Disappointed in the TDR 71 Oil Filter review

[AH64ID]

Nope. Wix is worse than stock and should never be used for fuel.

 

[MSicotte]

Fantastic again. I just had multiple injector failures 3 weeks after replacing fuel filters... ... ... ... ... . #@$%!

 

[bheiting]

Valvoline Premium Blue oil and Fleetguard Filters are designed, tested and approved for our engines. Do you really need to know any more? Sorry Amsoil salesmen.

 

[AH64ID]

Valvoline Premium Blue is endorsed by Cummins, NOT designed for! Can't go wrong with them, but you can do better.

 

[MSicotte]

Injectors showed up on Friday, looks like I'm going back and replacing all of my new filters too. As usual AH64ID, a great post on filters. I keep your other post on fuel filters subscibed in my user control panel for reference, and have added this one. I think if you had the time to combine the information from the 2 posts with all of your research into one article, it would make a great article to be included in the magazine. They are a great reference to all who read it, thanks for your work.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

Here is the latest version of the Interweb's ORIGINAL oil filter investigation, done by a 2. 2 Mopar guy on Minimopar.net.



He doesn't test the filters, he's just a guy in his garage. He did research the manufacturers and the principles of filter construction, then he cut a bunch of filters apart, reports his findings and makes some suggestions. I think it's pretty cool, for what it is.



Re: a previous post -- He says the K&N is the same filter as the Mobil1; the K&N just adds the nut to the case.



While I was trying to find the above URL, I ran across this forum on BobIsTheOilGuy.com, which could be potentially interesting.



later,

kevin

 

[AH64ID]

I was re-reading the article last night, and was wondering if TDR will make any corrections to the some of the errors in the article. The biggest one is that the Wix is full synthetic, which will steer some people to use it. . but its not full synthetic! Its not even partial synthetic, its paper/glass media.

 

[GCroyle]

To TDR Members:



Re: AH64ID



I just took a quick review of this thread and I saw at least 10 posts that complimented or agreed with AH64ID's original efforts out of 45 posts thats 22% of all comments on a subject of oil and filtration and I didn't see anyone wave the BS flag. Good filtration is something we all need as a critical part of our engines success but it is something we in large have to rely on others for the data and explanation of how this stuff works. I can't pick up a filter and see inside or taste my oil and say thats good stuff, pour it in.



I am suggesting to TDR that AH64ID be offered a chance at writing articles for TDR. I also observe that AH64ID is an active member, many replies. I think we need the memberships help in letting TDR HQ know if you agree or not.



IMHO the magazine is a large part of why I am a member, but I also feel some new blood is needed in the magazine.



What say you members?

 

[GaryCarter]

Thumbs up says I...

This thread alone is worth my subscription price.



Most concise and practical info I have seen on filtration.

 

[Tuesdak]

I suggest AH64ID does write the follow up filter article and it's time to do another one. Sharing the disappointment it needs to be better as already noted. I will throw out some areas that should be covered. Just cutting open new filters has been done better elsewhere. Quite frankly it should already be clear a silicone antidrainback valve, coiled spring, and quality construction matter. Most people cut open USED oil filters where a failed filter is clear. You can hear the valvetrain clatter on startup longer when the nitrile antidrainback valve has hardened or doesn't work.

Filter designs change and this alone demands an updated article. ACDelco's, PF1070 on the approved filter list, likely has a new elcheepo Ecore design and it's IMO worse quality than FRAM. History and changes made to filters that wiped out engines in the past are of interest. Can we trust FRAM/Wix now? I have gone from avoid FRAM as a last resort to avoid anything made by Purolator and ACDelco even if I have to grab a FRAM.

One factor we simply don't see anywhere that needs to be addressed is miles/time the oil filter is good for. The Purolator oil filters are recently failing after 3000 miles. As most modern oil changes go past 3000 miles this is unacceptable, however, miles/time is a clear limit of oil filters. Looks like Purolator hasn't caught up to this. I like to run my oil as long as possible because changes are expensive and come out of my bottom line. Extending oil changes save money - but not if the filter gets a hole blown/worn in it from higher miles! You are not always safe at 3000 miles on anything as I own a 2500 mile oil change engine. Same with by the book or longer oil monitor system changes if the filter can't make it that far. My 2003 5.9 can go 15,000 miles on an oil change. You bet I am concerned about the oil filter being able to go 5 times the common outdated 3000 mile expected lifetime!

The above is one reason I do not trust the nylon core support of the ACDelco Ecore. Is the media supported well enough with the steel core missing or will it fatigue tear? The fiberboard endcaps are same quality as FRAM so why not just get a Orange Can of Death that at least has a steel inner core? The extreme hot oil gives me concern as heat makes plastic brittle over time. Combine this concern with a hard cold start on old soot saturated oil that is a 50 weight instead of a 40 weight.

In the past 5 years I have had enough filter failures to be concerned:
Factory Duramax filter disintegrated - No the 2008 glue doesn't make 50,000 miles, the van replacement interval. In fact the replacement has a redesigned plastic "X" to stop the filter implosion from going further and being completely ingested by the engine.

Wix Duramax fuel filter suck air then leak at the WIF sensor threads. This stopped the engine. (The Wix plastic body design is a EPIC failure including less water holding capacity due to smaller body.)

