2.2L Ecotec Filters Compared

[zeezee]

Recent discussions about MicroGard's overall quality have prompted me to start keeping a log of different Ecotec 2.2 cartridge filters. We seem to be getting a lot of these in the recent O'Reilly deals.

I've seen lots of manufacturers over the years. I've had official filters from all sorts of manufacturers. I've used all sorts of third-party filters, but generally they have been whatever I could find that was produced domestically.

1. AC Delco PF457G, currently made by Hengst in the USA. You can get these at Advance right now (3/2/12)) for about $4.62. I've had AC Delco filters in the past that were made in other places though. Some have had the criss-cross pleats as well. These never come with a new gasket in the box, but I don't think it's something that needs to be replaced *every* time anyway.

2. MicroGard MGL9018. Made in China. Most people say that this is a Fram / Rank group product, or these are at least made by the same supplier. O'Reilly has these for $6.59, but they practically give these away with their oil change specials (which is why I have so many). These always seem to have excess glue strings on the outside of the filter, which annoys me. But it seems to be easily removed.

3. Purolator PureONE PL15436. Made in USA. $11.99 at Advance.

Initial notes: The MicroGard is practically (visually) identical to the Hengst-made AC Delco. Exception would be sight differences to the internal "cage", which I don't really detail here. MicroGard has 67-70 folds compared to the AC Delco's ~57. Both are a paper filter media, but the AC Delco is a marginally heavier stock. I don't suspect that there is a substantial difference between these two filters. In fact, I think that they are based off of some of the same manufacturing specifications or design.

The Purolator has roughly 50 pleats but a much heavier filter media (approximately twice at thick as the MicroGard). The caps around the filter media provide what appears to be a much stronger glue surface. It seems to be a much more structurally substantial filter.

I'll post more details as I pick up additional filters.

 

[addyguy]

I like the look of that Pure 1. To be truthful, I'm suprised at how 'different it looks - usually, cartridge filters all look pretty similar.

 

[daves87rs]

I run the Delcos with no issues at all. I think they are a well made filter. I've tried both the P1 and Wix in my cars..and neither car liked these heavier filters.

That mircoguard looks pretty sad, even for a fram....

 

[PF52]

I've used the Pure Ones exclusively in my Ecotec for 125,000 miles; no complaints here. They are pricey but most of mine I've gotten at a substantial discount with coupons.

By the way, there are more pics posted at another thread. A few more brands.

I've never replaced the big O-ring on my filter cap.

 

[zeezee]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I run the Delcos with no issues at all. I think they are a well made filter. I've tried both the P1 and Wix in my cars..and neither car liked these heavier filters.

That mircoguard looks pretty sad, even for a fram....


Honestly, this MicroGard not all that different than the AC Delco / Hengst. I think that part of it is the poor focus on that picture. I'll try to get a better one later.

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I run the Delcos with no issues at all. I think they are a well made filter. I've tried both the P1 and Wix in my cars..and neither car liked these heavier filters.

That mircoguard looks pretty sad, even for a fram....



There is not really a difference between the two.

 

[dishdude]

Someone had previously posted that the small o-ring on the tip which acts as the ADBV doesn't seal properly on some aftermarket filters.

There was a TSB about replacing the large o-ring on the cap - the factory one is not meant to be replaced and is designed for the life of the vehicle. The aftermarket ones are inferior and can cause leaks.

 

[zeezee]

I could see that this is totally true. The small o-ring on the MicroGard might be smaller than both of the alternatives. However, I think that the engine pressure light would probably immediately trip if this were the case.

I never used to replace the large o-ring on my older car. I don't think it was until after I had 60-70k on it that aftermarket filters started shipping with one. I wouldn't say that they are inferior, but probably not necessary. Never had a leak with one before.

I've actually had two Ecotec 2.2/L61 cars over most of the past decade and haven't had any problems so far with aftermarket filters. I've even had others that were 100% identical to whatever GM was selling at the time. The AC Delco has been Hengst for several years now, but I don't think that was always the case. And when the Ecotecs were new, I seem to remember them being imported from Belgium or even Germany.

 

[cp3]

Thanx for the pics!

I think they all look just fine. I always liked the look of the Hengst style, flat end caps but what you are saying about the Purolator makes sense. I've uses WIX, NAPA Gold, K&N and Fram TG and never really had any issues. They all seem very similar, except the K&N.

 

[cp3]

Anyone have pics of a M1-151? Very similar design to the PureOne, with the bucket type end caps. After getting the flat style Baldwin with a pleat let go, I may try an M1. Not easy to get PureOnes around here or I would try that.

Definitely have to agree with the OPs observation regarding the P1 end caps.

 

[zeezee]

Went by Autozone to pick up on that $10 Mobil 5000 with STP deal. To my suprise, the STP Ecotec filter is really a Purolator classic in an STP box, made in the USA. I was expecting something from Champion instead.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: zeezee
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I run the Delcos with no issues at all. I think they are a well made filter. I've tried both the P1 and Wix in my cars..and neither car liked these heavier filters.

That mircoguard looks pretty sad, even for a fram....


Honestly, this MicroGard not all that different than the AC Delco / Hengst. I think that part of it is the poor focus on that picture. I'll try to get a better one later.


That might be what it is. Most of the filters I've seen for size look pretty good...

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: dave1251
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I run the Delcos with no issues at all. I think they are a well made filter. I've tried both the P1 and Wix in my cars..and neither car liked these heavier filters.

That mircoguard looks pretty sad, even for a fram....



There is not really a difference between the two.



As mentioned above, it might just be the pic itself. Believe it or not, one of the few filters that I have not seen is that Mircoguard one....

 

[johnachak]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
I like the look of that Pure 1. To be truthful, I'm suprised at how 'different it looks - usually, cartridge filters all look pretty similar.


I use. Both AC and Pure 1s from my stash. The AC Delcos always look fine after the OCI but the Pure 1s always have wavy media. I think the extra plastic on the case makes it a hair too long and it crushes a bit when the cap is tightened down.