Correct Oil Filter- READ - IMPORTANT!!!

[SteveH]

I use the Amsoil HD filter, have an analysis every 9k-12k and have never had a bad run. Even our 5 star DC dealer says that the Amsoil is one of the most superior filters to use. Oh well. One has to wonder why it did not make the "good" list.

 

[LarryM]

The Big Question

I'm with FMJ, I have been using Fram filters in my gassers for years with no problems. I use Fleetguard exclusively in my Cummins though, because of the great deal and service from Geno's. Anyway, I have been watching this filter debate for a while now, and wonder if Fram has ever issued a statement about what is said about the use of thier filters in a Cummins. It seems to me that they must be aware of the bad press they're getting and would issue some sort of reply, one way or the other. Has anyone ever heard them say anything about this? Just wondering... ... ...

All the best, Larry

 

[americana]

hard to believe

that's hard to believe (not saying i don't, though). i used fram filters on my jeep for 150kmi trouble free among other vehicles. i shoulda kept it it ran so well, but i had the cummins fever (for 5yrs!) bad!! aslo sold two choice motorcycles (94 BMW R11RS and 97 Moto Guzzi 1100i Sport) for it.



BUT i digress.



i use the amsoil dual bypass as well and feel pretty good about it. due for both filters to be changed and an analysis soon as well.



HOWEVER, if a filter came apart i'd go a' huntin'!!!!!



moral of the story... . i think we're ok if we use a good high quality filter. i just don't think i'd put any oem filter in that category.

 

[John Berger]

I've got the second SDF-80 filter on my truck. Prior to that I had been using the Fleetguard Stratapore's. I'll look at my next oil analysis and if the readings stay pretty much the same I'll go back to the Fleetguard filters. They are considerably cheaper, even with my dealer discount from Amsoil.

 

[Max340]

Originally posted by illflem

According to the law in order for any manufacturer to deny warranty due to the brand of filter you use they must supply the specified filter for free. Since Cummins isn't doing this you are free to use whatever filter you please. Don't let Cummins or the dealer pull your leg, it just isn't true, they can recommend a filter but can't deny warranty because you don't use it. Of course they are going to recommend a filter made by a company they are in bed with.

I think you misinterpret the law here.



Cummins does not specify a single filter. If they did, they would have to supply the filter. They specify certain specifications which the filter must meet. Any filter meeting those specs is allowed. Any not meeting it, are not allowed. Any not tested do not make the list.



The point here is that you seem to imply that a Fram is ok to use and that the dealer cannot deny warranty. Thats not true IF the Fram does not meet the specs supplied by Cummins.



And further... . Do you really want to fight over a dead diesel and its warranty just because there is a law that means you might be right?



Just get the spec'ed filters and drive away happy.

 

[hammong]

Originally posted by illflem

but can't deny warranty because you don't use it. Of course they are going to recommend a filter made by a company they are in bed with.

Note that several filters on the list are NOT by companies that D/C are "in bed with". A/C Delco and Motorcraft are arch-rivals to MOPAR, and you can bet they wouldn't recommend a competitor's filter unless they took the issue very seriously.



The best filter out there for the money seems to be the Fleetguard Stratapore. That's what I use, they're cheap from Geno's - buy 3 at a time and safe on shipping.



Greg

 

[John HBD]

Tow Pro

The filter used on this motor was a Purolator44422. Purolator has requested the filter and is sending a special container for transpotation. I will keep everybody updated as to the outcome. John

 

[Bugman]

Oh dear!... ... ... ... . With a trip to Missouri set for tomorrow I decided to change the oil. I bought a Mobil1 filter at about $12. I hope this filter will be OK on my truck!



At Auto Zone the other options were Fram at $4 and one other about $4.



Anyone know if this Mobil1 filter is any good?



Bugman.

 

[sewman]

John,

Where will this filter be when they tell you it's not the fault of it??

FWIW,Bob

 

[ACoyle]

Just an idle thought. Merryman makes his point quite well. The general conssnsus of posts are all technical. At the point of engine failure, it is no longer a technical problem. It becomes about money. First consideration will DC fix you engine on warranty. If so game over smile, kick back, light em if you got em. If not a very simple equasion comes into play. Cost of a rebuild vs cost of a lawsuit. I bet the rebuild is cheaper. Don't forget if the lawyer takes it on cntingency, they get 33% or so. If they take it for a fee, it's open ended and they will fight as long as you have money. You then need to sue for damages and legal fees. Who's pockets are deeper, yours or a corporation? The corporation Fram, DC, anyone else may set a precident by loosing which makes them liable for a lot of engines. They'll fight hard.

