super Tech catalog calls for the ST2808 on the 2001 Hyundai Elantra.
The ST6607 could be used as a smaller alternate, however the correct filter
which we recommend is the ST2808.

The only air filter we have available for this application is the Champ
AF7999. For the nearest Champ distributor in your area, please contact our
Customer Service at (800) 851-3641.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Thank you.

Chad Garrett
Technical Service

newcar31

I've heard all of the stories. If there's a way to mess up an oil change, I've heard of it.

vidtech

I have several supertech ST8A filters and looking inside i do not see a bypass valve in it.Does anyone know if there is ACTUALLY one inside that I cannot see.

mike1qaz

one in the oem filter for your car? Some bypass valves are no longer in the top of the canister, but are around the inlet area. And some don't have any at all.

opera_house_wk

Is actually a metal snap valve. The filter has small holes in the bottom end plate. A pressure differential bows the bottom plate and allows oil to pass. Low tech, saves space and more than adequate.

fleetwoodsimca

With the Wix made Kmart filters practically all closed out, does anyone know of any other "house brands" or other sources generally available to the buying public, outside of NAPA filters?
Other than Kmart, are there any other outlets for either Penske or Castrol filters?

edwardn1

would be my first choice if I could only get them. Because of the distance to NAPA and the higher price, I have standardized on the Supertech at WalMart. Based on what I've read on this and other boards, and some on hands info., I've concluded this is the way to go.
BTW, does anyone know anything about the current oil filters that Toyota sells for the 4 banger Camry? I've noticed that our local metro Phoenix KMarts now have no penske or castrol filters. It appears that if you want wix you have to go to NAPA and get out the money gun!

wain

Here its like $4 each for the filter.

edwardn1

Thats also what they charge me and I work for a dealer network that has a Toyota store here in town. Without employee discount would be well over $5.00. They have a cut open Toyota filter and a (wouldn't you know) a FRAM also cut open. Needless to say the toyota filter looks like it has twice (not exaggerating) the element area compared to the fram. The toy filter also has an O ring for a seal against the engine versus a cheap looking cut rubber one on the fram. The only thing I didn't like was that the toyota filter has one paper end cap but not on the side where the anti drainback valve is. Your dealer is giving you a good price. I may still go with the WalMart supertech as I have with my other three vehicles. The supertech that are black in color are really a great buy, they even have synthetic fiber blended in, almost as good as the much more expensive Mobil one. Does your toyota dealer have a cut open filter?

wain

I do not know (do not go there much - car never breaks
saw their internet ad on the filters

I use supertech and purolater filters but have used Toy if I go by the dealer (other side of town)

vidtech

i will be stocking up on oil filters.i usually use purolator premium plus but i see my walmart still has supertechs.which of these filters is the best?they are approx.the same price.

wain

my vote would be purolater - from an oil filter company in bidness for a long time.
some do not like the thinner metal shell tho I have never had one fail.

either is prob OK

st is cheaper.

edwardn1

and the mentioned purolator is plain paper. The synthetic element is superior to plain paper and is used on upgrade filters like the Castrol and the Mobil-1 filter, both of these are much more costly. Plus, the purolator is assembled with a string wrapped tightly around the middle. If you want the purolator, you can save money by getting the pep boys house brand, its the same as a prem plus. Just dont buy FRAM and you'll be ok.

adc100

its for a Nissam. The SuperTech 6607 is too small. I'm one of those who finds the .009" shell thickness of the Purolator scary.

fleetwoodsimca

I'm with adc100 on this. The Supertech 6607 is very tiny. I "got relief" by finding the Penske and Castrol filters by WIX, at Kmart. Now, Kmart is discontinuing their Wix filters. I am down to the last 13 of my shelf stash (:o]. Champion does make the bigger filter, but not as a Supertech. They make a Bosch for that application. They are available at Autozone, but it sells for over twice the price of their Supertech.

csandste

as substitute for 6607*. Not sure what car the 6607 is really needed for but 2808 will substitute in most cases.

*post 1705

adc100

Thanks for the info-I'll check it out. It seems strange that they don't recommend it fot the Nissan 2000 Maxima which uses the larger filter.

csandste

that happens when Fram calls for the tiny 6607 in my Hyundai. I'm wondering if it's a matter of clearance for in all types of uses, i.e. 20% of Hyundais require the tiny filter so it's just less confusing to use that number for all Hyundais. Who cares if the small filter does a rotten job. You might want to e-mail the same tech who responded to me at Champion Labs and ask about the size difference. I'd be interested in any response you get.

adc100

Think I will!

fleetwoodsimca

Here's a bet that they tell you the small filter is "all you need" for any application calling for that number, based on the manufacturer's oil and filter change interval. It sure is nice to have a big can on the car, no matter what. The psychological effect is worth the difference.

americanflag

Does this mean I should also use the Mobil One Filter? It's expensive. I want a very good filter, is Mobil One the way to go?

