Filter quality reminder

[doitmyself]

This topic is nothing new. I saw several similar incidents checking back one year in this forum......

"Most filter brands, including Fram and Wix, buy some of their supplies from other companys in order to offer a complete range of fitments without tooling them all up inside. You really have to look at each one to make sure you are getting something that fits right."


Always check the fit and general quality of every air filter you buy. You can't always trust your favorite brand.

Two years ago I replaced my daughter's Sebring air filter with a NAPA/WIX. The rubber was blue and it was a very "robust filter". It fit the box excellent and was stamped "made in Korea"

I bought the "same" NAPA Gold filter this week. It was black rubber and made in the U.S. It was constructed very shoddy and it fit very loose in the box (poor sealing).

I imagine this is one of the filters they rebox from another company. I will check out Fram and Purolator for this application.

 

[XS650]

Good advice.

I have found that air filters from the Evil Empire (Fram) usually fit quite well and appear to be well made. Every Purolator (One of the nice empires) air filter that I have bought for one of my cars has fit poorly. YMMV

 

[FZ1]

I have not seen a better built air filter than my oem Honda Accord filters. .02.

 

[Bill Plock]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
.. Always check the fit and general quality of every air filter you buy. You can't always trust your favorite brand..


Good advice! Just because it's new doesn't mean it's not flawed. I also use a little silicone grease on the gasket to help insure a good seal.

 

[widman]

Another trick is to put a light coating of oil on the inside of the duct leading to the intake. Then when you check your filter, if any dirt has gotten past, it will stick and show you that there is a problem.

 

[BuickGN]

Originally Posted By: widman
Another trick is to put a light coating of oil on the inside of the duct leading to the intake. Then when you check your filter, if any dirt has gotten past, it will stick and show you that there is a problem.


I'm definately going to try that one, especially since my next change will be with an Amsoil filter. I would love to actually see the difference if it exists.