F you purolator

[MustangRick]

I am surprised these two sites didn't come up in this thread yet. I believe I ran across them when someone was complaining about Fram. After reading some I switched to WIX. That was right after a coworker told me about his oil filter leaving it's gasket behind. The next weekend I was spinning my new filter on and took it off and sure enough the old Fram had left it's gasket behind.

http://www.corolland.com/oil-filters.html
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/reference.html

Here is an oil filter family reference from the above page:
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

 

[Jay H 237]

Over the past 20 years using Purolator, NAPA Gold (Wix made), AC Delco, Mopar and Motorcraft filters I haven't had any problems. I do switch between the above filter brands depending on what store I'm closest too when I pick up oil and filter for a change and whats available on the shelf at the store at that particular time.

 

[Nhrabill]

Can't believe so many people use filter wrenches . just never needed one

 

[Hephaestus29]

An old gas station owner taught me how to change oil 45 years ago. His exact words were, "Check to make sure the old gasket comes off with the filter because a double gasket will leak like a *****." For the next 40 years I checked every time and never had a gasket stay behind. In the last 5 years, it has happened at least a dozen times. Good thing I check.

Thats weird because i've never had it happen since and I almost always use fram oil filters.

 

[Hephaestus29]

I am surprised these two sites didn't come up in this thread yet. I believe I ran across them when someone was complaining about Fram. After reading some I switched to WIX. That was right after a coworker told me about his oil filter leaving it's gasket behind. The next weekend I was spinning my new filter on and took it off and sure enough the old Fram had left it's gasket behind.

http://www.corolland.com/oil-filters.html
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/reference.html

Here is an oil filter family reference from the above page:
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

From all the other posts it sounds pretty common for the gasket to come off, maybe someone needs to jump frams ***. They probably already have.

 

[Gixerfixer]

Thats weird because i've never had it happen since and I almost always use fram oil filters.

Its not a sign of filter quality if the seal stays stuck to the block/housing it just depends on the seal recess design what is important is you check though because the one time you don't .........

 

[cderalow]

Can't believe so many people use filter wrenches . just never needed one

honestly, i never used to use a filter wrench until I had a civic Si. the filter location was so awkward for my hands, I just couldn't manage it any other way.

The location on our odyssey is similar, but there's a bit more space between the subframe member and the filter so I can get my mitts in there.

now that i've got one though, I find myself using it always.

 

[Macgyver_ga]

honestly, i never used to use a filter wrench until I had a civic Si. the filter location was so awkward for my hands, I just couldn't manage it any other way.

The location on our odyssey is similar, but there's a bit more space between the subframe member and the filter so I can get my mitts in there.

now that i've got one though, I find myself using it always.

My accord I used to have was the same way.

I love how Toyota remote mounted the filter on my tacoma right on top in the front of the engine bay. Sometimes I can get it off by hand, sometimes I need about 1/4 turn of the wrench just to get it started.

 

[browntown]

I haven't used Purlator in 15 years, had one that literally blew the canister off the base on my Saab (I know, laugh if you must), the crimped seam was weak I guess but man, what a mess. I use only genuine dealer filters or German-made Mann or Mahle on my euro cars these days.

Oddly almost all the m30 cars in the 80's (e28,e24) had purolator cast in the oil filter housing metal right next to bmw. This is for the filter cartridge type, not the spin on. So at one point in time BMW spec'd purolator.

That being said I have the cartridge housing converted to spin on for a ford v8 (1515) and pretty much am a disciple of napa gold (wix). That being said, mann makes a nice filter too.

For price, availability, and quality -- napa gold wins the day in my book.

Whatever you do, say no to fram. Even if you don't hang out on bobistheoilguy.com all day, you can google the nightmare that is fram.

 

[rebelram]

For 3 generations in my family we have used Fram filters. For 3 generations we have only driven Mopars. Never once has anyone in my family had a Fram oil filter failure or an engine failure from running Fram filters.

I have only recently stopped using Fram spin-on type because of the stupid SureGrip coating they put on them. The cartridge type I continue to use. I have contacted Fram several times and told them the SureGrip feature is useless and flakes off and that I do not like it.

That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to use a Fram filter if I was unable to find a Mopar or Mobil1 filter.

