What is the "Best oil filter" and why?

[b5blue]

I just changed my oil and now "after the fact" am wondering what the collective mass here deems "The best oil filter" to use is. Many have said Fram is no good, why? I went with a regular Mopar filter this time for my 440. 

[68X426]

Wix. I'll let them tell their story. http://www.wixfilters.com/productinformation/index.html

Every company can say anything, and claim everything. Well for my Hemi it is Wix that delivers and only Wix that I'll use. Lots of tests out there back it up.

Then check out Bob Is The Oil Guy. It is packed full of data.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=6&page=1

[mikesbbody]

Most here will tell you Mopar Performance and Wix filters are the one's to use as for Fram, take a look inside not much in there from what I have heard but I have never cut one in Half.

[adauto]

WIX WIX or NAPA GOLD (WIX)!!! 

[charger2fast4u]

ive always used fram filters until a recent thread the other month came about. now i'll only use k&n wix or napa gold  filters in my cars.

[mikepmcs]

wix or napa gold

[RD]

wix, mobil 1, or K&N, best three out there ( IMO ).  wix has a huge variety of filters that you can use for your mope.. there is one that you can screw into your oil pump and can hold up to 1 3/4 qts of oil just in the filter hehe... I got the part number somewhere.  of course, dont even worry about getting it if you have power steering.

[Rolling_Thunder]

I use K&N filters...     

[1BAD68]

Speaking of, I just bought a Carquest filter and its made by WIX

[adauto]

Also true, I have seen top of the line carquests WIX! 

[mikepmcs]

i also bought a cub cadet rider at home depot only to find out that it isn't really cub cadet or something like that.  same with john deere at home depot.  what's that all about anyway.

so to be on the safe side, I'm sticking with the one that says wix on it or napa gold.

[pullrock]

Royal Purple has been getting some real press on the car TV shows.

http://www.motorator.com/videos/1342

I am not currently using one but it will be my next filter 

Eric
68 Charger R/T

[69rtse4spd]

NAPA gold for the chargers, have used STP for the Caravan, 370,530 miles on it so far, Advance runs oil specials now & then. But mostly NAPA gold for all these years on just about everthing.

[b5blue]

Thanks for all the reply's! Is anyone opening these things up and looking inside? (I saved the one from my 1st oil change after the re build but haven't figured a good way to open it up?)

[68X426]

but haven't figured a good way to open it up

[John_Kunkel]

(I saved the one from my 1st oil change after the re build but haven't figured a good way to open it up?)

You need a dedicated filter cutter, anything else will leave shavings that might be mistaken for engine material.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80532/10002/-1?CT=999

BTW, an oil filter discussion without a link to the "oil filter study". How refreshing.

[68X426]

Do you refer to this one? http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html

Their conclusion: "It should be clear that Mopar filters are really nothing special. Unless you are trying to have a perfect restoration and need that Mopar logo, there is no reason why you should be buying Mopar oil filters."

anything else will leave shavings that might be mistaken for engine material.

I've only opened a filter twice, and then using eyesight and magnets, found no metal debris. So I thought a hacksaw was ok as a cheap and quick method.

Thank you for the info on the dedicated cutter. 

[grdprx]

I use the Napa Gold, as advised here on dodgecharger.com   

[RD]

i have opened up a wix, a bosch, a fram, mobil one and the o'reilly house (microguard) and compared the internals.  conclusion.. if using only qualitative data from eyesight, you will see that the wix, mobil one, bosch and microguard all have a metal internal support structure that will keep the filter element encased so as to not get sucked up into the oil pump if there is filter element failure.

fram, on the other hand, has a top and bottom papyrus/cardboard style upper and lower support circles that are glued/epoxied to the filtration element.  it is this glue that people have witnessed or heard of failing and causing the element to then travel into the oiling system and plug up galley's and oil pumps.

now, in regards to filtration and flow capabilities, cutting one open wont tell you jack.  stick to the study for that data.

[John_Kunkel]

The problem with "the study" is that it doesn't contain any filtration/flow data, an eyeball evaluation is worthless.

[68X426]

The problem with "the study" is that it doesn't contain any filtration/flow data, an eyeball evaluation is worthless.

