Oil filter analysis

[Roy]

A link which was posted it on another forum, that I found interesting. A gentleman decided to do his own research on oil filters. He dismantled and studied many different filters. He was pretty extensive in his analysis, for a hobbyist. http://members.xoom.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html

 

[Bird]

Roy, I read all that a long time ago. The guy may be right or he may not be. Just remember that, like you said, he's a hobbyist, not an engineer, and since I don't know him, don't know his motivation for doing what he's done, don't know his background or expertise, etc., I guess I tend to be a little suspicious./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

 

[Roy]

We should suspicious (he may of been fired by Fram, we don't know). But ,I do admire the degree he went to. I myself have been using mainly Fram's for 15 years without problems. That was based on a study someone did (Popular Mechanics maybe, use to read it often) back then.

Does anyone know who supplies Kubota, JD or NH filters? Doubt if any of those manufactures would risk placing a known inferior filter initially in their equipment for the critical break-in period. They would have to pay a high penalty with engine warranty repairs.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I also have been to that page and want to point out that the Sept. 2000 issue of RIDER magazine conducted the same type of test and the results are remarkably similar. WIX, NAPA GOLD, PUROLATOR, and A.C. DELCO all had positive writeups and the FRAM had its poor construction quality singled out. Just like the first report they agree that the micron filtering ability and the bypass valve are the most important elements and that the OEM filters weren't necessarily better.

 

[Rowski]

Bird,

When this guy did this study he basically compared "logical" stuff. Like the length of the cartidge, shell thickness, drain back valves, how many pleats in the filter, gasket type, etc. He said that he could not due the SAE test. I do agree that he can be right and wrong. I have taken a filter (fram and wix) both with the same application. And basically cut them open and compared the two. There was a visual differance between the two. The filtration might be the same I don't know. I did this before I read this guy's filter study. In the auto industry there is a law that allows one to use aftermarket filter (that meet OEM standards) and not void the warranty. I have the name of the act or law at work. I will bring it home. I'm wondering if the tractor industy is the same. I am not an engineer but I usually look at the logical stuff first. If that does not help then I try to find more of an engineered answer.

I'm curious who made him stop his "study"??

Derek.

 

[Bird]

Yep, much of what the guy did sounds "logical" and I, too, usually try to go by that standard unless I have evidence to the contrary. I grew up with a dad who owned a Texaco service station, then a Mobil service station, AND an auto parts store, so at one time or another I've sold AND used Wix, Purolator, Fram, and AC filters (and some other brands) and quite honestly, I have no idea whether one's actually "better" than the other (the older I get and the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif). I'm still using Frams in my car and pickup, and I even used Frams on my B7100, but now I'm buying genuine Kubota filters for the B2710 (high priced suckers, too) because I don't know whether others would be just as good (and I haven't seen a cross reference chart yet). Fortunately, I've never had a problem that could be related to filters or lubricants, but who knows when I might. I'm inclined to wonder whether deciding which filter is best might be like trying to decide which tractor brand is best. At any rate, I find it interesting to read of the different opinions, tests, studies, etc. and I don't have any particular brand loyalty.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

It seems he missed the most logical thing to compare. An oil filter is supposed to filter oil so that is what should be compared. All he did was compare the construction of the filter which tells you nothing about what the filter is supposed to do. It is unfortunate that he has spent so much time and money without finding out how well the filters actually work.

Andy

 

[Rowski]

Bird,

I have nothing against fram or the others that are a QUALITY filter. I used what I can get for the price because of our oil change pricing. Bosh for imports and NAPA (wix) for domestic. I though about using the wix for the NH. Had a good listing and a good OEM# crossover. But the OEM oil filter was $3 cheaper but the OEM hydraulic filter was $5 more /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif. You can't win!

Derek


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Rowski on 8/13/00 10:08 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[Rowski]

Andy,

I agree with you. But where I am with the temp differences (-40ish to 90ish). Things like gasket construction make a difference. Also the thickness of the shell makes a difference due to the amount of salt /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif they use in the winter. I have seen oil filter shells rust out in six months. Filtering is important but what holds everything together is also important. He did also noted if the filters had a antidrain back valve which is important. Does anybody know where one can see actual filtration results?

Derek

 

[JRP]

As a professional mechanic I analized every fuel filter I could. Just cut open the pleated paper with a knife and unfolded it. Amazing the junk that plugs them up. I guess you could do the same to your old oil filter using a hack saw or can opener?
Tin snips?

I think I'll try it when I do the 50 hr service on my M6800.