Since Amsoil dealers also sell Hastings filters, I was wondering if they as good or not as the amsoil filters. In particular I'm wondering about the Amsoil SDF13 and the Hastings LF240 for my Nissan 3.5. Right now I am using the Purolator PureOne PL14610 but have started to worry about not enough flow with the PureOnes. Any advice or opinions?
Hastings vs. Amsoil
- Thread starter thedawk
- Start date
- Status
According to the Baldwin(Hastings) rep, there are very few of the Baldwin filters which use the same (better) filtration media as is in the AMSOIL branded filters.
In over 26 years of using and selling synthetics, I have yet to hear of any documented case of engine damage caused by insufficient oil flow from any name-brand filters (or any others, for that matter).
In over 26 years of using and selling synthetics, I have yet to hear of any documented case of engine damage caused by insufficient oil flow from any name-brand filters (or any others, for that matter).
So the Amsoil filters are better filter media? What about flow? I understand your point about no documented case of engine damage caused by insufficient flow, but what about in the long run? Long term affects are what I'm concerned about. Is the flow during a cold starup enough to fully protect an engine with a higher efficient filter or should I be more concerned about the oil flow? ZR2RANDO feel free to chime in here anytime.
In the recent study linked somewhere on this thread the Amsoil filters were 2nd or 3rd in terms of flow, excellent flow as well as filtering ability.. I have been using Amsoil filters for over 10 years. Not sure HAstings are really any different but Amsoil swears that they are. Both are made at the same plant in Nebraska
OK. Who were 1st and 2nd?
Here is what i have been told. First off Hastings, Baldwin, and Amsoil are all made in Nebraska by Clarcor http://www.clarcor.com/
The Hastings is the point of sale retail filter while the Baldwin is the higher designed industrial filter. There is some cross over where the filters are the same but that tends to be on low volume production where it doesn't make sense to have 2 production lines. On high volume items there are distinct differences in quality.
The Amsoil uses similar construction to Baldwin but has an Amsoil specified media.
The Amsoil and Baldwin are both very high quality filters and should easily exceed most people's requirements.
Take a look at:
http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/
Yeah, I'm familiar with the oil filter study. Here's a final conclusion.
Conclusion
Good construction, good flow, good filtering
In the low-priced group, the AC PF, Purolator PremiumPlus, STP, and SuperTech appear to be good choices. These four filters are "best buys" because they doing most things well and are in the low-priced group.
In the mid-priced group, the Baldwin and WIX appear to be good choices. Both have construction that is excellent.
In the high-priced group, the Amsoil, Mobil 1, Fram XG, and K&N appear to be good choices.
Excellent filtering
The Fram TG and Purolator PureOne have excellent filtering. They do flow less than filters with less filtering. Both are in the mid-priced group. The AC UPF also has excellent filtering, however, the UPF1218 is no longer manufactured. The UPF series does include other filter applications that are still available.
Excellent flow
The Hastings, Donaldson, and Fleetgard all have excellent flow. Not surprisingly, they are also have larger pore sized media. The Purolator PremiumPlus and Amsoil flow less than these filters, but still better than average and have good or very good filtration.
The reader should also consider using an excellent flowing filter and add a by-pass filter such as an Oilguard, Amsoil, or Motor Guard.
Mercruiser Conclusions
The Mercruiser filter is a high-flowing filter with larger pore size. The WIX 51086 does not appear to be a good substitute in this application because it flows less than half as well as the Mercruiser. If one did not mind going to a longer format (the PF1218 style), other excellent candidates would be Hastings, K&N, and Purolator PremiumPlus. All three of these filters flow just as well or better than the Mercruiser, have better filtration, and give the added benefit of more media / increased sump capacity. The Amsoil would have to be another viable candidate since it filters much better than the Mercruiser and it flows almost as well.
Click here for more information regarding Mercruiser applications including additional filters and applications.