John, do you have info on any studies/reports on filtration and flow?

And do you have an opinion on filters? 

'Cause we are all "blind men in a dark room" looking for a filter. And Fram advertises it's the greatest ever. So we are left only with a consensus of experience from those posting here. What are we to do?

[RD]

eyeball evaluations in regards to the determination of the overall capabilities of a filter are in the eye of the beholder, BUT, if you look at the filter's support structure of the element, an eyeball view can determine, based upon ones own opinion (because this is all that there is) if you want one filter over another.

so, eyeballing the internals of a filter can provide a reasonable sense of insurance in regards to how well a filter is made, because they are all NOT equal in that regard.

flow, pressure ratings on bypass valves, surface area of filter element, and filtration capabilities can all be obtained from the manufacturer.

[John_Kunkel]

Here's the simple facts, that "oil filter study" has made everybody paranoid about using Fram filters even though there are millions of satisfied users that have never had a filter-related failure. The cheap internal construction that is made such a big deal in all of the eyeball studies has nothing to do with the filter's ability to filter oil. On every used Fram that I have cut open the cardboard support ring is still there keeping the element centered.

Once a product gets a bad rap, all you will hear from then on are the negative experiences and the cycle repeats.

When it comes to oil and filters I usually just buy what's on sale and have never had a filter of any brand fail in 50+ years of driving/maintaining motor vehicles.

[RD]

moparguy01 had a fram filter element get sucked up into his engine because the cardboard support failed. i cut up all these filters back in 2001 before i even knew this study existed and saw the differences between the filters. by simple deductive reasoning (and common sense) I concluded that I would rather have a wix in place of a fram any day.  the study didnt make me paranoid, my experience with these filters and moparguy01's experience did.

i guess, you should all ask yourself this:

is it worth it when running your engine with something that has a greater possibility of failure in comparison to others?  if the filter element became detached from a wix, mobil one, or any other with a metal infrastructure, would the filter element get sucked up into the oil pump?  My answer is NO to both questions.

you pay for insurance for your car, your house, your boat... why not pay a lil extra insurance to make sure you are not a victim of something, that in most cases, $2 extra would alleviate? 

[b5blue]

I've run Fram HP1's for a long time with no known issues (even extended "just change the oil and leave the filter till next change") however I have no problem switching to WIX/NAPA if they are "better".  I did kinda mean "better" to mean "filtering" not "volume of debris" it would hold nor was I aware that the durability of any filter was even an issue. Thanks for your reply's this has been very interesting and a concern with all the changes to new oils. 

[1BAD68]

In my opinion a better constructed filter is more important than a better filtering filter.
How much "debris" do we have in our engines?
It's common knowledge that as oil turns black, its not dirt turning it black, its just the properties in pertroleum changing the color when heated.
Other than microscopic bearing and metal particles what else would the filter need to catch?

[NorwayCharger]

moparguy01 had a fram filter element get sucked up into his engine because the cardboard support failed. i cut up all these filters back in 2001 before i even knew this study existed and saw the differences between the filters. by simple deductive reasoning (and common sense) I concluded that I would rather have a wix in place of a fram any day.  the study didnt make me paranoid, my experience with these filters and moparguy01's experience did.

i guess, you should all ask yourself this:

is it worth it when running your engine with something that has a greater possibility of failure in comparison to others?  if the filter element became detached from a wix, mobil one, or any other with a metal infrastructure, would the filter element get sucked up into the oil pump?  My answer is NO to both questions.

you pay for insurance for your car, your house, your boat... why not pay a lil extra insurance to make sure you are not a victim of something, that in most cases, $2 extra would alleviate? 

Well said, thats why i use K&N or Royal Purple..

[Dodgecharger74]

well I am going out to change my oil I will be using a K&N  it will be easier to get off with a wrench

[rt green]

we would cut open all of the oil filters at the construction co that i use to work at. we mostly used cat and baldwin.   both were very very well constructed. we would send in oil samples at that time. for what i saw, they were both very high quallity.

