Napa, Wix filters vs OEM, Messicks Video

[xcgreene]

I really like the Messick videos, but after seeing this one about napa/wix oil filter Napa Filters VS Kubota Filters - Do you need OEM filters? - YouTube
I wanted to set the record straight a bit. They have a pretty unusual napa gold/wix filter there with a small filter cartridge inside. This is not typical of wix filters from my experience cutting them open.

Here is a picture of my most recent wix 51325 (Napa1325), a cross reference for kioti E6201-32443 I use on my DK45se.





You can see here that the internal filter cartridge is not unusually small in any way, and has plenty of pleating. It appears as though the messick video has taken an unusual circumstance from the bottom of the barrel, and brought it to the top, effectively making all wix filters, or aftermarket filters for that matter, appear of lesser quality. Wix makes a number of filters for the same engine in many cases, with low, medium, and high capacity. I don't mean to bang the particular drum of wix, there are many great brands. Donaldson, Parker, Purolator ONE, and Fleetguard to name a few.

I still like the Messick videos, They were just using an example they had. I just wanted to point this out for people who live a considerable distance from a dealer, and have a Napa right down the road. Don't fret aftermarket filters, you don't always have to make that 2 hour drive to the dealer if you have done your research.

 

[Ford850]

I usually buy OEM filters, but I would feel safe getting Wix/Napa Gold instead. Even buying Kubota oil filters, they seem to change the recommended size over the years. On one Kubota engine of mine, the original was very small. OEM replacements were the same filter for a couple years. Then Kubota changed to a wider and longer filter. Hmm, oh well it must be better I figured. After several years buying that larger filter, they changed the recommended filter back to the smaller filter again and it's been that way for a few years so far. Makes me realize the filter can't be that critical as long as it's decent quality and replaced on schedule.

 

[buickanddeere]

As previously stated . The WIX Gold are entirely acceptable .

 

[standup616]

Is there a filter cross reference sticky thread or reliable place to look up filters

 

[atsah]

I use Mobil 1 filters on everything and have never had a problem. Company's like WIX, Mobil 1, Napa, they are at least as good as OEM and honestly I think they are better.. They cost less and most of the major brand filter company's put more research, time and money into designing their specific product.. And they can be had locally..

 

[xcgreene]

I use Mobil 1 filters on everything and have never had a problem. Company's like WIX, Mobil 1, Napa, they are at least as good as OEM and honestly I think they are better.. They cost less and most of the major brand filter company's put more research, time and money into designing their specific product.. And they can be had locally..

This is very true. In many cases, equipment manufacturers purchase filters from these filter companies to rebrand as their own.

Sorry everyone, I know the filter topic can be beat to death sometimes, but I still enjoy the discussion.

 

[Leejohn]

He was wrong on the spring in the bottom of the can. The bypass spring is in the filter filter itself. you see it in the picture above. Here is a good video of how it works. WIX Filters - Oil filter animation (EN) - YouTube

 

[Industrial Toys]

Is anyone talking of this filter being better than that one or as good as blah, blah blah, considering filtration levels? Physical size and thread size is not the end of finding a cross. Some manufacturers won't even tell you what the filtration level on their suggested filter is, so how can someone suggest a substitution?

 

[CMV]

I wish I had saved my old ones, took pics for comparison, or held for next service to cut up both to compare guts, but at least with mine "aftermarket" was the OEM.....Donaldson, Baldwin, those WERE the OEM filters it came with from Kioti. No idea about the WIX filters I used in replace of the engine oil & both hydraulic, but the big hydraulic filter - they sure looked identical in every way other than the WIX p/n added. I wouldn't be trying to cross reference a Fram or STP or some crap, but WIX? I'm not ever losing sleep over a WIX filter......

 

[northcreek2624]

This is pretty interesting stuff since I'm in the middle of winterizing my machines. Kind of funny though how cars into the 50's came with no oil filters (optional on some) and people were building their own using TP rolls. Obviously there is a lot of money to be made selling filters. Walmart has four or five brands and each brand has three grades.........lol........I'm not losing any sleep over it either.