bigorange30

with my Mobil1 synthetic oil. I do because I also wanted a very good filter and I want to extend my drain intervals. This study seems to indicate that it and the Purolators are the best. Lesser filters are probably acceptable to use but at $10/ 4 months, its too cheap to take a chance on the other cheaper brands.

http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html

prayga

I heard that a larger oil filter is better for the engine. But is there any drawback? The standard size Mobil 1 filter for my Acura TL is M1-104. The next size is M1-105 which is larger in diameter, or M1-208 which is larger in length. Which one is better to use?
Please give your thoughts.

fleetwoodsimca

There are several variables in the equation other than just the physical size of the filter. Until you get well into this technical information, you would do well to stick to recommended filters for specific applications. There are potentially serious drawbacks to using inappropriate filters.

adc100

then go to a purolator book. In the back they give you the dimensions and the relief valve settings. If the relief sizes are ok you are in with the larger filter.

fleetwoodsimca

Anti drainback valving and flow rate characteristics may be meaningful as well. Flow rate OUGHT to not be a problem, if the bypass valving is adequate. My first efforts in this arena were to find a way to not have to buy Harley-Davidson proprietary filters. My efforts paid off, and no problems developed. NAPA and other major names have master filtration books that have the data you need to lead you to a selection of usable filters for your application.

chas_in_okc

oilfilter magnets? I am thinking oil filters take care of the smallest metal floating in the oil. Larger metal may not make it to the top end of the engine or to the filter because of its weight. A drainplug magnet should hold onto it till oil change time.
I see there are magnets to place on the outside of oilfilters too. Anyone try them? If the metal stays loose in the filter and the antidrainback valve doesn't work it could be trouble. The magnet will hold the metal till filter change.
Seem like a good ideas to me anyways.

cutehumor

does anyone know of any that exist online? especially those that cross reference supertech oil filters. I'm going to pick up some oil filters tomorrow and I want to try out supertech from walmart. I have visited walmart a couple of times to get some but can never find a book to cross reference for my car (92 mit mirage 1.5 L). I've been using bosch oil filters for the past two years at 5 bucks a pop. any help is greatly appreciated.

malachy72

wal mart ususlly has a book that has the super tech numbers. On the boxes, the super techs often cross reference to the frams. Your fram filter is 7317. You might post on bob's board, someone with a catalog will have your answer.

fleetwoodsimca

As I recall the Fram numerals are used on Supertech-- like, maybe substitute ST for PH and use the same numbers. But upon checking my reference sheet in my wallet, I show that the 7317 is not an ST number, and ST calls for the 6607, which is a little filter, for my pair of Nissan 3.3Liter V6s. I was lucky enough to hit Kmart during their closeout of Penske and Castrol (made by WIX) filters, and get a bunch of 7317s.

csandste

The Champion Labs techs usually answer such questions promptly by e-mail. Look on their web site.

cutehumor

ok, I went to walmart today and looked at their supertech filters. my engine calls for ST 6607; I open the box and the filter is tiny. I compared it to the dreaded fram filter. It's about 2-3 inches shorter in length than the fram. should I be concerned about this? I read on a previous post that ST 2808 can be used instead of ST 6607; Great thing about supertech, all of the filters are 1.97 each for every size.
I emailed champlabs to find out if it is ok for my application.

Also, I picked up ST8A filters for my dad's 2000 Ford Ranger 4.0L at 1.97 each; The motorcraft F1A was 2.67 each; The size of both filters were identical and both made by champion labs. I bought three supertech ST8A good deal there.

From my observation, walmart auto dept has mostly fram stuff. they only carry fram air filters there too. With oil filters, it was about 70% fram..15% motorcraft..15% supertech. this is in Memphis, TN

Autozone here carries bosch, stp, fram, mobil 1 oil filters; Mobil1 filters are too high. Since I avoid fram, I've been using bosch at 5 bucks a pop from autozone looking for cheaper high quality alternatives. I've never been to advanced auto parts store. does anyone know which oil filter brands they carry? I went to advanced auto parts website and it only listed the services they do and what replacements parts they carry. no mention of oil or oil filters they carry.

oh, and I wish I picked up some wix filters from Kmart. We don't have that many kmarts here. I went to one last week and their filters were a mess. Very unorganized like someone went through all of them and no cross reference book was found. I'll have to do some research to find which wix filters apply to my 92 mits 1.5L engine.

On another note, when I was at walmart. they only two 5w30 valvoline maxlife oil bottles left at $1.97 each. this was around 12 noon. Everytime I look for this stuff they are always sold out. I looked for chevron supreme but walmart doesn't carry it. They carry Valvoline, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Castrol, Supertech oils.

oh and if everyone has any other suggestions on where else to get bargains post info please. Thanks

cutehumor

Michael,

The ST6607 is the correct filter for the 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.5L, based
on the information we received from Mitsubishi. The Supertech line is a
consolidated filter line, in order to keep less unused filters on the
shelves. Sometimes, that can cause a filter to be slightly shorter than
the original equipment filter. This is just a difference in manufacturing
and all filter warranties will remain in effect when these filters are
used. Please be assured that the ST6607 will work on this application with
no problems. However, the ST2808 can be used if provided there is enough
room and clearance to use this filter. The decision to do so will be under
your discression though, for we are basing our information from that of the
o.e.