[John_Kunkel]

i guess, you should all ask yourself this:

is it worth it when running your engine with something that has a greater possibility of failure in comparison to others? make sure you are not a victim of something, that in most cases, $2 extra would alleviate? 

So, what determines which brand of filter has a "greater possibility of failure"? An internet eyeball "study"? A single anecdote of failure?

Like I said, when any of the millions of Fram filters made fails it becomes news simply because they've had a long-standing bad rap. When other brands fail (and you know they do) nobody reports it.

[RD]

So, what determines which brand of filter has a "greater possibility of failure"? An internet eyeball "study"? A single anecdote of failure?

Like I said, when any of the millions of Fram filters made fails it becomes news simply because they've had a long-standing bad rap. When other brands fail (and you know they do) nobody reports it.

i cannot name every single person who has told me that their fram failed on them, and I will admit I can only count the total number on one hand, no more.  but I have never, in 9 years working in autoparts had anyone come to me saying their k&n, mobil one, wix, bosch, or even microguard filter failed them and ruined their engine.

fram is a decent filter, never said they were crap, never said they were horrible, but fram (due to its internal construction) has a higher likelihood of having its filter element sucked into the oil pump than many other filters due to its construction.  that is fact.. you cannot argue that. Because of that fact, its just makes more sense to pay the extra $2 for insurance if you ask me.

The initial question of this thread was/is "what is the best oil filter".  to that, I say wix is the best overall filter based on price and quality, and fram is not.

[b5blue]

I'll be cutting open the Fram I saved from my 1st oil change after my rebuild now for sure.  I saved it after reading the Oil Warning posted here as the car had only 1 or 2 hours of run time with Valvoline (street not race) in it. 

[John_Kunkel]

fram is a decent filter, never said they were crap, never said they were horrible, but fram (due to its internal construction) has a higher likelihood of having its filter element sucked into the oil pump than many other filters due to its construction.  that is fact.. you cannot argue that.

I most assuredly can. Take a look at the statement you just posted and see how the "fact" is impossible.

How can the filter element be "sucked into the pump" when the filter is downstream of the pump?

[RD]

fram is a decent filter, never said they were crap, never said they were horrible, but fram (due to its internal construction) has a higher likelihood of having its filter element sucked into the oil pump than many other filters due to its construction.  that is fact.. you cannot argue that.

I most assuredly can. Take a look at the statement you just posted and see how the "fact" is impossible.

How can the filter element be "sucked into the pump" when the filter is downstream of the pump?

touche'... guess i should have said oil system, either way, it will find its way to the pump... so now we are discussing semantics.  

you have done much to say that this whole oil filter study and anything anyone else says that is opposite to your opinion and experiences are just bunk, what makes your opinion and experiences fact?  can anyone prove anything you say in regards to this other than "i have ran everything for so many odd years and never had one issue" (obviously paraphrased).

you show not one bit of proof other than your opinion in regards to the quality of oil filters, but you would just rather argue a moot point that your experiences show that there are no differences at all.

argue to argue all you want, but until you actually put forth some type of testimony that is something other than opinionated dribble in regards to what oil filter is best, then your arguments will fall on deaf ears.

so, in other words, put your money where your mouth is john and come up with something other than "john says so, so it must be true."

[NorwayCharger]

Some info  http://www.royalpurple.com/rp-oil-filter.html

[b5blue]

Thanks for the link! 

[John_Kunkel]

touche'... guess i should have said oil system, either way, it will find its way to the pump... so now we are discussing semantics.

It's not about semantics, it's about having convenient anecdotal experiences to back your argument. 

you have done much to say that this whole oil filter study and anything anyone else says that is opposite to your opinion and experiences are just bunk, what makes your opinion and experiences fact?

Surprisingly enough what the oil filter study "says" is "if a product is ugly it must be of low quality", that's all. You'll notice I haven't used the word "fact" in relation to any filter's quality, only a fool would do so (mirror check) and, yes, the popular opinion here differs from my personal experience, what's that say? What it says is just what I said several comments back "when any of the millions of Fram filters made fails it becomes news simply because they've had a long-standing bad rap". Many people are now branding Toyotas as "junk" based on failures that are no more numerous than some other makes but the news media cries panic and the dutiful little robots snap to attention.


