Oil Filter Differences

[DGXSER]

So is Oil Filters going to enter the same category as oil and tires now?

[natemoen]

So is Oil Filters going to enter the same category as oil and tires now?

hey, I am looking for actual, real, physical differences here.

[trbig]

Am I the only one using HiFlo brand oil filter? I bought it off ebay.

Nope. Autozone here said they were going to quit selling the Fram filter, so I had them call the warehouse in OKC and bought all they had left. Then I went to the sale that Karla Jones had selling all Bob's stuff and bought all she had, (14 I think?) and those were the HiFlo brand. When I get home, if I remember, I'll check the pleats on the HiFlos unless someone gets to it first. I'll be checking it through non-destructive methods though.

Even if Fram isn't the best option, with so many of them on hand, they're gonna get used! lol.

[Rasputin]

I could have done it through non destructive methods as well but I think a picture says a thousand words so I destructed one to save anyone else from doing exactly that. I had fun doing it too...

[Iron Duke]

filter and oil

For the past two years I have been using the dealer Yamaha products
HiFlo HF146 and Yamahalube 20W50 .
This oil change Im buying from local jobber a Wix 24933 and using
Castrol 4T four stroke 20W50 , Im hoping that I have no problems
But you guys talk so much about the Wix and the Castrol And It saves
me a few washingtons , and you all seem to think the wix and Castrol are
better
I have put 6K on the clock in the past two years and not one single
problem , I Love these hemi bikes , thay are tuff , built to last , and I feel
safe on the seat Roll on Iron

[trbig]

I have put 6K on the clock in the past two years and not one single
problem

So... about two weekends worth of riding? lol.


I just looked at a HiFlo filter. 61 pleats a tad over 1" wide (Deep?) but the filter material is a really high quality like a K&N. No distinguishing markings of country made or assembled.

[natemoen]

I'll be checking it through non-destructive methods though.

Or you just take apart a used filter. Thats what I did.

[jetmechmarty]

So... about two weekends worth of riding? lol.


I just looked at a HiFlo filter. 61 pleats a tad over 1" wide (Deep?) but the filter material is a really high quality like a K&N. No distinguishing markings of country made or assembled.

There are two basic kinds of material that I'm aware of: the kind that traps contaminants on the surface, and the kind that absorbs contaminants.

If the HiFlo filter material is paper, like the Fram, the Carquest filter I examined has far more filter material, and by visual examination, ranks superior.

[MPittma100]

Oil Filters

Not that this has anything necessarily to do with the Fram cyle oil filters, but it just might.

Several years ago, I had the unpleasnt experience of seeing an automotive engine (newly rebuilt) with a Fram oil filter drop (too much) oil pressure.

Typically a new engine can do this due to an amount of assembly lube used during the build process. This was not the case here.

I cut the filter apart and found the paper element all wadded up near the threads where it screws onto the engine. I thought - very unusual. Turns out that the metal plate that is supposed to be on that end of the filter to keep the pleats separated was missing??? May sound like a minor infraction on the behalf of Fram. And everyone is going to make a mistake. But when a mistake like this can end up costing you many thousands of dollars, it moves in to the unforgiveable category in my book.

I just do not feel that I am doing an engine of mine any favors by using this brand of filter. On the other side, they "may" have improved over time, but they have not yet convinced me.

MP

[trbig]

No, it's not paper. That's why I was saying it's high quality. It feels more like a cotton K&N puts in their air filters, but no, it doesn't contain as many pleats. That being said, the only difference more pleats (Longer length of filter material) would make is the ability to go longer between between oil changes before stopping up all the "pores" in the material. It doesn't mean it filters the oil any better over the general life of the filter.

If you're the type that forgets to change their oil regularly or just the type that HAS to have the best of everything, the higher priced filters may be the best choice. If you're good at changing them regularly, I doubt you'll ever have a problem running the cheapest available. With all the bikes I have and all the oil changes I have to do, saving a few bucks per makes a pretty big difference in the long run, but I also have a round donut shaped microwave magnet in the oil pan and a magnetic drain plug for added insurance.

[trbig]

I just do not feel that I am doing an engine of mine any favors by using this brand of filter. On the other side, they "may" have improved over time, but they have not yet convinced me.

MP

Nothing is hidden on these filters. You can look and see if the pleats are glued and the metal screen is secure in the middle, along with any other checks you'd like to do before installation. It's not hidden away in a metal can where you HAVE to trust them.

[jetmechmarty]

Nothing is hidden on these filters. You can look and see if the pleats are glued and the metal screen is secure in the middle, along with any other checks you'd like to do before installation. It's not hidden away in a metal can where you HAVE to trust them.

Good point, unless you're using the SOFA. I have only one Carquest filter left and no Carquest store in town. I'll probably order up some Wix filters. That being said, I believe any of these filters being discussed will suit our purpose. Shame on you if you don't change your filter periodically.

[Rasputin]

As Nate has posted this and is following it the most closely I would like to ask which filter so far has the Lead. I myself will buy whatever filter I like but at the same time I will buy a better filter if one proves to be...I will install that particular filter after I have finished all my diagnostic checks and the bike is deemed ready for the road. I do the same with the Iridium plugs, once I know the carbs are where I want them and the bike likes what I have done and the mileage is right, That is when I install the better and more expensive plugs. No sense in wasteing money on stuff until one knows it will count.

[jetmechmarty]

From details I've seen here so far, Carquest wins.

[Rasputin]

From details I've seen here so far, Carquest wins.

How so? Is there a greater amount of filter media? Is it capable of better filltration and if so how? Does one filter media, filter finer amounts of microns than another? Is there a type of glue that comes apart under pressure and heat? Does the cost per unit come to play at all? Are there any failures due to filter types that are proveable? How many units are sold for one brand as opposed to others? The list goes on and one but I guess some are sold on one brand while others like another. Nothing I have seen is a clear winner or loser on this thread.