Thank you.

Chad Garrett
Technical Assistance Representative
Champion Laboratories, Inc.

I'm still unsure whether or not to use the ST 6607; I'm going back to walmart to see how much difference there is with the ST 6607 and the ST 2808. If anyone has used ST 2808 instead of the ST 6607 filter, please post any results with it.
btw, I do have enough clearance for a bigger filter.

oh ya, I looked up oil filters at O'reilly auto parts online..they have a O'reilly microguard filter for 3.99. they have a wix filter for 5.49 a little too high for my tastes.

cutehumor

anyone order oil filters from www.filter1.com
they are a supplier of wix oil filters. you can fax them a list of oil filters you need and they will quote you a price. Free shipping to 48 continental states and no sales tax. might be a good deal. They are based out of NY. anyone have any experience with this site?

bluedevils

In my area (Michigan), Wal-Mart does carry Chevron Supreme. It is priced at $1.08/qt.

Advance Auto Parts stores in my area carry Purolator PureOne filters. This is a well-regarded filter line. Advance sells most of the PureOnes for $5.99, I think. The Meijer stores in our area (basically, a Kmart/Wal-Mart plus a grocery store all in one) carry PureOne for $4.99 each. Meijer is in several states but I'm not sure if they are as far south as Memphis.

malachy72

Apparently the issue w/ the 2808 S-T filter is only one of size and clearance. Nothing to prevent you from using them.

harry31

cutehumor:

Im still unsure whether or not to use the ST 6607; Im going back to walmart to see how much difference there is with the ST 6607 and the ST 2808. If anyone has used ST 2808 instead of the ST 6607 filter, please post any results with it. btw, I do have enough clearance for a bigger filter

   I have used a 2808 in place of the OEM filter on my V-6 Hyundai. Then I bought a 6607, stuck it alongside the 2808 and quickly returned the 6607 to Wally-World.

   I had one spare OEM filter (it's even bigger than the 2808) and from now on, I'm gonna pay the price for the import OEM. It's about US$4.50 and twice the size of a 6607. Don't know if the inside of the OEM is ALL media (presently draining one to cut open), but as I have plenty of room around the engine, physical filter size is no problem. That and the appearance of the OEM filter. It is just SO much heavier and cleaner looking. Even comes with a plastic 'condom' over the open end to keep out any crud that may enter on the trip from the Motherland! =;-))

malachy72

mikeqaz has used the s/t 3950 as an oversized filter for the 2808.

fleetwoodsimca

You need to be VERY careful when applying common logic to the question of whether you can substitute filters. The safest way, other than contacting the manufacturer, is to use a master filter book and see what the specifications are for the filters involved in the switching.

opera_house_wk

But not much more. I advise you to measure the diameter of the sealing O-ring and compare it with max and min diameter of the sealing surface. I have found on some filter subs that the sealing ring rides on the edge of the machined mounting surface.

tntitan

I live in Nashville and bought mine at Costco for a little less than $1 per quart. My local Super WalMart also carries it now at $1.08 per quart.

adc100

I have not yet used the 2808 version. Instead I use the Mobil M 1-110 and the K&N HP 1010. I use them because they are built like a tank. I mainly now use the K&N due to a supposed higher flow rate. The Pure One PL 14620. Is also oversize but is just to paper thin for me.

csandste

ST recommends 2808 on Elantra. Fram the 6607. Wal-Mart mistakenly substituted a 6607 ST filter (must have read the wrong column in the app. book.) The same Chad Garrett e-mailed me telling me of Champion's recommendation of a 2808. That 6607 IS tiny.

fleetwoodsimca

I agree on the ST6607. I just don't want something that small on my Pathfinder 3.3L V6.

bburton1

Have one Fram left-just replaced a Fram with a AC Delco filter. Amazing difference-the engine on start up with the fram is very noisey-very quiet with the ACD. I thought this would only go on for a few seconds but it is almost a minute. Maybe send the last fram to the dump where it belongs and not use it.

edwardn1

...leaks and if you have a vehicle with a large filter such as a PH8A used on a vehicle with a vertical mounting with the base down it will give you a false high reading if you let the car sit overnight before you check the oil. I had this problem on an older Dodge with the 225 slant six. I thought it strange that the oil read so much higher on the stick after sitting overnight. I now know it was caused by the check valve that is supposed to keep the oil in the filter from leaking out . That's not surprising considering it seals against the PAPER (others use metal) end cap. I'm done with fram. As Scotty said on "STAR TREK", "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." That means each cold start had to fill a nearly empty filter with oil before the oil got where it was needed.