Wix/napa oil filters

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

AMSOIL deals with WIX and Donaldson. The AMSOIL branded filters, the EaO oil filters, are actually Donaldson Endurance Nanofiber oil filters. They are a superior filter to a paper filter and IMO, superior to the Fleetguard Stratopore. In all fairness, I do believe that the Stratopore is still one of the finer oil filters available, but I feel the Nanofiber Donaldson does a better job. Personal preference I guess.

I've always been a Stratapore guy, but I'll have to check out the Amsoil/Donaldson Nanofiber filter



Vaughn

 

[Matt400]

Napa Gold on the left and Fleetguard on the right, I don't care for the reduced inlet holes not only in size but also number.

#ad




Ok. . thats weird the pic won't show, try this link

 

[Joe G.]

The crazy part about the cheap filter thing, is that I buy Stratapore filters at the local Peterbilt shop for less than the cheap filters cost in a parts store. Paying more for a less quality filter does not make any sense.

 

[AMink]

When I got my 06, I was given a list of Cummins/DC approved filters for the truck. I don't have it in front of me, but WIX/NAPA was not on it. While I am sure those filters are good quality, I'll use Fleetguard or Mopar for the peace of mind that maybe, just maybe, my warranty will stay in effect with them!



Here's the list.

 

[georgej]

I've always used Statopores except when the dealer changed the oil&filter. With that said it would be nice if DC updated the approved filter list. There have been improvements over the years since the list was made. One thing I'd like see all filter makers do is seal the cap with plastic to prevent any dirt or bugs from getting inside. I saw a piston cooler clogged with some kind of bug( I believe on the cummins website)a couple of years ago.

 

[steved]

I've always used Statopores except when the dealer changed the oil&filter. With that said it would be nice if DC updated the approved filter list. There have been improvements over the years since the list was made. One thing I'd like see all filter makers do is seal the cap with plastic to prevent any dirt or bugs from getting inside. I saw a piston cooler clogged with some kind of bug( I believe on the cummins website)a couple of years ago.

I agree, I think the filter manufacturers' have updated their filters by now... I know Fram is the old number followed by "A" I think it was a 3692 and the new one is a 3692A??



What "cap" are you referring to??



steved

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Napa Gold on the left and Fleetguard on the right, I don't care for the reduced inlet holes not only in size but also number.

#ad




Ok. . thats weird the pic won't show, try this link

Interesting pic. Is that a standard Fleetguard filter or the Fleetguard Stratopore filter, or to make this more confusing, is that a Fleetguard Microglass filter?



Also, I'd like to see the Cummins approved filter list. Usually they like you to buy Fleetguard filters since that makes Cummins money. And I very seldom will sell a WIX filter to a Cummins owner. I always recommend the better Donaldson Nanofiber Endurance filter. WIX works well on my wife's VW Passat.







Bottom line in all this, buy a good filter. These engines are worth too much $$$ to throw cheap parts at. I feel that WIX is a good filter, but not the best choice for the CTD application. I don't feel that a WIX filter would be a concern on a CTD, I think it would work fine. I just feel the Donaldson Endurance Nanofiber filters flow and filter better than a WIX in this application. I would much rather have a customer of mine run the Donadson Nanofiber filter. Fleetguard Stratopore isn't a bad choice at all, but I get to be biased toward Donaldson since that is what AMSOIL recommends to match up with their oil.



-Chuck

 

[georgej]

Steved



Just the plastic wrap stuff that some filter manus. use to keep junk out of the insides. Honda ,Toyota,Fleetguard(or shall I say Cummins Filtration) and others use the wrap.

 

[Matt400]

Interesting pic. Is that a standard Fleetguard filter or the Fleetguard Stratopore filter, or to make this more confusing, is that a Fleetguard Microglass filter?

Hey Chuck, that is a StrataPore LF16035



georgej this one comes wrapped/sealed in plastic.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Hey Chuck, that is a StrataPore LF16035

Well, that makes sense then and is in line with what I've said. The Stratopore is a better filter than the NAPA stuff. I'll still go with the Donaldson Endurance Nanofiber filter, since I feel it is a better filter, but I can't knock a Stratopore either.