I also continue to use Fram air filters because they get the job done. Wix and Purolator air filters seem to work just fine as well. I ran K&N filters for awhile but decided they were too much hassle and the little K&N decals don't add the 5HP to my engines like they claim

I completely understand the frustration of filters that disintegrate. I have not experienced that with Fram and have been using their products personally for over 20 years. I did buy a used Jeep one time that had an Oreilly oil filter on it. It was promptly replaced on the Jeep two days after I bought it. That oil filter had a very thin wall to it and I could easily flex it with light pressure from my fingers.

 

[Jawn]

Can't believe so many people use filter wrenches . just never needed one

I dunno man... if I spin mine on the prescribed amount, it's pretty tight (I forget the exact spec, but it's a certain amount of rotation past initial contact between the filter seal and block).

I've started just cranking mine on by feel. Sometimes I can then remove it by hand, sometimes not. Channellock #209 will break it loose if I can't get it by hand.

The one time I paid someone to change my oil (middle of a 12k mile road trip), the following oil change I really had to fight the thing to get it back off. I almost think they used an impact wrench to put it on.

 

[VinDSL]

honestly, i never used to use a filter wrench until I had a civic Si. the filter location was so awkward for my hands, I just couldn't manage it any other way.[...]

Exactly!

My primary ride is a '98 HX shell with a full '99 Si swap. If you don't use a low-profile hydraulic jack and a filter socket, you ain't changing your oil, period. Exclamation point!

On my 2001 Ford V10 F350 Super Duty, you don't even have to use a jack. You just lay underneath it, on the ground, and the filter is blowing in the breeze... 6-inches away from the drain plug. LoL!

 

[SGKent]

come from the vw bus type 4 community as well as Acura and Ford. Honda sells an excellent quality filter for their cars. We use Mann or Mobil One on the VW Bus although I have run the KN filters and they are excellent. On the Taurus wagon we just get the factory filter from Ford when they are on sale. Several studies have been done by folks in the T4 porsche and VW bus community and Wix has come up well. We no longer consider fram or purolator as a viable source for filters due to what we feel is inferior pleating. Some of the T4 folks come from the aircraft industry and have filter cutters that they use to inspect the insides. Something like that is available as a tool to inspect filters if you want to see what they are catching.

example of article http://www.corolland.com/oil-filters.html

 

[gabeancounter]

Been using the Pureone on my Tundra and YES they are junk! I crush everyone I remove, but I bought 5 during a sale at AAP. Luckly I have my last one on the truck right now. Never purchase another Purolator oil filter. Thin POS.

By the way, I have already ordered my next filters. Super cheap on WIX (NAPA GOLD)filters. Order all my tractor, lawn mower filters etc also from this place.

http://www.fleetfilter.com/

 

[metaleltr]

I don't trust hand tightening oil filters. I always snug them gently with a wrench. A wrench is required 100% of the time for removal.

Anyone ever change the oil in an 05 Trailblazer with a 4.2? The oil filter is about a 1/2" from the sway bar! Had to get a special strap wrench to change the filter! Even then the oil drains all over the pan and the access hole!

 

[Greatbear]

Never had a problem with Purolators, either the Classic entry level or PureOnes, or any of the Purolator derivatives. I have discovered Fram filters with loose internal elements after removing them (shake the used filter and you can feel the loose element). Never had any issues with Wix, Hastings, Baldwin or AC-Delco (conventional or new "e-core" designs). For heavy duty or long intervals, I prefer Champion Labs-made Royal Purple, Mobil 1, K&N. The new Fram Extended Guard series is an excellent filter I wouldn't hesitate using on anything.

One my own rides or those I service for others, I have never had a problem removing a filter I had previously installed. New ones go on hand-tight, 3/4 turn after the gasket touches the base, with an oiled gasket and cleaned base. Most of these can be spun off by hand, though I have kinked some lightweight cans taking them off by hand. Every now and then I will run across a filter that has been cranked in place with a wrench to the point where the metal filter base is in tight contact with the mounting pad. These will always collapse when removing, and on some occasions the filter can tears. Depending on the mounting position I will grip the base with big channellocks or I will completely rip the can from the base and use a spanner in the inlet holes to remove the base.

Always clean the base before putting a new filter in place, and always oil the gasket. For cartridge filters, use a new o-ring, and oil it liberally or use grease instead, it will go into place easier and will come off with no problems.

