Oil Filter Tear Down

Posted on July 14, 2013 and filed in Engine
Following the changes in the K&N HP2009 where the changed the design

(see K&N Tech Wiki article where we compared the old vs. the new style here), we evaluated several other easy to obtain filters on the market. In this test we’re looking primarily at the construction of the filter and the size of filter media. The benchmark for the test is the USA made K&N HP2009 (not the newer design, which is identified by “Made in Mexico” on the filter shell).

Filters tested include:
Fram
Wix
Mobil 1
Bosch
Conclusion

We recommend running the Mobil 1 M1-209 filter. As you’ll see below, it’s identical to the USA version of the KN HP 2009 that we’re accustomed to running with excellent results.



Oil Filter Tear Down

Each filter lacks the “nut” that K&N is famous for. The construction of each filter is unique. The Fram filter is considerably lighter than the others. The reason for this will become evident below.




Each Filter was broken down.




The Bosch has a unique bypass valve, it also had considerably LESS filter media than all the filter except the Fram. The WIX filter was constructed very well. It has the same bypass valve as USA made K&N 2009 and similar amount of filter media as well.


No surprise, the Fram filter was complete garbage. It came apart in my hands. The internals were constructed of cardboard. It also had by far the least amount of filter media.


Now the interesting part. Notice how similar the Mobil 1 (Part # M1-209) filter top is to the USA made KN HP2009


And the teardown showing that the USA made KN HP2009 is identical in every way to the Mobil 1 M1-209 filter (save for the nut on the bottom of course)




Conclusion: Since we were happy with the USA made K&N HP2009, the Mobil 1 M1-209 would be the logical alternative, since it essentially the same part. If not available, the WIX 51516 would be a fine second place, and then the Bosch counterpart in 3rd. Under no circumstances, would we recommend the Fram filter.



http://www.boefabrication.com/index....lter-tear-down

 

We've done this with every oil filter at school..


Bosch, Mann, Mahle are often the best design and hardware quality. Many OE filters are also top notch.. (Ford.. Honda..). Mobil 1 is good too.



The worst are Fram, cheap junk from lube places.. They are just filled with crap.. Paper ends. Weak pleats.. No bypass springs or missing check valves..

 

agreed we have done this on our MR2 board long ago. Densco filters (OEM toyota) were the best quality based on dissection. Fram is cheap for a reason.

 

Over the years I've seen various attempts to show the different construction used in oil filters. I have often wondered what, if any, difference this makes in the filtration of oil and the possible difference in engine longevity.

Testing by anything less than an independent lab that was not contracted by one of the filter manufacturers would be suspect. Due to the cost we may never see that happen.

So, we are left to looking at pictures of disassembled oil filters or to the hyperbola of the advertising companies.

In the meantime I will use the OEM in my MINI.

 

Which is made by Mann or Mahle.

 

My 72 vw still has the original filter

Why put on a fancy filter when the engine is so easy to replace.

 

I will use the two vehicles I have with the highest mileage: 03 Ford Sport Trac (4.0L V-6) 202,000 miles and 88 Jeep Cherokee (4.0L straight 6) 189,000 miles.

I bought the Sport Trac brand new and has had synthetic oil in it since the first oil change. I change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. I started off using Mobil 1 and switched to Castrol at 80,000 miles. I had bad luck with Mobil 1 in a motorcycle. I have used Purolator, Bosch, K&N and Mobil 1 oil filters when offered with oil change deals at Advance Auto. I do my own maintenance. When there isn't an offer used, I always by MotorCraft. The truck has 202,000 trouble free miles on it and have never had to replace an engine component or even take a valve cover off.

My Dad bought the Cherokee for my Mom as a birthday present. It has had nothing but dino Castrol oil and Fram oil filters for about 175,000 trouble free miles. Since I have had it the past couple of years, I have switched over to using Purolator oil filters. Like the Sport Trac, it has never had an engine issue.

Good, bad or indifferent, take my experiences for what they're worth. But it is hard to argue with numbers.

On a side note, my 74 Super Beetle uses a screen filter (like pictured above) and a spin on oil filter.

 

I had a 92 Chevy S-10 with the 2.8 V-6, when I finally junked it with


389k on the clock. I always used what KMart had on sale, oil and filter.


Did the changes at 4k intervals. The motor had never been apart and


still had the original timing chain. I WOULD NOT do this to my MINI


though.

 

Sadly, MINI OEM is Pureflux.
Made in France by an Italian owned parts supplier.

Personally, I feel better putting Mann filters in my R56.

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