dnewton3
Staff member
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
My engine uses the MC FL-400s oil filter. While in Walmart today,I had a brainstorm; being the FL-1A also fits my engine,but does not have the silicone rubber ADBV,why not use a FRAM Ultra! It's larger in capacity and has a silicone rubber ADBV! But,would the extra $5 be worth it? Opinions?
And just what is wrong with the OEM type filter? Depending upon your OCI, it's very likely that the FL400S is already underutilized, and adding "more" filter isn't going to gain you a darn thing
Do you have clear evidence that the FL400S is not doing what it's supposed to be doing? Do you have full data that unequivocably shows it's not filtering to a level that would otherwise sustain that engine for way longer than you intent to drive it?
Yes - I'm coming down hard here. But why make a change when you likley have ZERO idea of where you're at right now? You see, I could possilbly understand it if you had solid data that showed the FL400S was failing to protect in some manner; if you had several used oil analysis that showed your rig was exhibiting wear rates that far exceeded the "normal" patterns; wear rates that were so atrociously high that they fell outside of normal sigma variance. I doubt you have such data. I would LOVE to see it if you did.
Of all the used oil analysis I've seen and studied, I have yet to find ANY evidence that "better" filters manifest into less wear in normal applications. What is proved in the lab does not always equate into the field, because there are often many more variables in the field that are purposely excluded in the lab. Therefore, often what you read in print does not develop into tangible results under the hood. What minute difference a "better" filter might make is grossly overshadowed by the normal variation of typical wear. Your engine will simply never show any statistically signficant improvement by using a "better" filter in a normal OCI.
Now, what is possible is that a higher quality filter can help extend your OCI. Depth media filters like the Ultra and EaOs can assist in pushing the OCI much further. The have a much greater holding capacity. So if you intend to take this approach, then I could see some merit to it. But again - how can you measure the success of this plan, if you have zero idea of where you are starting at? Until you would push out the OCIs of the FL400S, to find it's limit, then you cannot measure how much "better" any alternative would be!
Think of the concept in practical terms of volume. Let me make an example:
I'll sell you a 2-gallon jug of lube for $23. I call the jug "better" because you get "more" fluid, and you're tantilized by the words. But how much "better" is "better" anyway? If the 1-gallon jug is $10, then the larger offereing is not "better"; it's more expensive on a price/unit basis. However, if the smaller jug is $15, then the larger one is a better ROI. Until you have some reference point (what size is the smaller jug I'm upgrading you from) you have ZERO ability to judge the improvement; you have no frame of reference.
And so it goes with your filter conundrum. You have demonstrated no basis for unacceptable wear, nor mentioned any plan to extend your OCIs. You've not shown any data that suggests you have any ability to judge the current situation, thereby being able to define what "better" means in terms of wear or OCI duration.
You are moving on impulse rather than intellect. If you "want" to do this, then go for it! But your engine doesn't "need" anything more than the FL400S for normal use; that is a very good filter at a very decent price, and it's readily available at nearly every major and minor retailer.
But why not prove me wrong! Why not make this into a fun experiement?
First, you need to get a great many used oil analysis with the current set up; you need to develop your micro data set.
Then, switch to the Ultra filter, and do the same.
Should take you about 60 OCIs to get it done; that is what it takes to develop real proof and not some fly-by-night swag.
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
But,would the extra $5 be worth it?
Depends upon how you define the word "worth" ....
Will you sleep better at night with a premium Ultra? Perhaps.
Will your engine be any better protected in normal use? Not in any measurable fashion whatsoever.
My engine uses the MC FL-400s oil filter. While in Walmart today,I had a brainstorm; being the FL-1A also fits my engine,but does not have the silicone rubber ADBV,why not use a FRAM Ultra! It's larger in capacity and has a silicone rubber ADBV! But,would the extra $5 be worth it? Opinions?
And just what is wrong with the OEM type filter? Depending upon your OCI, it's very likely that the FL400S is already underutilized, and adding "more" filter isn't going to gain you a darn thing
Do you have clear evidence that the FL400S is not doing what it's supposed to be doing? Do you have full data that unequivocably shows it's not filtering to a level that would otherwise sustain that engine for way longer than you intent to drive it?
Yes - I'm coming down hard here. But why make a change when you likley have ZERO idea of where you're at right now? You see, I could possilbly understand it if you had solid data that showed the FL400S was failing to protect in some manner; if you had several used oil analysis that showed your rig was exhibiting wear rates that far exceeded the "normal" patterns; wear rates that were so atrociously high that they fell outside of normal sigma variance. I doubt you have such data. I would LOVE to see it if you did.
Of all the used oil analysis I've seen and studied, I have yet to find ANY evidence that "better" filters manifest into less wear in normal applications. What is proved in the lab does not always equate into the field, because there are often many more variables in the field that are purposely excluded in the lab. Therefore, often what you read in print does not develop into tangible results under the hood. What minute difference a "better" filter might make is grossly overshadowed by the normal variation of typical wear. Your engine will simply never show any statistically signficant improvement by using a "better" filter in a normal OCI.
Now, what is possible is that a higher quality filter can help extend your OCI. Depth media filters like the Ultra and EaOs can assist in pushing the OCI much further. The have a much greater holding capacity. So if you intend to take this approach, then I could see some merit to it. But again - how can you measure the success of this plan, if you have zero idea of where you are starting at? Until you would push out the OCIs of the FL400S, to find it's limit, then you cannot measure how much "better" any alternative would be!
Think of the concept in practical terms of volume. Let me make an example:
I'll sell you a 2-gallon jug of lube for $23. I call the jug "better" because you get "more" fluid, and you're tantilized by the words. But how much "better" is "better" anyway? If the 1-gallon jug is $10, then the larger offereing is not "better"; it's more expensive on a price/unit basis. However, if the smaller jug is $15, then the larger one is a better ROI. Until you have some reference point (what size is the smaller jug I'm upgrading you from) you have ZERO ability to judge the improvement; you have no frame of reference.
And so it goes with your filter conundrum. You have demonstrated no basis for unacceptable wear, nor mentioned any plan to extend your OCIs. You've not shown any data that suggests you have any ability to judge the current situation, thereby being able to define what "better" means in terms of wear or OCI duration.
You are moving on impulse rather than intellect. If you "want" to do this, then go for it! But your engine doesn't "need" anything more than the FL400S for normal use; that is a very good filter at a very decent price, and it's readily available at nearly every major and minor retailer.
But why not prove me wrong! Why not make this into a fun experiement?
First, you need to get a great many used oil analysis with the current set up; you need to develop your micro data set.
Then, switch to the Ultra filter, and do the same.
Should take you about 60 OCIs to get it done; that is what it takes to develop real proof and not some fly-by-night swag.
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
But,would the extra $5 be worth it?
Depends upon how you define the word "worth" ....
Will you sleep better at night with a premium Ultra? Perhaps.
Will your engine be any better protected in normal use? Not in any measurable fashion whatsoever.
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