 

[Cooker]

Run the Mobil 1. It is an excellent filter. This issue doesn't really pertain to you at this point. You are over 100k miles so Cummins and DC are a non-issue. If the engine dies and it is determined to be a problem of the filter, you need to argue with Mobil.



I wouldn't worry about it.



-Ryan

 

[lschultz]

This happen to me

I had a 91 and it had a Fram on it. One day on my way home the engine oil cooler developed a leak and dumped all my oil out the radiator. Don't know if this was because of the Fram but since then I don't use them. They replaced the oil cooler. Never said anything about the Fram filter on it. Later I got the letter from Chrysler warning about aftermarket filters. Then I started using Fleetguard. Then on my 98 the gasket on the lifter cover blew out and dumped all the oil. I was using Amsoil and had SDF 80 filter on it. They replaced engine with short block. Nothing was ever said to me about the Amsoil oil filter. They were going to use the same head and turbocharger. I argued with them on that but they said it would have a new warranty. I went to the owner and told him the way I felt. He told me to go pick one off the lot and they would trade. So we made a deal and now I have 2000. Thats my story.

 

[SnoKing]

I don't quite get it guys and gals. It is very easy to pick up the phone and call your Cummins dealer once or twice a year and order fuel and oil filters. UPS has them on your porch the next day or the following. Shipping is almost less than it cost to drive to Autozone, Schucks or NAPA. You get a quality product and will not have warranty problems. I do not drive my truck(s) that many miles a year, however I use 4 oil filters and two fuel filters a year on the Cummins in the boat. Used the same oil filter on the 93 Dodge as the boat, now I have two different oil filters to "stock".



We have owned Honda cars for many years, and Honda makes a very good filter for their cars. These little filters cost more than the fleetguard filters for the trucks/boats. Go figure, but guess what filter I use on the Honda. Clue it comes from the Honda dealers parts counter.



We all tend to be bone headed at times, however the Fleetguard is the "best" filter to put on your Cummins. It cost a lot less than the D/C filter, and you will never have a warranty issue regarding them. Also I have started to save the receipts for the oil and filters as proof that oil was changed. It appears that keeping a log of dates and mileage without receipts is a issue with some warranty companys.



Regarding coolant. I have been using Fleetguard Complete with DCA in the boat and lost a water pump seal. Cummins parts guy said that Complete is hard on seals. The B series engines do not require the DCA additive, so next antifreeze change will NOT be with Fleetguard Complete.



These engines cost way to much to take chances with them. Cummins really wants people to be happy with their product and will go out of their way to assure that you are satisfied, so why would anyone want to hang a red/orange POS oil filter in their face.



Just my thoughts. SNOKING

 

[Bugman]

Thanks Ryan!



I'll feel a lot better on the drive now



Bugman.

 

[jhutton]

Oil filters

K&N also makes an oil filter for our trucks

 

[jawbreaker]

yeah, how is that k&n oil filter? i looked at one, and noticed it had a 1" nut on the bottom of it to eliminate the use of a filter wrench... that's kind of nice...

 

[jwilliams3]

Go with Fleetguard Stratopore!

Its about the best out there in my opinion.

The Stratopore has the internal mesh to catch most debri from getting back into the circulation of the engine.

 

[Briar Hopper]

I HATE Fram filters!

I had a '77 Dodge PU that I bought used, and replaced the rear end and transmission. The engine, with over 120,000 miles, was still strong, did not use oil or smoke. Unfortunately, I put a Fram filter on it, because, back then, in 1989, I though they were as good as they advertised. Not so. It broke apart and clogged the oil pickup tube, and lunched my engine. Fortunately, I was able to find another 318 v-8 in a salvage yard for $250.

A year later, my neighbor, who had a totally bad '68 Camaro with a built 350, lost his $13,000 engine to a Fram filter that broke apart. I believe he sued them, but I moved to another town for my job, and lost touch with him.

I will NEVER, EVER, EVER buy ANYTHING with F--R--A--M on it!

For the record, I run Amsoil, no worries. If no Amsoil, I'd definitely go with Fleetguard.

Cut open different brands of filters, The results will surprise you.

 

[jhutton]

Oil Filter

Yes, the K&N has the 1" nut on the bottom which makes removal so much easier. The K&N's I've used on my gasoline vehicles have really impressed me with the length of time the oil stay golden in color vs others I have used; Fram, Purolator Pure 1, Car and Driver, Amsoil, Mobil 1, Toyota, and Lexus. I hope the Diesel version is as good... . knowing K&N, I expect it is.

 

[CharlieMiller]

Dodge filter

I'm just curious but does anyone know who makes the oil filter for Dodge? Its Fleetguard for me unless I get in a bind them maybe I'll get the filter from DC.