What is the best filter to use for the 2.2L Ecotec? ACDelco?
Ecotec Oil Filter
- Thread starter RoGuE
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What year? Canister or cartridge?
I think that this should have been posted in the Oil Filter forum.
Sorry, I didn't notice the oil filter forum. It is a 2007 Malibu. I only put maybe 4,000 miles a year on the car, so I was going to just put in Pennzoil Platinum and change it out every 6 months or so since I make short trips to school and work, generally 10 minutes each way, all city.
Since the car is still under warranty, I would not exceed the OLM (Oil Life Monitor). The OLM may not hit 0% in the year, but then again it might hit 0% earlier. I have read several posts of BITOGers who change their oil between 10-15%; I change mine at 20%. Hope this helps.
lol, I will never hit the OLM. I'm at 76% now and that is from when I bought the car on October 6th.
Don't forget you are dealing with a GM product and will need an occasional "wake up" or "get right" hit - LOL.
Your driving habits and conditions seem to be registering well with the OLM. Your 4k, 1yr OCI should work before the LOM reaches 0%. I would be interested to see if the rate that the OLM is counting down changes when the summer comes - Atlanta summers can be brutal. Don't know how the OLM will compute the hotter temps with your driving habits; it can go either way.
Your driving habits and conditions seem to be registering well with the OLM. Your 4k, 1yr OCI should work before the LOM reaches 0%. I would be interested to see if the rate that the OLM is counting down changes when the summer comes - Atlanta summers can be brutal. Don't know how the OLM will compute the hotter temps with your driving habits; it can go either way.
I've been using the Purolator Pure One filter in my Ecotec.
However, this issue came up on the Cobalt message board that I sometimes frequent; several people there claimed the warranty would be compromised if an aftermarker filter was used. I reasoned that IF this were true, Jiffy Lube and all the quick lubes out there using aftermarket filters would have gone out of business long ago after the lawsuits they would have received had people's warranties been eliminated. Finally, some guy posted the following TSB:
Keep in mind that the issue in question is improper filter installation, possibly aggravated by use of aftermarket (ie, poor quality) filters. I'd say that if you stick to known filter brands (like my Pure One mentioned earlier) and remember to properly lube the little O-ring on the filter nipple, there should be no problem.
Subject: Information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement #07-06-01-016A - (09/17/2007)
Models: 2008 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn and Saab)
2008 and Prior HUMMER H2, H3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This bulletin is being updated to include additional information on incorrect or improperly installed engine oil filters. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-06-01-016 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important: Engine damage that is the result of an incorrect or improperly installed engine oil filter is not a warrantable claim. The best way to avoid oil filter quality concerns is to purchase ACDelco® oil filters directly from GMSPO.
Oil filter misapplication may cause abnormal engine noise or internal damage. Always utilize the most recent parts information to ensure the correct part number filter is installed when replacing oil filters. Do not rely on physical dimensions alone. Counterfeit copies of name brand parts have been discovered in some aftermarket parts systems. Always ensure the parts you install are from a trusted source. Improper oil filter installation may result in catastrophic engine damage.
Refer to the appropriate Service Information (SI) installation instructions when replacing any oil filter and pay particular attention to procedures for proper cartridge filter element alignment. If the diagnostics in SI (Engine Mechanical) lead to the oil filter as the cause of the internal engine noise or damage, dealers should submit a field product report. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-002F (Information for Dealers on How to Submit a Field Product Report).
ALSO check this out
Subject: Low Oil Pressure - Inspect Oil Filter For Damage - keywords adjuster after change engine hot idle indicator lamp lash lifter light LOF mechanical no noise rattle tick #PIP3859A - (07/10/2007)
Models: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
2005-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt SS
2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR
2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2004-2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
2007-2008 Pontiac G5
2006-2008 Pontiac G6
2002-2005 Pontiac Grand Am, Sunfire
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice
2007-2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP
2007-2008 Saturn Aura, Aura Hybrid
2003-2007 Saturn Ion
2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline
2001-2005 Saturn L Series
2007-2008 Saturn Sky, Sky Redline
2002-2008 Saturn Vue
2007-2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid
with any of the following engines:
2.0L Engine (VIN P - RPO LSJ)
2.0L Engine (VIN X - RPO LNF)
2.2L Engine (VIN D or F - RPO L61)
2.4L Engine (VIN B or P - RPO LE5)
2.4L Engine (VIN 5 or Z - RPO LAT)
2003-2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan
2004-2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2006-2008 Saab 9-3 Combi
However, this issue came up on the Cobalt message board that I sometimes frequent; several people there claimed the warranty would be compromised if an aftermarker filter was used. I reasoned that IF this were true, Jiffy Lube and all the quick lubes out there using aftermarket filters would have gone out of business long ago after the lawsuits they would have received had people's warranties been eliminated. Finally, some guy posted the following TSB:
Keep in mind that the issue in question is improper filter installation, possibly aggravated by use of aftermarket (ie, poor quality) filters. I'd say that if you stick to known filter brands (like my Pure One mentioned earlier) and remember to properly lube the little O-ring on the filter nipple, there should be no problem.
