Cut open a ST3614 today. (E-core)

[Virtuoso]

Sorry, no pics

The digital camera is busted for now.
But I can't say I saw anything that would alarm me. All the media was intact and spread pretty evenly; and the "endcaps" were nicely adhered to the ends of the media.
It was in service for 3,400 miles on a '96 Saturn SL1.

 

[Filter guy]

Shhhhhhhhhhhh...

It's a secret...

 

[MADMIKE]

I'm not surprised. The E-core is likely a well-engineered and reliable filter. E-core phobics be darned!

 

[kevz]

I used a 3614 Ecore in my 94 Saturn.
Used for about 4000 miles. The encaps were still intact when I cut open the filter. No complaints here.

 

[sprite1741]

I went six mos. and 5k miles on an ecore 3614 with no problems. Been using Champ filters including clickers, and conventional oil on my 86 turbo Dodge for 20 years and still going strong. According to some posts on here my engine should had melted down years ago for using conventional on a turbo, but I'm still driving it to it work everyday. Too bad the radiator, alternator, starter, cv joints etc. haven't lasted as long as the turbo and the engine. Cut open ecore pic below:

5k on ecore

 

[jorton]

Originally posted by sprite1741:
[qb] I went six mos. and 5k miles on an ecore 3614 with no problems. Been using Champ filters including clickers, and conventional oil on my 86 turbo Dodge for 20 years and still going strong. According to some posts on here my engine should had melted down years ago for using conventional on a turbo, but I'm still driving it to it work everyday. Too bad the radiator, alternator, starter, cv joints etc. haven't lasted as long as the turbo and the engine. Cut open ecore pic below:

20 years! Your daily driver. What is your favorite brand and grade of oil?

 

[sprite1741]

quote:

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Originally posted by jorton:


20 years! Your daily driver. What is your favorite brand and grade of oil? [/QB]

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I have used Castrol GTX 10w30, even overheated the engine a time or two and still have the original turbocharger. No oil burning, but uses about half a quart in 3k miles. Has about 211K miles on it. The only internal engine work was a blown head gasket. I use this car to drive to work and back, and for bad weather days.
I am trying Havoline 5w30 in my 05 GXP 5.3L, so far so good. I don't use synthetics because I tried Mobil 1 in a 2000 LS1 Trans Am and had oil consumption and engine noise that went away when I went back to conventional oil. Also lost an oil pump on that engine while using Mobil 1. The relief valve stuck open and was replaced under warrenty.
My 1986 turbo

 

[goodvibes]

I always thought it was an ingenious design but that early units may have had a bonding problem. With all the recent positive cut opens reviews, I wouldn't mind using one.

 

[kanling]

Virtuoso- Borrow somebody else's camera. We're dying to see!

My main concern is with the quality of the bypass valve. From the Champ labs web site, it looks like it is just a rubber extension on the anti-drainback without any kind of spring. How does it hold back until the bypass pressure is reached? And does it look like it seals well enough below the critical pressure?

 

[Filter guy]

quote:

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Originally posted by kanling:
Virtuoso- Borrow somebody else's camera. We're dying to see!

My main concern is with the quality of the bypass valve. From the Champ labs web site, it looks like it is just a rubber extension on the anti-drainback without any kind of spring. How does it hold back until the bypass pressure is reached? And does it look like it seals well enough below the critical pressure?

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Of course for a little over $2 at Walmart you could go by your own E-core and cut it open to your hearts desire..and post pics..

 

[kanling]

I was planning to do just that. #$%&^! out of stock! The people that run my Wal-Mart are a bunch of... yeah, I know, yours too.

 

[motorguy222]

quote:

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Originally posted by kanling:
I was planning to do just that. #$%&^! out of stock! The people that run my Wal-Mart are a bunch of... yeah, I know, yours too.

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Go to the following site:

http://www.walmartstores.com/wmstore/wmstores/Container.jsp?template=OnlineForm.jsp

Fill out the form and let the main offices of Wal-Mart know what is going on.

I contacted Wal-Mart about my local store and was contacted personally by phone by a district manager regarding my problem.

It was taken care of rather quickly.

 

[Filter guy]

Stay tuned..i'll have pics of mine..