 

[MustangRick]

I swear that the filters on a Ford 4.6 engine seem to tighten them selves after a couple months. I put them on hand tight yet almost always have to use a wrench to get them loosened. Now the LS2 engine I have is a ****** to get a wrench on becuase the oil pan wraps around half of the filter, so I had to get a strap wrench to fit it. I do have to say that this orientation is better for draining since it is straight down and not at an angle above the steering rack like the Mustang is.

At one time Fram had a very good name, but any more it seems tarnished. Everyone has heard the stories that if you do business with Walmart, you have to continue to find ways to cheapen your product every year to keep the business. I believe Fram is the sole filter provider for Walmart.... As for the original post about Purolator, I don't think I have ever used one.

 

[internetdude]

Who do you think makes those OEM filters? I would love to see pics of what happened, plus call purolator, they'll take care of it.

I know Ford, Toyota, etc. don't actually make their own filters but they set standards and whoever gets the contract has to meet those standards. If you buy a cheapo filter they're standards could be whatever they want. Less pleating? Sure, the customer will never know... Thinner steel case? Sure, why not, the customer will never know... etc. Catch my drift?

FWIW, I always use OEM filters and haven't had a problem in the last 20 years of driving.

 

[SMKS]

I think the people crushing the filters when removing them may be over tightening the filters in the first place.

 

[fivespdcat]

I know Ford, Toyota, etc. don't actually make their own filters but they set standards and whoever gets the contract has to meet those standards. If you buy a cheapo filter they're standards could be whatever they want. Less pleating? Sure, the customer will never know... Thinner steel case? Sure, why not, the customer will never know... etc. Catch my drift?

FWIW, I always use OEM filters and haven't had a problem in the last 20 years of driving.

I can understand your viewpoint, but it is not correct in many instances. I can also appreciate you've never had a problem. I've never used dealer replacement filters in my time and never had an issue.

 

[Marshall2u]

All this talk about what is a good or what is a crappy oil filter kinda blows my mind. I'm 45 years old, have owned over 200 cars, and have never had an engine failure, not to mention one that could be attributed to a particular brand of oil filter. I've never had an oil filter explode. Never had one fall apart. I've used most common brands out there, based on price and/or availability. This is like people who only use one, or just a couple brands of oil. If there is significant quality difference in oil filters/ oils, then there would be significant data to support these claims. Fram sells a LOT of oil filters, so, if their filters we HORRIBLE, there would be data. Not to mention, there is no apples to apples comparisons. One guy might change his oil every 15K miles, then complain when his engine blows with Castrol in it. Maybe he had a Fram oil filter too....so Fram *****. No one seems to complain that Fram ***** because it ruin's their engines. After all, isn't that the main job of a oil filter? To FILTER the oil? If the shell is weaker (I have not experienced this), so what? Since modern car engines can last 200K +, your personal experience is not really significant, statistically. Kinda like stock racing Ford vs. Chevy. It's fun, but doesn't mean anything in the real world. If you change your oil regularly, you'll be fine. Buy what's on sale.

 

[VinDSL]

I'm 45 years old, have owned over 200 cars[...] Buy what's on sale.

Good point!

 

[Eloquaint]

This thing works like a charm. I like the Pureones because they're available everywhere but I also like the meyle and mann filters. I would like to look at the WIX ones too..

 

[Marshall2u]

This thing works like a charm. I like the Pureones because they're available everywhere but I also like the meyle and mann filters. I would like to look at the WIX ones too..

This is a great "case in point" .....Filter love is based in nothing. Oil too.

 

[Need4racin]

I'm tempted to start using "pronto" filters. Probably the cheapest price filter money can buy.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1838720

No paper end caps too.

 

[taterdog]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=90731&group_ID=1534&store=&dir=catalog

That is all

 

[fastjunk]

All I use is OEM filters. Cost isn't an issue, quality is.

So true.

 

[cderalow]

Wow... who knew this would be such a polarizing thread.

For overtightening... my monkey arms can probably get an object as large as an oil filter to 80 lb-ft.

how much force do I actually use? 1/2 turn from gasket to block contact.

I bought a bosch this time around, thinking I'll go back to buying 12 packs of the OEM honda filters.

 

[Doozer]

I will only run Wix filters on anything I have. I have had oil pressure issues, collapsing filters, poor construction problems on most name brand filters with my racecar. Wix is the only way to go.