Subject: Information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement #07-06-01-016A - (09/17/2007)
Models: 2008 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn and Saab)
2008 and Prior HUMMER H2, H3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This bulletin is being updated to include additional information on incorrect or improperly installed engine oil filters. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-06-01-016 (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important: Engine damage that is the result of an incorrect or improperly installed engine oil filter is not a warrantable claim. The best way to avoid oil filter quality concerns is to purchase ACDelco® oil filters directly from GMSPO.
Oil filter misapplication may cause abnormal engine noise or internal damage. Always utilize the most recent parts information to ensure the correct part number filter is installed when replacing oil filters. Do not rely on physical dimensions alone. Counterfeit copies of name brand parts have been discovered in some aftermarket parts systems. Always ensure the parts you install are from a trusted source. Improper oil filter installation may result in catastrophic engine damage.
Refer to the appropriate Service Information (SI) installation instructions when replacing any oil filter and pay particular attention to procedures for proper cartridge filter element alignment. If the diagnostics in SI (Engine Mechanical) lead to the oil filter as the cause of the internal engine noise or damage, dealers should submit a field product report. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-002F (Information for Dealers on How to Submit a Field Product Report).
ALSO check this out
Subject: Low Oil Pressure - Inspect Oil Filter For Damage - keywords adjuster after change engine hot idle indicator lamp lash lifter light LOF mechanical no noise rattle tick #PIP3859A - (07/10/2007)
Models: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
2005-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt SS
2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR
2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2004-2005 Chevrolet Malibu Classic
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
2007-2008 Pontiac G5
2006-2008 Pontiac G6
2002-2005 Pontiac Grand Am, Sunfire
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice
2007-2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP
2007-2008 Saturn Aura, Aura Hybrid
2003-2007 Saturn Ion
2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline
2001-2005 Saturn L Series
2007-2008 Saturn Sky, Sky Redline
2002-2008 Saturn Vue
2007-2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid
with any of the following engines:
2.0L Engine (VIN P - RPO LSJ)
2.0L Engine (VIN X - RPO LNF)
2.2L Engine (VIN D or F - RPO L61)
2.4L Engine (VIN B or P - RPO LE5)
2.4L Engine (VIN 5 or Z - RPO LAT)
2003-2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan
2004-2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible
2006-2008 Saab 9-3 Combi
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Hello RoGuE:
I also have an '07 Malibu with the 2.2 Ecotec. It's a pretty decent car overall. I've used The Purolator filters and the (Hengst made) AC Delco filters. They both seem fine. The Fram and SuperTech filters look identical to each other and are made somewhere in Eastern Europe.
The OEM filter is configured a little differently than the rest. There might be a reason for that, and maybe the feature is patented. I decided to go AC Delco for that reason.
At 4,000 miles a year, it probably makes no difference what filter you use. I recently bought a bunch of the OEM filters through Rock Auto. They have a pretty good price, but at the rate you use them, you'd have to order a few years worth to make the shipping cost worth it.
I also have an '07 Malibu with the 2.2 Ecotec. It's a pretty decent car overall. I've used The Purolator filters and the (Hengst made) AC Delco filters. They both seem fine. The Fram and SuperTech filters look identical to each other and are made somewhere in Eastern Europe.
The OEM filter is configured a little differently than the rest. There might be a reason for that, and maybe the feature is patented. I decided to go AC Delco for that reason.
