Cartridge vs. cannister style oil filters...pros/cons?

[TiGeo]

What are the differences and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the two types?

To me cartridge is nice because the drain back valve bits are separate from the filter and its engineeeing/design/function is fixed..you just change the filter media. Some allow draining of the oil before removing it (3/4 of my VWs are this way) which is also a nice feature.

This post is set up as a question so please remember to vote for the best responses/answers so I can choose the best!

 

[barryh]

I haven't had to change a spin on filter for 10 years and have no desire do it gain. Difficult access, messy and can be hard as hell to remove if someone else fitted it.

Top mounted cartridge is a breeze by comparison and so clean, it's no contest for me. The only possible downside is a spin on has only one rubber seal and my cartridge has 3 O rings which have to be correctly located. It's never been a problem though.

 

[TiGeo]

Very nice. Thanks I think......... I do not know how to view "notable members page"

To be honest, I could not care less about "likes". I just care about sharing my opinion with others on the site, and moreover, learning more about the topics that are discussed.

Glad you get a kick out of it, once again, I think.

Oh, now I see "THe Solution" thing in your post now. I have not seen that before, very informative, kind of like an Amazon review......never seen that function on here before.

You just find the members section and you can see it.

When you post it, there is an option for it to be a "question" then you can up/down vote, sort by votes, etc. You can choose the best and that's what that ranking is based on. Kinda cool feature nobody uses.

 

[LouC]

I enjoy the best of both worlds.

View attachment 253726

So what do you have on that Subaru?

 

[Glenda W.]

So what do you have on that Subaru?

Microgard Select.

 

[OilyOrangutan]

As an owner of both vehicles with both types of filters. I started out preferring spin on as they were quicker for me. After more then a few oil changes and years, I have changed my stance. I greatly prefer the element filters now. I appreciate being able to easily inspect the media before and after installation. After a couple changes it really doesn't take much longer then a spin, yes it is longer, but not by much. The benefits to me are obvious. Though I do find it funny that in a lot of scenarios the element costs more then the spin on. Case in point the 2017 prius prime uses an element and my 18 uses a spin on. The aftermarket element choices are almost all more expensive.

 

[KevinMalone]

Mounting location matters more to me than filter type. Any top mounted filter is appreciated, while bottom mounted cartridge filters are a mess.

 

[TiGeo]

Yet another pro of cartridge style...as I listed up top somewhere, you don't worry about crappy aftermarket valves etc., that's all OE, you get just the filter media which here should be just fine.

Thread 'NEW FRAM ENDURANCE 3614 cut open'

Jan 3, 2025

Good snowy morning folks. Decided not to risk this Endurance 3614 filter. Gonna use up my donaldsons white and then OG ULTRA’s 3614

Wide spacing I see; I’m not impressed with way FRAM has went also.

Enjoy the pictures.

• 53' Stude
• Replies: 100
• Forum: Engine Oil Filters

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