All Oil Filters are not created equal

[JustinW]

I found a link to these articles on PlanetIsuzu forum.
www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/ and www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml
Most of these filters aren't available in NZ (or maybe Aus) but they have some pretty strong things to say about Fram filters.

This got me thinking; what oil (and fuel for that matter) filters does everybody use? I've been using Valvoline oil filters, but just put a Fram fuel filter in.

[geeves]

I think mines currently a valvoline as well (too hard to check) I wonder how bad the Repco ones I had been using were (I belive they are made by GUD)

[Benzev]

Some engine oilpumps have a very high pressure pressure relief valve and if your oilfilter is not spec but a cheapy(ie fram) they can be quite literally blown apart!! As eyewitness to it years ago on a Hyundai Stellar 2.0 petrol(mitsi 4g63 engine I believe) the startup oilpressure blew the filter apart! After this the manufacturers instructions were wisefully followed when specified use only factory spec oilfilters!!

[Arthur Kay]

I used Ryco oil filters for two filter changes and they both would leak. Not enough to cause major problems but enough to make a mess of my garage floor and driveway. I then change to a Sakura C-1712 filter and have had no problems since. I agree, not all oil filters are created equal. AK

[geeves]

A few people in Aus have recomended the Sakura so they must be quite good and belive fairly cheap. As far as I know there not available in NZ. I know a diesel shop that uses Ryco on everything but Isuzus as theyve had problems with them comming loose On Isuzus they only use genuione Isuzu filters which are arond $44. The only filter Ive had leak was a Ryco but due to problems with the oil cooler pipes the filter had been on and off 3 times

[mulover]

A friend of mine had the same problems with the ryco filters coming loose. I have always used fram filters and have never had any problems whats so ever. Easy to remove too. But thats just my 2 cents worth.

[shinz]

geeves said:

A few people in Aus have recomended the Sakura so they must be quite good and belive fairly cheap. As far as I know there not available in NZ. I know a diesel shop that uses Ryco on everything but Isuzus as theyve had problems with them comming loose On Isuzus they only use genuione Isuzu filters which are arond $44. The only filter Ive had leak was a Ryco but due to problems with the oil cooler pipes the filter had been on and off 3 times

Geeves, my Bighorn takes the long skinny Z554 type oil filter rather than the more common chubby Z402 one, the Sakura no is C-1535, I bought my last one from Thwaites diesel here in Nelson for about $23 , so they're definitely out there.
HTH, Steve.

[2much]

I've tried Repco/Fram/Valvoline oil filters on my 3.1td Bighorn and they seem to be very similar in appearance and construction. Noted is that they have a flat face sealing ring which tend to leak if-ever-so slightly over-tightened. I generally have to ease it back the next day about a ½ turn to stop the oil leak! They have never worked themselves loose even thou I can undo them easily one handed with a loose grip at changing time. Get your alignment ever so slightly out, and no way will they aid you and self align then screw on.

Also I have had original filters and these are slightly smaller in its largest O/S diameter (compared to the above) that no gentle thump/wriggling/flipping over is required to get it past torsion bar, drive shaft, exhaust pipe etc to install/remove. They also align and screw on easily. Going by appearances the construction is superior to the others. Not concerned too much about this thou, as with the cheaper filters I change them out at 5000k’s with the oil rather than every 2nd oil change. Never leaked oil.

For my next oil change I bought 4 Sakura filters cheaply off TradeMe. These look closer to the original filter in appearance with rounded sealing ring etc and appear to be constructed well.

[rick1970]

I mostly use Ryco Z178A oil filters on my 2.8, changed every 5000k. Never had a oil leak problem, but from experiance most filters with a flat face seal will leak if overtightened. I have used Nippon oil filters, and to me they look like a better filter.
Only ever used FSA fuel filters and never had a fuel problem. I do however remove and clean the watertrap/sediment bowl every time i change the fuel filter. U will be supprised at how much gunk they collect! I also drained and cleaned the tank (after a dose of dodgy fuel - lots of water). I check whats in the old fuel filters every time i change them, but never get much dirt outta them.

[uzusi]

Sakura Oil filters are available in New Zealand from Transdiesel

www.transdiesel.co.nz

Bought C1712 (equivalent to Z402) cost $15.70

[daniel]

I use Ryco Z402 and have never had a problem.

[Harry]

I've used Ryco filters for over 5 years and the only one that leaked was fitted by my local garage.I bought a heap of z178a filters from KMart.I think they were going out of them as they were about $3 each so I bought all they had in stock.
Regards,Harry.

[nig]

I have been using both Ryco & Repco z178a equivalent filters with no issues, but after recently having two Valvoline filters in a row leak badley and have to be replaced I wont waste my time or money on them again.

The real pity is our local Supercheap doesnt sell Ryco anymore - they only sell Valvoline, so I cant get their buy the oil and get a free filter deal anymore

[geeves]

Ive been useing the valvolene filters for the past 3 years No issues. I did have a ryco leak but that filter had been on and off 3 times while sorting out a leak in the water pipes behind the filter

[Paaji]

I'm not bagging anyone here, but I wouldn't touch Valvoline filters with a barge pole.
Used to have them in my shop, and we had so many issues with returned filters, and also factory recalls, that I refused to stock them anymore.

My 2 cents.

J

[geeves]

Are you willing to say What was wrong with them please?

[Paaji]

Absolutely.

I'll preface this with:
They may have improved their quality in the last couple of years, since I've been out of the game.


Air filters had big problems with sizing. Your EFI vehicles have the panel style, and a filter that is 5mm too long does not fit very well.

Now, onto the Oil filters.

1. Badly cut threads, that either won't screw onto the filter housing, or damage the housing thread itself (ouch!).

2. Poor quality welds. Filters would blow apart at the seam.

3. Multiple factory recalls.

4. No a fault as such, but they did not have anti drain-back valves.


J