How important is the oil filter?

[06RANGER]

There's a Chevron station near me that uses Chevron Supreme oil, but something called an atlas filter.

Did a search on atlas here and not too much info is available.

My question is how important is the oil filter especially if you're planing 3k OCI.

With all of the FRAM bashing has there been documented proof of FRAM filters actually doing engine damage?

 

[Gary Allan]

Atlas was the Exxon brand label back in the 70's. I wonder if this is NOS

They were considered good filters back in those days.

Fram bashing isn't for the performance. It's for the value. You can get better for less. That's about it. The rest is more along the lines of annoyances. The ADBV's tend to be ineffective at stopping start up rattle after a short time.

I imagine (#3 question) that filters ..even those that fail from time to time, over varied OCIs (within recommended intervals), probably won't significantly effect the utility of a vehicle over 10-12 years of ownership

 

[labman]

I think the great number of cars that are junked due to the problems with the body or running gear dispite the wide use of Fram and Fram made filters is a strong argument that it doesn't take much of a filter to protect an engine. Still, I despise a brand name marketing an inferior product. At Wally's, why should I pay $4 for a PH 3950 when $2 buys me an ST 3950 with twice the filter media? If it is worth $2 extra for a brand name, I can have a L 10193 or STP 3950 that looks about the same inside as the ST. Value Craft and Total Grip were not available in the 3950 when I looked.

 

[Shaman]

There are what I would call bedtime stories told at an Elantra website of FRAM filters blowing up an engine, and the dealer not warrantying it, but I don't know how true these are.

BUt I agree with what is said. Why buy less for more?

 

[06RANGER]

So do you think it would be safe to go with Atlas filters for 3k OCI?

 

[sambojoho]

I'm sure the Atlas filter is fine. For piece of mind, why don't you ask them for the filter when they pull it off. You can tell by the hole pattern typically who made it. It is most likely made by Purolator, Champion Labs, or Fram. For 3k it is probably not a big deal. I agree with the others, I would also prefer a Purolator or a Champion Lab filter over a Fram. Actually, I wouldn't put a Fram on my car if they were free. Heck, I wouldn't put a Fram on my car if they were paying me $4 to use there filter, but that is just me.

 

[06RANGER]

Yeah, I might just buy a $3 Wally Super Tech filter and give it to the Chevron station.

I'm sure they won't have a problem with that.

 

[Shaman]

If they paid me $4 I would put it on, , take it right back off, return it to Walmart, and have $7 in my pocket to buy a pureone or WIX.

 

[labman]

I would make an effort to find out who makes the Atlas. Could be as simple as asking or looking at one, or the box. As long as it isn't Fram, go ahead with it.

Oh, the ST is $2 not $3.

 

[TurboLuver]

There is documented proof of fram media coming apart and lodging in the piston cooling nozzles on Cummins diesels causing catastrophic engine failure. Fram has supposedly since redesigned that filter, but it is still not on Cummins approved filter list.

 

[Mike_dup1]

Fwiw

Atlas filters were also sold by Standard Oil Dealers. They even had tires under the brand as well as just about every other routine maint. parts like lamps, bulbs, hoses etc. I used Atlas filters and bought Atlas Tires back in the 70's as a friends dad owners 2 standard oil stations here in Michigan.

 

[Filter guy]

Atlas were made by Champ...might still be. Used to be a Red/White/Blue box if memory serves..