I'd say it's safe to say that if any other brand of filter got the bad report on that filter "study", there would be "me too" people just like you here condemning it as vigorously as you are Fram.

argue to argue all you want, but until you actually put forth some type of testimony that is something other than opinionated dribble in regards to what oil filter is best, then your arguments will fall on deaf ears.

Look up to the beginning of this thread, I have not put forth any "opiniated dribble in regards to what oil filter is best", all I have done is point out the shaky "facts" on which the Fram condemnations are based.

so, in other words, put your money where your mouth is john and come up with something other than "john says so, so it must be true."

Gosh, Jamie, your comments are getting kinda nasty, is that how an avowed Christian carries on an otherwise sedate discussion? (Do as I say, not as I do?) The only thing in this debate that I have said is "true" is the references to how no evidence becomes evidence in the mind of those with pre-conceived notions. Your overly emotional replies here prove that.

[RD]

Gosh, Jamie, your comments are getting kinda nasty, is that how an avowed Christian carries on an otherwise sedate discussion? (Do as I say, not as I do?) The only thing in this debate that I have said is "true" is the references to how no evidence becomes evidence in the mind of those with pre-conceived notions. Your overly emotional replies here prove that.

not nice john.  to bring religion into something that has nothing to do with religion.  I have never asked you to be like me, talk like me, or do as I say not as I do.  I do not judge anyone, that is God's prerogative.. and obviously yours too.

so, in other words, put your money where your mouth is john and come up with something other than "john says so, so it must be true."

EQUALS, PUT UP OR SHUT UP.  I was not being nasty, I was just asking you to provide something to substantiate your claims.

So far all you have said is the "oil filter study" is ignorant and that anyone who believes in the "oil filter study" is pretty much 'ignorant'.  You have NOT said:

1. what you believe is the best oil filter
2. why your choice is the best oil filter

Both being very incremental to the initial post of this thread.  You seem to be taking on this thread as a means to argue something that has nothing to do with this thread considering the oil filter study was NEVER BROUGHT UP UNTIL YOU POPPED YOUR POST IN QUESTIONING WHY IT WAS NOT IN THIS THREAD?!?

I see you are just goading me into an argument.  I will respectfully bow out of this thread. 

And for the record, Christian or not, no one is perfect, we all sin.  If those that are not Christian believe Christians should act perfect and be perfect all the time, not make any mistakes, not say anything with malice, not be exactly like Jesus....than you all are the ones that liars to the truth.  You holding me to a higher standard and admittedly attempting to hold me at such only tells me that you would rather point out the negative and the wrong in others, but would most likely find it hard to find it in yourself.  That wasnt theology, that was counseling 101.. those who are miserable like to make others miserable.

And with that.. I bid farewell to your antics.

[bull]

I use Mopar filters that you can get for $5-something at WalMart or $8-something at the Dodge dealer. Made in USA and seem to work fine. And I like seeing Mopar parts on my three Mopars. Near as I can tell from reading about them they are made by either Purolator or Wix.

[b5blue]

Anyone use Hastings Filters?

[375instroke]

Their conclusion: "It should be clear that Mopar filters are really nothing special. Unless you are trying to have a perfect restoration and need that Mopar logo, there is no reason why you should be buying Mopar oil filters."

Well, a perfect restoration wouldn't have a Mopar Performance logo.  I guess that's what you're talking about.  What happened to those restoration filters?  The light green textured ones?  I think I saw a lunch box filter selling for $900.  I use that oil filter study mentioned here when choosing filters.

[Road Dog]

Been running the beast on Frams since I bought it in 1978. My current build has 22 years and over 200,000 miles on Frams. 

[John_Kunkel]

not nice john.  to bring religion into something that has nothing to do with religion. 

The emotion shown in your replies makes one think you're on a religious crusade to preach the evils of Fram.

EQUALS, PUT UP OR SHUT UP.  I was not being nasty, I was just asking you to provide something to substantiate your claims. So far all you have said is the "oil filter study" is ignorant and that anyone who believes in the "oil filter study" is pretty much 'ignorant'.

