Completely unacceptable. I loathe louvers and will avoid filters with them if humanly possible.
Defective??? Wix WL10332 with closed/nearly closed louvers
- Thread starter FlyNavyP3
- Start date
I'm angry because I previously LOVED their filters and now we are seeing this crap. I've got 6 on my shelf right now, but thankfully they are from one of the old Napa annual sales from back in the day.
This is pure T junk!
@Chris142 was exactly correct. With this flow restriction, the louvers become the filter. (Oh, and there's no flow. The media should look pristine at the end of the OCI.)
We've all seen the degradation of Wix filters, but this evidence seals the deal for me.
Never more!
They need to hire a new guy that runs the louver machine, and also hire some QA people that knows what to check for. There were probably many 100s made at the same time that are ticking time bombs.
Last edited:
Bypass would always be open
Thanks, seems I am retarded and missed thinking of that.
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,214
Kinda like finding out Santa Claus isn't real, eh?
Funny, some people think ALL the oil will go through a singe flashlight identified "tear" or gap unfiltered, but let some louvers be partially closed and same people think their engine will starve for oil. LOL
Kinda like finding out Santa Claus isn't real, eh?
Wait a minute.... NOW what are you trying to tell me???
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2021
- Messages
- 2,214
I mean, wait, what, no. I was jk
This.
These louvers look terrible and I agree with most all the statements here.
But for a supposed data driven bunch, tell me how much oil would or wouldn't flow? Δp?
We’ll never have an answer without official testing. It’s a matter of how comfortable you are running a filter with an obvious defect? Personally I’m not comfortable with closed louvers, tears, gaps, etc. Especially with other excellent options available.
Which is fine. Comfort is one thing and I get that. OTOH no one here can predict instant engine death or filter in full time by-pass mode by looking at a couple pictures. I personally am not comfortable with this filter, but for the few who take pics here vs 100's+ of people who don't even look and just screw on a filter, where are the dead engines and all the law suits?
The others here who seem to know machine process control and factory operations - and just like the leaking gaps - who has actually contacted - DIRECTLY - anyone - who speaks for the factory? I would love for that to be posted.
Tear it open. Strip the media off. Let us see a better view. I'll pay you for the filter if you do that.
- Joined
- May 28, 2014
- Messages
- 2,515
I'm OCD, but I'll be the first one to admit, that I don't inspect an new oil filter. I check the gasket and put some oil on it and install. I've been doing this ever since high school
Agree 100%. I can’t seem to get a response from anyone explaining the gaps or closed louvers. I can’t even get basic efficiency questions answered on certain models.
In my experience with filters with louvers I've found that especially on smaller filters like topic, it's more difficult to get an accurate assessment of louvers strictly with view down the center tube. In my observation, removing the media gives a better picture or their condition.
I've used many US made Wix-NG/Puro filters with louvers, c&p them all, never had an issue. Fyi, majority US made filters now are louvered, even FB Fram has gone to them. That said, the filter coo here adds doubt about the louver condition. Also understand those 'not comfortable' with the appearance here for a purchase/use decision. Lastly, there's always more louver openings per tube area than holes, so even 'somewhat' closed 'appearance', 'may not' be a significant factor in filter delta P. My .02
Last edited:
Pressing out louvers is monumentally cheaper than stamping holes.
I don't have a huge issue with making something cheaper that is equally as good. FRAM (who I am not much a fan) has figured out how to put louvers that are squared and fully open. I am fine with this.
However the louvers from some of these places tells me there clearly running their dies way too long - likely to save even more money.
So just more "raise the price and cheapen the product" corporate greed.
I don't have a huge issue with making something cheaper that is equally as good. FRAM (who I am not much a fan) has figured out how to put louvers that are squared and fully open. I am fine with this.
However the louvers from some of these places tells me there clearly running their dies way too long - likely to save even more money.
So just more "raise the price and cheapen the product" corporate greed.
Nobody claimed "ALL the oil" bypasses the media through a small gap at the leaf spring. It was calculated to be around 10 to 15% bypassing.
So you'd feel comfortable using a filter with louvers formed as shown in post #1?
Leaking dirty oil past the media and choking off oil flow are two different things. Choking off oil flow is worse.
