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What Kind of oil filters are being used


a_alyte
12-07-2004, 07:02 PM
I was wondering what type of oil filters you all are using?

I havnen't found many oil filter comparisons on the internet, but i did read that Mopar filters are not that good. I usually grab whatever's on sale! I switched over to synthetics too!

Does anyone have any favorites or recommendations?

Just looking for opinions.

JDPascal
12-07-2004, 07:46 PM
I have been useing the mopar filter for my 96 5.2. I've cut them open and they seem well constructed with the metal element ends and all. I'm not sure about the degree of filtration there but they have worked for me so far.

One thing I will say is that in my experience with cutting different filters, I will not use Fram filters or those made by Fram on my Jeep or most other vehicles. Not that they won't filter the oil, they just don't live up to my expectations when compared to others that I have cut.

The other thing is that filters are only made by a few companies so you could be getting a filter made by a company that you would rather not get them from. Filters I've seen that are part of the fram group are labeled Honeywell, and Allied signal as well as some of the oil company brands like the Quaker State filters (I've heard but no proof and I've not cut one yet) are possibly made by Fram too.

If you want to get into the high end filters, try a Mobil 1 filter or a Pure One from Purolator. I've seen good comments for these on an oil site that I hope I can recommend here.


This first one is a forum much like this one on all aspects of lubrication.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?

this second one is the home page on the topic of oil. You can pick what you want to believe here but I've found most of it very factual and helpful.

there is a link to a website with a comparison of many makes of oil filters here but the industry is constantly changing so it would be better to do your own comparison for your vehicle.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

Happy searching

JD

JDPascal
12-07-2004, 08:00 PM
The one web site that I was thinking of was not linked on either of those pages. SORRY.

Here it is

http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html

JD

a_alyte
12-07-2004, 08:49 PM
Thanks for the input JD.

I did find a write up on the internet stating that only a few companies are manufacturing filters & simply putting different names on them. The site I was viewing said this was true of mopar filters too, that there not really manufactured by mopar! I never used mopar personally but maybe I'll try them in the future.

I to have never been a fan of the Fram filters though, just something about them?

Thanks for the links too, looks like there's good infor. there!

xj31
12-07-2004, 09:20 PM
Nice links,JD.Some very good info there.A while ago we were bored at work so we cut open a bunch of filters and the mopar ones did seem to be a little better made.One thing about the mopar filters,they change from time to time.Sometimes they are stamped made in U.S.A. and at other times they are made in Mexico.So I assume they go with whoever gives them a better price.

Goldfishy
12-08-2004, 01:21 AM
Wal-mart's Super Tech (S16) filters, hands down at $1.97 each.

I've been using them since they came out, I read that they are quite good, if not better than the FRAM's and like others have stated most filters are private-labled by major manufacturers. I have about 134,000 miles on my 99' GCL and change my oil every 3-5,000 mi.

I've never had any problems with leaks or blow-outs with any of the Wally's brand and there are times I'm cruising from LA to Vegas (368 miles one-way) at 90 mph once a month or down to Sandy Eggo at 76 mph (155 miles one-way).

I stock up on the oil filters, since I run so many miles a month.

Traktor
12-08-2004, 05:15 PM
The one detail I've heard about in the small amount of research I've done on oil filters is that some prevent back-flow. It could be a load of crap - and I'm not sure quite how much that would matter, but I've heard that some of the more expensive filters feature this. I'm assuming that when the engine is shut off, the built up particles in the filter can't seep backwards - possibly contaminating the oil doesn't then immediately flow thru the filter on start-up. Does that seem about right?? When told this, it was at an off-road store regarding a K&N oil filter. I always sort of assumed that was what differentiated the really expensive ones like the K&N and the Mobil-1 from the regularly priced ones. I'd be a bit weary of using a really cheap filter on my jeep, personally. However, since I off-road alot I figure it's worth it to get the nice ones. Any feedback on the back-flow theory would be appreciated.

a_alyte
12-08-2004, 06:06 PM
I've heard & read some things on backflow myself, not sure what to believe though. Unfortunately, I have no hard facts on the theory either.

I guess it would take some type of contraption to really test the backflow theory since it's hard to tell by simply looking at the filter!

Maybe cutting the filter after its been used would give an idea?

JDPascal
12-08-2004, 06:28 PM
The feature that you are refering to is called the antidrainback valve (ADBV).

It is installed in the filter to keep the filter full when the instalation angle is such that the inlet/outlet is not the highest point of the filter.

This keeps the filter full of oil and prevents lifter rattle and momentary dry startup conditions after the engine has not been run for a short time.

Any filter that would be listed as meeting the requirements of your application will have one if the manufacturer has made that a specification.

The difference between filters is what the ADBV is made of. Some materials are more heat and oil resistant than others for extended drain intervals and other severe service conditions.

Hope this clears up the confusion.

JD

msrjeep
12-08-2004, 11:00 PM
Puralator Pure-One. and i use the oversized PL30001. it's about 1.5x the size of the standard filter. i also use synthetic oil. i do extended drain intervals. filter every 5k oil every 10k.

msrjeep
12-08-2004, 11:02 PM
mopar filters are rebadged filters from several manufacturers. fram, wix, etc i can't remember who exactly. i like puralator and wix the best. imo...

a_alyte
12-08-2004, 11:53 PM
So what is the benefit or difference in using an oversized oil filter?

My jeep is at 148K miles right now & I'm not sure about extended drain intervals, I'm programed into doing it every 3K.

Also, I'm running synthetic for the 1st time & I'm currently about 20 miles past the 3K mark! I was going to change the oil soon but it still looks, smells, & feels pretty good!

I think I'll just keep checking it until I feel it's time for new fluid!

JDPascal
12-09-2004, 12:12 AM
a_alyte

The benefit of using a oversize filter is more surface area on the filter element. This mainly allows more contamination holding ability before the filter plugs to the point where the bypass valve opens due to the increased restriction caused by the trapped contamination.

Basicly it allows for an increase in the oil change interval.

With your synthetic oil in the engine and a standard filter, you could consider changing the filter at 3k, adding the makup oil and going for the 5 or 6k mile mark for the next change - uptoyou though!!

This would depend on the condition of your engine and type of driving though. Probably work better in a newer engine with less sludge buildup and wear that lets combustion byproducts into the oil and also if you use the vehicle for longer trips - not just across town and city/rush hour driving.

JD

a_alyte
12-09-2004, 08:25 AM
Thanks for the explanation JD.

Most of my driving is done NYC, so I think I'll stick to my 3K mile oil changes.

I appreciate you clearing that up for me though!

Myrtle Beach
12-09-2004, 08:26 AM
wix, purolator, Napa, and Motorcraft are your best filters. STAY AWAY FROM FRAM!! I've been told that Motorcraft is the same filter as a Pure one, so if you can find the same part number that is your best bet

glennco1
12-09-2004, 08:57 AM
Napa's gold filter's are repackaged wix filters. Wix are probably the best I know of, and one of the first companies to include an anti-drainback valve.

Most gas stations use wix filters in their pumps to keep sediment out of the fuel.

Recently Fram added an anti-drainback valve and their quality has went up a lot I've heard

Traktor
12-09-2004, 09:19 AM
Thanks for the info JD - much appreciated.

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