ACDelco PF52E Cut Open

[BigD1]

Cut open an ACDelco PF52E ecore that has 1293 miles on it. Filter was used for approximately five weeks. The reason I changed out early was the fact my Cutlass was not liking the MaxLife 5w30 blend much. Engine sounded fine at first, but about two weeks later it was getting rowdy. The only reason I used the MaxLife was because I got the jug for free after jumping through some rebate hoops. Previously, I used Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle 5w30, and the engine sounded quieter on that oil. It has Castrol 5w30 High Mileage in it now because I got it on BOGO at Dollar General for $2.03 a quart. Motor sounds fine for now. I think this GM 3.1 likes thicker oils.

The filter did have some small grit like carbon chunks in the can, but I did not see any shiny. End caps were still glued on good. I do not have a filter cutter, so I got it open without damaging the filter, but the can is mangled.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Looks OK for an eCore. Looks like it uses the combo ADBV/bypass valve design.

 

[BigD1]

That's just an ADBV because the 3.1 has the bypass in the block.

The filter was doing it's job I think, and they seem to hold up well, but I am not going to use any more, and just stick with the ACDelco Classic metal tube and metal end caps. The end caps on these ecores are just not my cup of tea.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: BigD1
That's just an ADBV because the 3.1 has the bypass in the block.


Aaaah yes, didn't check what engine it was on.

 

[JC1]

Filter looks good IMO. I would have drained the oil and left the filter on for your next OCI. A little max life left in the filter wouldn't have been an issue with the new oil.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

15076EN1

March 17, 2015

15 - 2015
076 - 76th day of the year

 

[DudeNiceRide]

Perception is an amazing thing.

A lot of people rip on the poly disks in the e-core. But to put it simply, there is plastic in the disk and plastic in the media which is sonic-welded together. Bonds the like-materials.

And then FRAM uses paper disks with glue that binds the paper in the disk to the paper in the media. Again, bonding like-materials.

Bonding like-materials is easier/faster/cheaper than trying to bond something like steel and paper.

I like the e-core but wish they were a little bigger with the same amount of media stuffed in them. E-core seems to have a little less from what I've seen and read. Then again its probably plenty enough for your typical oil change interval.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Looks fine to me. I'd use one on my Firebird. The previous owner had an e-core on it before I bought it (for almost a year of service, roughly 2k miles) and it didn't fail.