Oil filter media failure.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/251264-Bosch-Purolator-oil-filter-failure

Engine failure we are all watching:
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ted-piston-51-000-miles-Fram-filter-the-cause

And with that said I wonder if AMSOIL backing your filter would be a easiest time to get your engine replacement/overhaul paid for if a filter failure takes it out? Yeah another factor to consider warranty and PIA factor if you do loose an engine over a filter. So it would be new ground to ask each manufacturer how long a legitimate claim for a filter caused engine failure would take to have a check in hand.

 

[JR]

Amsoil doesn't make any of their own filters, but I'm sure they are warrantied just the same as a reputable filter. That's one reason I personally stick with Donaldson filters, not only are they very efficient but they also have an excellent track record in the Agricultural/Industrial scene. All Crane uses them exclusively on their engines for air, fuel, and oil and they typically run their equipment well north of 15-20k hours before upgrading. The mechanics all praise their filters, and they are some of the best in their trade.

 

[AH64ID]

The Donaldson and Amsoil filter for our engines is the same filter with a different label.

 

[Regcabguy]

I enjoy AH64ID's comments immensely and would welcome his imput to the TDR publication.

 

[HPSimpson]

I could not more agree AH64ID's beginning a writer in both the TDR publication, we do need another set of idea's here.

 

[K5IP]

I know this is a discussion about oil filters, but your comments about wix fuel filters have me worried. I have added two additional filters (before the original filter) in my 03. One a wix water separator/pre filter and the other a 3 micron main filter. I still have a spare of each and it about time to change filters. Should I just throw them away and get something else?
Rog

 

[amsoilman]

Amsoil doesn't make any of their own filters, but I'm sure they are warrantied just the same as a reputable filter. That's one reason I personally stick with Donaldson filters, not only are they very efficient but they also have an excellent track record in the Agricultural/Industrial scene. All Crane uses them exclusively on their engines for air, fuel, and oil and they typically run their equipment well north of 15-20k hours before upgrading. The mechanics all praise their filters, and they are some of the best in their trade.

Vehicles with Gasoline or Diesel Fueled Engines

EaO Filters: Always change filter at time of oil change; up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, when used in conjunction with AMSOIL synthetic motor oil in “NORMAL” service. In “SEVERE” service, change oil and filter at the “RECOMMENDED SEVERE” service oil drain interval.
The AMSOIL EaO-80 filter, used on the Dodge/Cummins applications is a re-badged/re-packaged DONALDSON ELF-7349, and more recently labeled as a DBL-7349. This filter is rated 98.7% Efficient @ 20 MICRON as per ISO 4548-12 Testing.

 

[Tuesdak]

I know this is a discussion about oil filters, but your comments about wix fuel filters have me worried. I have added two additional filters (before the original filter) in my 03. One a wix water separator/pre filter and the other a 3 micron main filter. I still have a spare of each and it about time to change filters. Should I just throw them away and get something else?
Rog

All I can say is the observation of poor Wix quality. I was completely surprised to learn of their past bad oil filters and made the parts store refund the fuel filter that failed on me. I personally don't run Wix anymore. My comment is specific to a Duramax filter that has a plastic body and a threaded in WIF sensor in the bottom. The dealer I stopped in at asking about it said their State fleet customers had the WIF sensor fall clean out of the Wix filter on a regular basis. The plastic body Wix fuel filter is a known problem and recommended to avoid on the Duramax forums.

As an aside the first Ecore ACDelco I pulled out of the box I returned expecting it to be a knock off. It's getting tough to find decent filters without mail order!

Again I suggest the new angle that is taken on filters is the fact that some are NOT living up to modern expectations of longer service intervals and info on some of the pure garbage filters out there. IMO filters are being taken for granted when the question needs to be asked "is this filter going to last long enough and is the quality high enough for the expected use?" Given most parts store filter choices this can be a real challenge to get a good filter.

 

[JR]

http://filterspro.com/

Here is one good place to order filters from. Its as easy as entering the filter number in the search window. I honestly haven't bought a filter from the parts store for my truck in a couple of years. Same with my TDI. Ordering can be a pain if you need it right away but I order enough to have a few extras on the shelf at any given time so its actually more of a convenience to me.

 

[AH64ID]

I know this is a discussion about oil filters, but your comments about wix fuel filters have me worried. I have added two additional filters (before the original filter) in my 03. One a wix water separator/pre filter and the other a 3 micron main filter. I still have a spare of each and it about time to change filters. Should I just throw them away and get something else?
Rog

Keep them as emergency spares, but I would run something better on the truck.

What are the filter part numbers?

 

[K5IP]

AH64ID,
The filters are Wix (or NAPA) 533407 for the water separator (it has a manual drain valve) and 3674 for a rather tall 3 micron final.
These are frame mounted on a set of bases I set up myself. I thought they were doing OK because I periodically open the original filter which is still mounted in it's original location and it stays clean as a whistle, with no sign of water. The Wix, or Napa (depending on which one the fleet supplier sent me), does collect water and needs to be drained occasionally but none of that ever gets through to the original Dodge filter.
The drain valve is plastic and I can see why that might concern someone. Guess I'll look for an alternate.
Thanks
Rog