That's equally true of cartridge filters that depend on a metal-to-hard-plastic interface to seal at the ends of the filter. For example, all versions of Fram 10358. At least the plastic surface generally isn't rippled, as the edge of stamped steel can be.
Champ XL seal area, flashlight tested.
- Thread starter Sayjac
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Ah, the good ol' days. What a sad state of affairs now. Which filter would you use?
Wix made by M&H with media tears and now Champ Labs made bypass flaws with this style of bypass.
Any other recent race to the bottom trends in aftermarket filters?
The cheapest cartridge filter I can buy for my application that to me looks like it is built right and not on clearout on rockauto is $5 and made in China. The cheapest spin on filter for another application that is not on clearout at rockauto is $2.05.
Spin on filters have been poor quality for a long time because their quality won't be seen before or after use. All the manufacturers know this and it is a conscious decision to not QA them to the same degree or implement the manufacturing standards that would assure the same quality as a cartridge filter. This different in quality and manufacturing standard is reflected in the price we pay.
The only time that a filter manufacturer is going to seriously investigate a spin on filter quality issue is when they are presented with a catastrophic failure and at that point all they're interested in is whether it was a one off.
I'm going with the Microgard Select for now. Can't beat the construction and quality control. No leaf spring (uses a coil spring), and a bypass valve that's not metal-on-metal and is built into the end cap. The efficiency at 99% @ 25u is fine for my OCI length of 5K or less depending on time.
If your using 7317’s check AAP for OG Titaniums. I’m still finding them. If not Microgard Select.
In my experience, you are very fortunate then. I was checking them with a small flashlight looking for wire backing during 25% off black Friday promo 2022. They had four 7317 on the shelf, two were OG media, two were current XG media. All made 2022, two newer current XG media. So imo if anyone finds an OG media 7317 Titanium on an AAP shelf, a lottery ticket purchase not a bad idea too.
I do consider myself lucky. So far all 2023 builds. When my AAP runs out Microgard Select is on deck.In my experience, you are very fortunate then. I was checking them with a small flashlight looking for wire backing during 25% off black Friday promo 2022. They had four 7317 on the shelf, two were OG media, two were current XG media. All made 2022, two newer current XG media. So imo if anyone finds an OG media 7317 Titanium on an AAP shelf, a lottery ticket purchase not a bad idea too.
After my 7317 finding surprised to read 23 date, but 'perhaps' different manufacture line might account for it. Now if you find 24 build, you do need to buy a lottery ticket.
As for filters now, I still have multiple US made Bosch Premium 3323 left which have been great for me, all post use c&p posted here. Also, Have a couple CQ Blue 84356 in the stash.
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- Jul 15, 2023
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FWIW The Premium Guard Extended Performance is the same thing as Microguard Select and you can get it from other online retailers without going to a B&M store.
I'm sticking with OEM or Premium Guard going forward.