-Chuck

 

[jltcasper3]

You can't go wrong with an OEM filter (fleetguard, Mopar). Even though their are hundreds of aftermarket filters that will spin on and fit doesn't mean they filter the same They might even look the same and have the same micron rating but the beta ratio number might be different, and thats what you really need to look at. OEM filters meet the specs.



I remember buying filters at napa a couple times for a 92 chevy blazer, thay asked me if i wanted a napa gold or silver. Why would they have 2 different grades of filters for one application. The silver one was cheaper. The difference was probably the beta rato. Just my $. 02.

 

[TBartlett1]

Wix filters

Wix is a very good filter and they publish all their filter data on their web site. Most critical other than fit is flow rate in gpm type of media and micron rating.

You can also cross reference you filter to Wix. The Cummins was designed as an industrial engine (which Dodge stuffed in a pickup) and has 3 filters recommended by various equipment manufactures.

Wix 51607 has a rating of 17 microns and flows 12~16 gpm.

Wix 57620 has a rating of 20 microns and flows 12~15 gpm

Wix 57620XE has a rating of 14 microns and flows 12~15 gpm and is an upgrade of 51607. For you reference 25 microns = 0. 001 inches, OR 1 Micron = . 0000394 inches.



I currently use the 51607 (17 microns) but will be ordering a case of 57620XE shortly,

Personally I trust vendors that publish the performance and efficiency data of their filters.

I can find no such info on Fram or Purolator which are available at most dept or auto stores.

Why would someone want to save a buck and install a filter of unknown quality or efficiency on their engine.



I currently have (2)1990 CTD's, (1) 1993 CTD to be for sale shortly and hopefully will aquire a 1999 CTD with twins and a heavily modified P7100, (electronics removed) and other goodies to numerous to list here.

 

[MMeier]

I agree, I think the filter manufacturers' have updated their filters by now... I know Fram is the old number followed by "A" I think it was a 3692 and the new one is a 3692A??



What "cap" are you referring to??



steved

IIRC, the fram # is 3976A.

 

[steved]

Wix is a very good filter and they publish all their filter data on their web site. Most critical other than fit is flow rate in gpm type of media and micron rating.

You can also cross reference you filter to Wix. The Cummins was designed as an industrial engine (which Dodge stuffed in a pickup) and has 3 filters recommended by various equipment manufactures.

Wix 51607 has a rating of 17 microns and flows 12~16 gpm.

Wix 57620 has a rating of 20 microns and flows 12~15 gpm

Wix 57620XE has a rating of 14 microns and flows 12~15 gpm and is an upgrade of 51607. For you reference 25 microns = 0. 001 inches, OR 1 Micron = . 0000394 inches.



I currently use the 51607 (17 microns) but will be ordering a case of 57620XE shortly,

Personally I trust vendors that publish the performance and efficiency data of their filters.

I can find no such info on Fram or Purolator which are available at most dept or auto stores.

Why would someone want to save a buck and install a filter of unknown quality or efficiency on their engine.



I currently have (2)1990 CTD's, (1) 1993 CTD to be for sale shortly and hopefully will aquire a 1999 CTD with twins and a heavily modified P7100, (electronics removed) and other goodies to numerous to list here.

While Wix's website shows the ratings, most are only NOMINAL ratings meaning that is the smallest particle they will catch... to me Wix is not a "high" quality filter like Fleetguard. Fleetguard (and several others) will provide both the absolute and the beta ratings for their filters, which are more accurate numbers.



steved

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Alright, here's a AMSOIL dealer perspective. While AMSOIL carries WIX and Donaldson Endurance oil filters, AMSOIL states that the WIX filters they offer are fine for people NOT looking for highly extended drain intervals. For example, AMSOIL says that when using their XL 7,500 mile engine oil, the WIX filters are fine. They are a quality filter. BUT, AMSOIL also goes on to say that when using their 25,000 mile oils, the Ea oil filters are recommended over the WIX ones. In our CTD application, the AMSOIL EaO80 and Donaldson Endurance Nanofiber ELF7349 are identical filters. The AMSOIL one is just labeled differently. So, this would support the opinion that while WIX filters are quality filters (I've run them on my wife's Passat for years with great results), the Ea or Donaldson Endurance filters are better for HD or extended applications. When I have a diesel customer ask me for an oil filter, I always sell them the Donaldson Endurance filter, and not the WIX. Nothing against WIX, but there are sometimes better filters available for some applications. I consider the WIX filter to be of equal quality and filtering/holding ability to a Fleetguard standard filter. They are both cellulose filters. The Donaldson Endurance Nanofiber is, IMO, equal to or better than the Fleetguard Stratopore. Only two types of oil filters have ever touched my truck. Fleetguard Stratopore and Donaldson Endurance. I currently have been running the Donaldsons for 2 years and am very pleased with them. But, in all fairness, both Stratopore and Endurance and top quality filters for our needs.



