Ecore vs Non-Ecore Filter Question

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revrnd

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Some folks pooh pooh the idea of using anything but the actual AC Delco filter. They reason if the Ecore filter is good enough for GM then it's good enough for their vehicle(s). Others do not want any plastic inside their oil filter.

Well I noticed something yesterday @ Walmart. I was surfing thru the automotive dep't & was looking @ the filters. Beside the PF63E was the PF64 filter. For S&G I took the PF64 out of the box & lo & behold the centre 'tube' (for lack of a better term) was steel & not plastic.

My question is, if the Ecore 'design' is the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to filters, why hasn't GM/AC Delco switched ALL of their filters over to the Ecore design?
 
Also, filter manufacturers often sell filters to each other,
then just repaint the cans to their brand.

It's all about time and $$$$ saved.
 
Originally Posted By: RichardS
Along the same lines, if you'll allow me to jack the post a little, why is the e-core viewed with such disdain?


When the E-core first came out, the plastic cage had some huge areas that would (sometimes) allow the media to separate and blow past the cage and straight into the oil passages. This was most prevalent on high RPM engines that had lots of volume. Since that time, the cage openings have been decreased in size and the likelihood of a blowout has decreased.
I've used them, especially when they first came out and I had no problems with them.
 
Originally Posted By: RichardS
Along the same lines, if you'll allow me to jack the post a little, why is the e-core viewed with such disdain?

AC Delco earned a bad reputation when they introduced the eCore line. Some engines were grenaded as a result. The oil change community have better long term memory than elephants.

After running several eCores, I would rather run an eCore that does not tear than a filter with a standard core, metal end caps and a normal relief valve that does tear.

I have torn two Motorcraft FL820S filters.

I have run the Champ PH820 out to 6K miles with no issues. Same for AC Delco PF1250.
 
I use the MC FL2017 cartridge in my Fusion, and it has the plastic inner cage. Always looks great after my normal 10K OCI.
 
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
Who makes the Ecore oil filters? Champion Labs? Is ACDelco only brand with Ecore?

I found this information:

https://www.servicechamp.com/images/tech ecore sales sheet.pdf


Yes, Champion Laboratories launched Ecore in 2004 and retained after last year's Frampion breakup.

http://www.champlabs.com/company/about-champion-laboratories

No, AC Delco is far from the only brand to use / have used Ecore technology. Champ, Service Champ, Supertech, and STP all come to my mind although Supertech are now manufactured by Wix and STP are now manufactured by Purolator. There are undoubtably other installer grade Ecore oil filters around as I've seen some Citgo brand on Rockauto advertiding Ecore technology for example. Notably, AC Delco appears to have dropped the combo valve with more recent manufacture having seperate BPV & ADBV.

There are also AC Delco "Classic" filters which do not use Ecore construction features.
 
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As noted, when the ecore 'spin on' filter intro'd and for some time they had limited longitudinal trusses in the nylon/plastic cage. Also the pleating was not always uniform and lacking in media area. That meant there were large openings in the cage and especially in the areas of wide pleats, the media could and did blow out through the holes. Some of those anecdotes have been posted here before.

The other factor is most non GM application ecores use a combo valve design rather than traditional separate adbv and bypass. That is a design that many don't prefer. Even ACD ecores now for newer GM models using a filter integral bypass don't use a combo valve, but a separate poppet type dome bypass. No combo valves for GM models. But other non GM ecore applications still use them.

The ecore cages have been improved with more trusses, smaller openings and more uniform pleating. Anecdotes have looked better.

As you note AC Delco Classic metal endcap design is still available. As long as they continue to be made, I'd assume knowledgeable ACD buyers will choose them. Given a choice, I still prefer the Classic design, especially to an ecore alternative that uses a combo valve (non GM applications).
 
E-core idea is still one of the best idea (especially with an M media. So what the issue? Back then when it came out 3d printer were just beginning ,making mold for a complex design like this costed huge amount .today any filter maker could make an equal or better to e-core but there is still the foundry thing witch cost a lot .but with the new plastic method , it is thinkable that within a year we ll see a new evolution of the e-core but with the new insanely tough plastic just announced at phys.org
 
Trying FAQ link again

Ecore FAQ Link

TBH if this was such a great design why are there no Asian clones of it on the market?

I used some Supertech ST16 & STP S16 Ecore filters on my previous truck last decade. I never had a media failure but I lived in SE Louisiana at that time. The ADBV function of the combo valve always was compromised within 3000 miles of service. Engine was a venerable Dodge 5.9L / 360 V8 using 10w30, usually Exxon Superflow. I stopped using Ecores before I moved back to the Great Lakes area in 2012.
 
Originally Posted By: Nyogtha
Trying FAQ link again

Ecore FAQ Link

TBH if this was such a great design why are there no Asian clones of it on the market?

I used some Supertech ST16 & STP S16 Ecore filters on my previous truck last decade. I never had a media failure but I lived in SE Louisiana at that time. The ADBV function of the combo valve always was compromised within 3000 miles of service. Engine was a venerable Dodge 5.9L / 360 V8 using 10w30, usually Exxon Superflow. I stopped using Ecores before I moved back to the Great Lakes area in 2012.


Or why no diesel filters have them. All the AC Delco filters for Duramaxes that I've seen had metal cores with little round holes. Every filter I've looked at for my 7.3 had metal cores as well. While I don't think e-cores are bad for a short OCI, you'll never see one on my vehicle. There's just too many variables I'd rather not risk have happening.
 
To answer your question, OP, Delco offers the e-core version along with the "classic" version of all their filters, the classic features the traditional metal center tube. It's easy to find them because the e-cores all have an "E" at the end of the part number while the classics do not.
 
I have had great luck with the eCores using Ford recommended oil and filter change intervals.

With respect to ADBV function, I have had one WIX 51372 that demonstrated startup rattle at about 6K miles. So I followed Nyogtha's suggestion to do a the oil and filter change while the engine had been sitting over night and cold. The oil had leaked down to the point I did not spill any oil removing the filter. With a filter that does not leak down, there is alot of oil draining when removing the filter.

None of the Champion PH820 or the AC Delco PF1250 have demonstrated a startup rattle up to 6K miles.

As to the relief valve function. I am not sure how a DIY user could tell if the filter was operating in relief or not.

When I dissect the PH820 / PF1250, the pleats are nice and even, the end caps are attached to the media and the combo valve is still pliable.
 
Mercury (boat engines) branded filters are ecore.
21.gif


They see constant high RPMs.
 
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Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Mercury (boat engines) branded filters are ecore.
21.gif


They see constant high RPMs.

Well engineered and manufactured for continuous duty at high RPMs. This puts some serious demands on the oil. The oil change kit for the 4-stroke 75/90/115 engines comes with an OEM filter and 25W-40 weight oil. Mercury is specifying the oil and the filter. No substitutions allowed for the warranty. They have specified an oil that minimizes breakdown at high temperature. I believe if Mercury's recommendations are followed the eCore filter will perform as designed and manufactured.
 
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