At 4,000 miles a year, it probably makes no difference what filter you use. I recently bought a bunch of the OEM filters through Rock Auto. They have a pretty good price, but at the rate you use them, you'd have to order a few years worth to make the shipping cost worth it.
Eh, that giant TSB I posted got cut off; it was too long I guess.
The gist of the issue was summed up at the bottom. When evaluating a vehicle with a LOW OIL light or engine noise, check the condition of the O-ring on the bottom of the filter nipple. Be alert for misaglined, missing or crushed O-rings. If this condition exists, replace the filter with an OEM one.
The gist of the issue was summed up at the bottom. When evaluating a vehicle with a LOW OIL light or engine noise, check the condition of the O-ring on the bottom of the filter nipple. Be alert for misaglined, missing or crushed O-rings. If this condition exists, replace the filter with an OEM one.
The o-ring/nipple on the bottom of the filter seals the filter housing drain. When the filter cap is unscrewed, the nipple lifts out of the drain hole, and the oil drains back to the crankcase. It makes sense that if the o-ring is damaged or missing, then oil will leak back to the oil pan and oil pressure will be a problem. The OEM filter has the nipple connected to the rest of the filter a little differently than the aftermarket units. It looks like there is some kind of self-aligning or expansion-related feature there. That's the difference in configuration I mentioned before. It just might make a difference in how well it works.
I guess I will go ahead and stick to OEM and get the ACDelco filter. I am just curious if there are different ones since you mention you have a Hengst made filter?
BigAl, I also think this is a decent car overall. I think the 07 model year for the Ecotecs in these car's is by far the best since they received drastic changes including a new camshaft design which I think gives a flatter torque curve.
BigAl, I also think this is a decent car overall. I think the 07 model year for the Ecotecs in these car's is by far the best since they received drastic changes including a new camshaft design which I think gives a flatter torque curve.
The canister oil filter used on the Ecotec is actually a licensed Hengst design. They are a European company. Their canister filters are on BMW and others. As far as I know, all the AC Delco filter elements are made by Hengst in the USA.
I don't know much about the Ecotec engines, except that they have a reputation of holding together well. My '07 Malibu is a huge quality improvement over the '99 we had. I Still think the styling on the older one was a lot better though, as well as on the '08. The '07 models are just plain ugly, but the deals on them were sure sweet. My wife drives it mostly, and she's OK with how it looks . . .
I don't know much about the Ecotec engines, except that they have a reputation of holding together well. My '07 Malibu is a huge quality improvement over the '99 we had. I Still think the styling on the older one was a lot better though, as well as on the '08. The '07 models are just plain ugly, but the deals on them were sure sweet. My wife drives it mostly, and she's OK with how it looks . . .
Ok, thanks for clearing up that Hengst thing for me.
I am curious, if you don't mind telling me, how much did you pay for your Malibu?
And I don't think it is ugly, maybe just slightly utilitarian but the wrong color can make all the difference.
I am curious, if you don't mind telling me, how much did you pay for your Malibu?
And I don't think it is ugly, maybe just slightly utilitarian but the wrong color can make all the difference.
Bah,
I'm using the cheap walmart supertech cartridge.
Never a problem.
The pleats look a little different on the fram and supertech than the OEM.
I'm using the cheap walmart supertech cartridge.
Never a problem.
The pleats look a little different on the fram and supertech than the OEM.
Originally Posted By: RoGuE
Ok, thanks for clearing up that Hengst thing for me.
I am curious, if you don't mind telling me, how much did you pay for your Malibu?
$15,200 . . . You?
Originally Posted By: JustinH
Bah,
I'm using the cheap walmart supertech cartridge.
Never a problem.
The pleats look a little different on the fram and supertech than the OEM.
I bought a box of ten OEM for about the same price as ST. I'd buy the US made ST's, but I'm just not sure about the quality of Bulgarian filters . . .
Ok, thanks for clearing up that Hengst thing for me.
I am curious, if you don't mind telling me, how much did you pay for your Malibu?
$15,200 . . . You?
Originally Posted By: JustinH
Bah,
I'm using the cheap walmart supertech cartridge.
Never a problem.
The pleats look a little different on the fram and supertech than the OEM.
I bought a box of ten OEM for about the same price as ST. I'd buy the US made ST's, but I'm just not sure about the quality of Bulgarian filters . . .
$14,000. It was a demo with a few thousand miles on it.
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