Hastings vs. Amsoil

Matt-TDI · Jun 13, 2004

One thing that really irks me about the test is the fact that I only see a quick comment on filtration quality... I'm not told how it was decided which filters do in fact have better filtration... Just a rather vague comment on each one. "Better than average, below average.. good.. excellent.." etc. It tells me something, but not a whole lot.

And even more importantly, as it was kind-of touched on by someone else, how well would the filters hold up over time? How well would it filter after 3,000, 5,000, 10,000 miles? Of course that's asking quite a lot from a home-study like this. The effort put forth so far is appreciated, for certain.

But inquiring minds want more.

Being an armchair critic is rather easy... and I'll try to be as considerate and constructive as possible. Any and all efforts put forth so far I am very grateful for. I'm just trying to make sense of things and do my best to not step on anyone's toes

[ June 13, 2004, 08:51 PM: Message edited by: Matt-TDI ]

Dick in Falls Church · Jun 13, 2004

If you are going to dump the oil after 2-3000 miles, it really doesn't make a lot of difference what oil filter you use.

If you are going to use a good synthetic for a longer drain interval, it makes a lot of sense (at least to me) to use the best filter you can get.

If you are using a good synthetic, and a cheap oil filter which you plan to change sooner, then include the cost of makeup oil to the earlier filter change. Yep, I understand that none of you would ever leave the oil in for 25,000 miles or a year, but if you did, you'd change an AMSOIL oil filter once in between drains, another brand 3 times.

T-Keith · Jun 13, 2004

Yes but if the expensive filter realy isn't better than the cheap filter what is the advantage on any OCI? I don't see one thing that really makes these filters better.

-T

Richin Chicago · Jun 13, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by Pablo:
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.

In the study the Baldwin and Amsoil showed a different weight, different number of pleats and a different total filter area?

http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/

Pablo · Jun 13, 2004

quote:

In the study the Baldwin and Amsoil showed a different weight, different number of pleats and a different total filter area?

I can't scientifically account for the difference, but couple things spring to mind:

1) Age/design change - one could be from unrotated stock. I know that about 2 years (?) there were some changes. Look at the number of entrance holes. Amsoil has 8. Baldwin 5. So much for the same construction

2) The appearance of the media and the pore size are the same. Yet the Amsoil flows significantly better with less pleats and surface area

I have doubts too. Sometimes I think that some of the part #'s are exactly the same, and some aren't. Could be the case here, dunno.

T-Keith · Jun 13, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by Pablo:
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:

quote:

I can tell you the little I know: Indeed Amsoil/Baldwin does use a different media than Hastings,

Click to expand...

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.

According to Grease's study, Amsoil, Baldwin and Hastings filters all have celulose(paper) media. They may be glass/synthetic enhanced, which means they are paper with added glass/sythetic fibers, but Supertech also has this for $2.

-T

Mike_dup1 · Jun 13, 2004

Maybe grease is being to general

Here is what the advertise it as;

quote:

Contains a high-tech blended filtration media composed of cellulose, synthetic and glass fibers.

So its more that just paper.

Pablo · Jun 13, 2004

I have nothing against ST filters. I see the data and I can't say I know what the media really is. The ONLY filter I heard that actually crumbled to crap was a Fram...but it may have been a factory defect.

Brain **** warning: I really must think the Purolator and Motorcraft (Ford) are the same. I actually use Motorcraft filters bought at Walmart...not sure why I wrote that I use Purolator....(strange)

So in may cars I use:

Motorcraft FL-1A
Mann (Volvo OEM equiv)

So now does Purolator = Motorcraft (Ford)?

T-Keith · Jun 13, 2004

Yes, but as I said, I doubt it increases the strength of the filter, as the main body is still paper. And again, Supertech has this for less than $2.

-T

Grease is the word · Jun 14, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by Matt-TDI:
One thing that really irks me about the test is the fact that I only see a quick comment on filtration quality... I'm not told how it was decided which filters do in fact have better filtration... Just a rather vague comment on each one. "Better than average, below average.. good.. excellent.." etc. It tells me something, but not a whole lot.

Matt,

I am assuming that you didn't see the spreadsheet that has the data backing up the vague comments. Please refer to: http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/Grease Oil Filter Study.xls

Please refer to these posts for the testing methods:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=001583;p=2#000042
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=001583;p=1#000028

I hope that helps.

[ June 14, 2004, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: Grease is the word ]

Pablo · Jun 14, 2004

Grease - thanks for all the data.

I must admit the first time I looked I missed the spreadsheet data.

My question as stated poorly above:

Does the Motorcraft REALLY equal the Purolator?

T-Keith · Jun 14, 2004

If your asking are they made by Purolator, then yes.

Construction is the same(except the bypass valve), however grease's study shows the media to be different.

-T

John in the ATL · Jun 14, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by thedawk:
In particular I'm wondering about the Amsoil SDF13 and the Hastings LF240 for my Nissan 3.5. Any advice or opinions?

If you decide to go with the Amsoil SDF filter, go with the slightly oversized SDF 20 over the tiny thimble SDF 13. The SDF 20 is actually $2 less expensive. Go figure.

I have not used the Baldwin but it will probaly give the best bang for $$$ versus the Hastings and the Amsoil SDF.

That being said, some Amsoil SDF filters are much better than others. The SDF 84 for older Maximas and Altimas is not a good filter. It would come loose and have to be retightened. The UOA with the SDF versus the Bosch filter was no contest.

The Hastings filter might be a good model or maybe not.

thedawk · Jun 14, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by John in the ATL:

quote:

Originally posted by thedawk:
In particular I'm wondering about the Amsoil SDF13 and the Hastings LF240 for my Nissan 3.5. Any advice or opinions?

Click to expand...

If you decide to go with the Amsoil SDF filter, go with the slightly oversized SDF 20 over the tiny thimble SDF 13. The SDF 20 is actually $2 less expensive. Go figure.

I have not used the Baldwin but it will probaly give the best bang for $$$ versus the Hastings and the Amsoil SDF.

That being said, some Amsoil SDF filters are much better than others. The SDF 84 for older Maximas and Altimas is not a good filter. It would come loose and have to be retightened. The UOA with the SDF versus the Bosch filter was no contest.

The Hastings filter might be a good model or maybe not.

John in the ATL,
Thanks for that input. Just so happens that my 300zx uses the SDF84 so I won't be choosing that one for sure. I'll consider the SDF20 like you suggested and try to find out if it will fit. I hate that shorty that Nissan insists on using!

thedawk

John in the ATL · Jun 14, 2004

thedawk,

I use the Bosch 3400 available at AutoZone (cross reference SDF 84)on my 94 altima and have been satisfied with it for $6.00.

I have not used the NAPA Gold (Wix) on this car but have been happy with the 1334 (cross reference SDF 20) on my wife's Honda Odyssey.

The NAPA Gold 1334 fits my 2k Maxima and your VQ35DE.

[ June 14, 2004, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: John in the ATL ]

dropitby · Jun 14, 2004

Well we have FLAWS where is quality control. Some AMSOIL filters are better than others a quote made.Why would in come loose again! I like the fact AL says AMSOIL filters will last at least 12000 miles and his oil will last 25000. It tells me if I use AMSOIL products they will exceed manufacture recomended drain intervals wit a lot of product left over.I do like the fact at Walmart you can look at most of the filters your buying. So if I want cheap I can look at their filters.I for one have never had any trouble with oil filters but I never did OCA.

Hastings vs. Amsoil

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