Never said that, that's your interpretation of me saying that the study is unscientific, they even allude to that on the site.

You have NOT said:

1. what you believe is the best oil filter
2. why your choice is the best oil filter

I have not said for two simple reasons:

1) I don't have an opinion as to which is the best filter.
2) I don't have a preferred choice which you would know if you read my comments before hitting the "reply" button.

considering the oil filter study was NEVER BROUGHT UP UNTIL YOU POPPED YOUR POST IN QUESTIONING WHY IT WAS NOT IN THIS THREAD?!?

I brought up the subject of the study as a tongue-in-cheek comment that it was refreshing to see a discussion about oil filters without somebody linking to the oil filter study which is pretty standard in such discussions. You're the one who grabbed it to use as "evidence" of Fram's poor quality.

I will respectfully bow out of this thread.

Don't let the portal closure strike you in the gluteus maximus on your way out.

And for the record, Christian or not, no one is perfect, we all sin.

And those who supposedly live by the tenets of that religion are expected to behave in a manner consistant with those tenets, I merely point out the inconsistencies in that behavior when the opportunity arises.

[68 RT]

Here's the simple facts, that "oil filter study" has made everybody paranoid about using Fram filters even though there are millions of satisfied users that have never had a filter-related failure. The cheap internal construction that is made such a big deal in all of the eyeball studies has nothing to do with the filter's ability to filter oil. On every used Fram that I have cut open the cardboard support ring is still there keeping the element centered.

Once a product gets a bad rap, all you will hear from then on are the negative experiences and the cycle repeats.

When it comes to oil and filters I usually just buy what's on sale and have never had a filter of any brand fail in 50+ years of driving/maintaining motor vehicles.

I agree 100%! 

[twodko]

Gentlemen,

IMO it doesn't matter what brand of oil filter one uses. What's important is that its changed often.

Tom

[John_Kunkel]

Yes, and when one has a sizeable fleet and changes filters often the price becomes an issue.

[Al]

Don't let the portal closure strike you in the gluteus maximus on your way out.

[Al]

Don't let the portal closure strike you in the gluteus maximus on your way out.

ouch 

[mikesbbody]

I must admit, I too have never had any problems with Fram Filters I have gone off what others have recommended so I can see where John is coming from. Sometimes we have arguments on line recently Darkman and myself had a few words but have since put that behind us  there are some Guy's here
Who I would never Argue with and John is one of them. No disrespect JD, but Your not going to "Win" against a guy that Intelligent (I do mean that not being sarcastic) but yes, people get paranoid when a product is labled "bad" 

[moparguy01]

I have had 3 Fram filters break down on me on 2 different vehicles all happened around 2001-2002. I honestly believe they are the worst filter one can buy, not just in manufacture, but also in customer service.

And yes, when they break down, filter element DOES get sucked into your oil passages just past the filter. How do I know? because I had to get the crap out after they broke down. Luckily I used mechanical gauges and saw the oil pressure drop in time to shut it off and not blow an engine. The first time was on a 85 grand marquis with a 302, then i put another filter thinking one was just bad, and it went out as well. Then it was replaced with a wix. The other was on a 3.9 in a 87 dakota which was also replaced with a wix filter. When I called Fram's customer hotline, told them my issues thinking maybe they had a bad batch of them and I would at the very least get reimbursed. The fella on the phone said, "Thats not our problem, f*#k off." and promptly hung up on me.

They are IMHO the WORST filter on the market due to personal experience and I will NEVER give them one cent of my money ever again. I hope they go out of business. Fram SUCKS!

[375instroke]

It's common knowledge that as oil turns black, its not dirt turning it black, its just the properties in pertroleum changing the color when heated.

I'm not sure about this.  I have a motor that is low in power, with a lot of blow by out the valve cover.  When I change the oil, it's black in just a few days.  Isn't that the carbon in the exhaust getting in the oil?

[elacruze]

It's common knowledge that as oil turns black, its not dirt turning it black, its just the properties in pertroleum changing the color when heated.

Um, no it's not common knowledge, and it's not true either. Look at the motor oil in Propane engines and you will not find that it turns black.