Disclaimer and cautions
Since many filter manufacturers contract out their filters, one must be careful that future filters from these vendors are the same as what is presented here. One way to do this is to compare the outside markings of new filters to these pictures.
Just because one filter appears to be a good choice for this application, does not mean that it will be the best for other automotive applications. Other applications involve by-pass valves and other features that may or may not make that same filter the best choice.
Be sure to check your application. There is no guarantee, express or implied, that these filters will work in your application
However, this is only a study of filter media. This is not a comparison of filters themselves as a whole with reguards to flow.
Conclusion
Good construction, good flow, good filtering
In the low-priced group, the AC PF, Purolator PremiumPlus, STP, and SuperTech appear to be good choices. These four filters are "best buys" because they doing most things well and are in the low-priced group.
In the mid-priced group, the Baldwin and WIX appear to be good choices. Both have construction that is excellent.
In the high-priced group, the Amsoil, Mobil 1, Fram XG, and K&N appear to be good choices.
Excellent filtering
The Fram TG and Purolator PureOne have excellent filtering. They do flow less than filters with less filtering. Both are in the mid-priced group. The AC UPF also has excellent filtering, however, the UPF1218 is no longer manufactured. The UPF series does include other filter applications that are still available.
Excellent flow
The Hastings, Donaldson, and Fleetgard all have excellent flow. Not surprisingly, they are also have larger pore sized media. The Purolator PremiumPlus and Amsoil flow less than these filters, but still better than average and have good or very good filtration.
The reader should also consider using an excellent flowing filter and add a by-pass filter such as an Oilguard, Amsoil, or Motor Guard.
Mercruiser Conclusions
The Mercruiser filter is a high-flowing filter with larger pore size. The WIX 51086 does not appear to be a good substitute in this application because it flows less than half as well as the Mercruiser. If one did not mind going to a longer format (the PF1218 style), other excellent candidates would be Hastings, K&N, and Purolator PremiumPlus. All three of these filters flow just as well or better than the Mercruiser, have better filtration, and give the added benefit of more media / increased sump capacity. The Amsoil would have to be another viable candidate since it filters much better than the Mercruiser and it flows almost as well.
Click here for more information regarding Mercruiser applications including additional filters and applications.
Disclaimer and cautions
Since many filter manufacturers contract out their filters, one must be careful that future filters from these vendors are the same as what is presented here. One way to do this is to compare the outside markings of new filters to these pictures.
Just because one filter appears to be a good choice for this application, does not mean that it will be the best for other automotive applications. Other applications involve by-pass valves and other features that may or may not make that same filter the best choice.
Be sure to check your application. There is no guarantee, express or implied, that these filters will work in your application
However, this is only a study of filter media. This is not a comparison of filters themselves as a whole with reguards to flow.
T-Keith,
That's what I'm starting to lean toward. I've been thining all along that better filtering is best for my engine but now I'm starting to think that the average PremiumPlus is about the best compromise of filtering, flow and price.
That's what I'm starting to lean toward. I've been thining all along that better filtering is best for my engine but now I'm starting to think that the average PremiumPlus is about the best compromise of filtering, flow and price.
Kinda' makes you wish you didn't stock up on all those high priced filters.
Good thing I bought them at a discount on the internet.
[ June 13, 2004, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: 427Z06 ]
[ June 13, 2004, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: 427Z06 ]
I use Purolater and Mann oil filters. That should, maybe, just maybe tell you something.
Good posts.
I can tell you the little I know: Indeed Amsoil/Baldwin does use a different media than Hastings, although "sometimes" the construction is the same. I've been to the factory in Kearney Nebraska.
Amsoil does sell Hastings, BUT does NOT sell any Hastings that have a direct fit Amsoil equivalent. NOR can I order Hastings #'s that aren't on the Amsoil list. Sucks.
Good posts.
I can tell you the little I know: Indeed Amsoil/Baldwin does use a different media than Hastings, although "sometimes" the construction is the same. I've been to the factory in Kearney Nebraska.