 

[Eloquaint]

This is a great "case in point" .....Filter love is based in nothing. Oil too.

No, its based on research and experience. Which clearly you haven't done?

 

[VinDSL]

I like the Pureones because they're available everywhere but I also like the meyle and mann filters[...]

Truthfully, the only place I've seen PureOne filters locally is at Pep Boys.

Before I "discovered" them at Pep Boys, I used to by them online.

Recently, I got a "Amazon Prime" account (free 2-day shipping -- no sales tax). And, they have the best selection of quality oils filters of any place I've seen.

Example (Click image to expand):




I think I'm going to try this "oversized" filter next -- These Filtech premium filters are very well built!

[SIZE="+1"]Product Features[/SIZE]

• Advanced Synthetic Fiber Media has 300 percent Greater Capacity provides longer life and 99.9 percent Efficiency reduces engine wear
• Heavy Gauge Case provides increased durability and increased burst resistance
• Heavy Gauge Steel Base Plate (500 PSI) which provides 2x greater burst resistance strength and increased durability
• Silicone Anti-drainback Valve Protects engine against dry starts and provides for longer life
• PTFE Synthetic Gasket helps with the ease of installation and provides longer life

 

[VinDSL]

No, its based on research and experience. Which clearly you haven't done?

OP said he has owned 200 cars.

In that context, he's right! Using premium oil and premium filters is a waste of (his) money.

In effect, all he is doing is extending the life of the engine for the NEXT owner.

If I switched cars every few months (or every 2 years) I wouldn't spend diddly squat on maintenance...

 

[KX250Fmotoracer]

The gasket sticking to the block is VERY common, and not an issue with the filter. You should always check to make sure the gasket is off the block before threading the new one on. For you guys that say you've never checked, you've been tempting fate!

Blaming the filter is like blaming the drain plug if the gasket sticks to the pan...

 

[Spam16v]

Wix on the common cars, run german on all the euro-trash (Audi, VW, Porsche, etc), and OEM Ufo on Ferrari's, torqued to spec with a digital torque wrench.

 

[SkywalkerCR]

Hey Guys,

I cut open the Super Tech oil filter after changing the oil in my 115k Quad 4 Cavalier. It looked a lot like the cheap Fram pics I have seen on You Tube and on the internet. I can tell you this. For my money, I am not going to buy anything but either a Purolator, Mobile One, or Wix. All the other brands now seem to be a variant or a pure OEM of the Champion Labs e-core design which is made two cheaply in my humble opinion.

The filter had two pleats that were ripped when I extracted from the canister so I am not sure how much real filtration it was giving my engine.

Also for those of you wanting to stick to OEM brands.....please be aware the all of the AC Delco branded filters I could find, seem also to be new Champion Labs e-core designs........run from the them as fast as you can.

Thanks

 

[onewheat]

Working at a Honda dealership and changing oil every day, I remove ALL sorts of filters - sometimes needing a wrench, sometimes not. I have not had to rip apart an oil filter to get it off since 1983 in high school and I have never crushed a can removing one either. Filter gaskets get stuck sometimes, but I have never had one get stuck on something I have put on. I always hand tighten just "snug" and have never had a leak. I have always had Honda filters on my 120k Accord, AC Delco on my 130k Silverado and Fram on my 170k Sunfire. I have never had an oil problem or problem with any filters. Just my $0.02 though. Your mileage may vary.

 

[purplezr2]

This /\

Some Purolators are just Mann filter is a purolator box. I use purolators on my a4 it comes out of the box and says Mann on the side. The last time I bought filters was about 2 years ago so I don't know if that is still the case.

Run fleetguards on my dodge as they are closer to the OEM then dodges filter, or are the same since cummins owns fleetguard.

 

[MattT]

All that remains of it that is recognizable is the crimp seam and gasket. The rest of it literally wound up in tiny torn little metal pieces all over my garage floor and neatly embedded in my hand.

Pitchers of all the tiny pieces and your torn up hand or it never happened.

Anyways, ignoring the OPs asinine claims, I've not noticed any problems with Purolator PL filters. I'm still using filters that I bought 2-3 years back so I guess it's possible new production has been cheapened to the point the cans can be torn in half by hand

Anyone who don't know for a fact orange oil filters are **** ain't got much experience with 'em.

And LOL at the folks attempting to blame the filter for their failure to check for a stuck gasket