Not doing this to advertise at all, just giving another perspective.

 

[SMorneau]

AMSOIL builds relationships with companies who make proven, reliable products, like WIX, Donaldson, Bosch, and now Mothers Car Care Products.



-Chuck[/QUOTE]



And not too long ago they were building a relationship with Hastings, which as I recall was very highly touted and pushed by Amsoil. Guess the relationship they built did not last long. I don't question Amsoil's competence with lubricants but their own literature has planted many questions in my mind about other product lines they associate themselves with that are not engineered or manufactured by them. So tell what happened with the Hastings deal. Did they find out the filters were not that good? Why did the relationship fail? I have bought Amsoil products and will continue to use the lubricants in the future, but the literature and sales hype, packaging changes, and the ever increasing amount of niche products, does not give me the automatic warm fuzzy feeling you cheerleaders get.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Cheerleaders? Well Scott, if you really want me to bust out the pom poms and tutu again, I suppose. But I swear this is the last time I dance for you.



I have no idea what happened to Hastings. That'd be a good question for the boys AMSOIL themselves. I think Hastings is a good brand. Probably corporate politics played into that.

 

[SMorneau]

Chuck, I think you give some pretty good information in your posts. But you still sound like a cheerleader sometimes. That thing about building relationships just sounded a little to much like Marketing BS so I couldn't let it go. I have noticed many people are confused by reading the Amsoil literature; I have had several people ask me about the diesel oil pointing out what they perceive to be contradictions in they have read. I only refer them to whomever they buy from because frankly I find it somewhat confusing as well.



Taking on someone elses product line is far easier than developing your own, probably based more on marketing and economics than testing, and apparently much easier to just stop (as evidenced by Hastings). So in my eyes Amsoil picking up a product line does not automatically give those products credibility. The more they do it the less credible it will be.



Have a good new year everyone, and Chuck keep those dancin boots polished.



Scott

 

[Duluth Diesel]

It's all good, Scott.





Well, IMO WIX was a quality brand well before AMSOIL carried them. As is Donaldson, Bosch, and Mothers. These brands are well known and have a good reputation, and it is smart for AMSOIL to expand their offerings and product lines with good, reputable products. I didn't go into the cheerleading business, I went into the AMSOIL business after years of good personal experience with their products. I sell AMSOIL because I personally believe in their products and choices. Do my posts reflect my confidence in AMSOIL? You bet. If you enjoy imagining a guy like me with Pom Poms, then that's your problem. :-laf

-Chuck

 

[cruiser_2]

Just to add my $0. 02 worth of knowledge. I have been using Wix for many years now... have never had a problem with them, my engine oil stays transparent right up to the change interval. I have over 488,000 miles on it now and still have great oil pressure at idle when at operating temperature. I like Wix, they are easy to get and I don't have to order them.



Mr Duluth Diesel, I was also an Amsoil dealer and was unimpressed with the results I saw in my personal vehicles. Even with extended oil changes I found it no more cost effective nor did I find it any more effective in fuel savings as Amsoil touts, nor did I find it any better in oil analysis that I had done with oil as compared to synthetics. Being a Certificated aircraft mechanic, I have beleived in Oil analysis for many years, and when it comes to expensive engines, these cummins hold no candle to an Lycoming IO 540 6 cyl. Overhauled engines of this variety usually start at $15,000 by reputable overhaul facilities. They use Wix filters as an FAA Approved filter, and there are no places to pull over at 10,000 feet.



I use Wix and have not had a problem with my engine... More problems with the POS transmission and clutch than any other part but that is another rant.



No doubt that some of these other premium filters do an excellent job.



Oh BTW I checked with Cummins the other day and found out that a reman engine from them is aprox $7,000. 00. That's not bad for an engine that lasts as long as these do.