Amsoil does sell Hastings, BUT does NOT sell any Hastings that have a direct fit Amsoil equivalent. NOR can I order Hastings #'s that aren't on the Amsoil list. Sucks.
Would you really want the Hastings? They don't seem to be as good as the Amsoil or Baldwin. I just bought a cases of the Baldwins for my LS1 engine.
In bucking the system as I always do, I just installed a Donaldson filter on my 1996 Blazer. I called my local Peterbuilt dealer, Donaldson is the only brand they use on all engines. And since these engines can be around the $20,000 range, I figure they must be a good filter. The filter cost me $3.69 including tax. So far I like the results. Am using with Mobil 1 10W-30.
Don't really want the Hastings, but it would have been nice to have 100% access at dealer prices.
The usual difference between the "upper" and "lower" tier filters is the composition and durability of the media (I did NOT write filtering ability or flow).
EDIT: Read my earlier post, I'm not making this crap up:
[ June 13, 2004, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: Pablo ]
EDIT: Read my earlier post, I'm not making this crap up:
I AM NOT A FILTER MEDIA EXPERT NOR DO I PLAY ONE ON THE WEB: The theory goes (and I have NOT seen studies) that some paper like media will start breaking down sooner than glass/synthetic type media.
[ June 13, 2004, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: Pablo ]
Pablo,
Since you've been to the factory, do you agree with this statement?
Since you've been to the factory, do you agree with this statement?
If the Baldwin is "the higher designed industrial filter", why does Amsoil use the "point of sale retail (I interpret this to mean consumer grade) filter"? Again since you've seen Baldwins in production and choose to use Purolator filters for your personal cars, should I make the assumption that you find the Puroltor filters to be of a higher quality then the Baldwin filters?
Just a point of clarification since I am being quoted. I think we are saying the same thing. Amsoil may resell some of the Hasting part numbers but the Amsoil labeled filters have their own specified media (and not Hating's) The Amsoil filter was a star on the above mentioned tests. For me, the Baldwin filter seemd to be the right choice when you factor in flow, filtering, and price.
Yuk - you sound slightly confused.
1) My use of Purolator, has zero to do with the quality of Amsoil/Baldwin filters. It has more to do with the my philosophy that full flow filters are simple emergency catch devices. Search BiTOG for the real meaning of full flow filters, and BOB's NO OIL FILTER test. So your assumption is incorrect.
2)Amsoil (labeled) filters = Baldwin filters
3) Amsoil also sells SOME Hastings filters, but these retain the Hastings names. So again, I think you jumped to a conclusion with insufficient information.
1) My use of Purolator, has zero to do with the quality of Amsoil/Baldwin filters. It has more to do with the my philosophy that full flow filters are simple emergency catch devices. Search BiTOG for the real meaning of full flow filters, and BOB's NO OIL FILTER test. So your assumption is incorrect.
2)Amsoil (labeled) filters = Baldwin filters
3) Amsoil also sells SOME Hastings filters, but these retain the Hastings names. So again, I think you jumped to a conclusion with insufficient information.
I guess this is an open question. The person I spoke to said that the mechanical parts are the same but Amsoil specifies a different (very high quality) media?
Richin - I used to hear this - but I really don't think the media of the top end Baldwin is different than the Amsoil anymore....for sure different than the Hastings.
EDIT=> I forgot to comment on the study. Great work, btw. It's a bit strange with the flow differences. However, there seems to be more sameness between the Amsoil and Baldwin than the difference of either from the Hastings.
[ June 13, 2004, 07:37 PM: Message edited by: Pablo ]
EDIT=> I forgot to comment on the study. Great work, btw. It's a bit strange with the flow differences. However, there seems to be more sameness between the Amsoil and Baldwin than the difference of either from the Hastings.
[ June 13, 2004, 07:37 PM: Message edited by: Pablo ]
- Status