Less and thicker or more, thinner pleats?

[SureshR]

So - for my ford endeavour (basically a ford ranger but 7 seat suv), here are two filters in the image. The first is a “Drive+” I picked up from a car parts chain (GSF car parts) in the UK and the second is OEM motorcraft.

Seeing these - which would be “better”, more and thinner pleats like in the Motorcraft, or fewer, thick pleats like in the Drive+?

 

[OilUzer]

I would go with the OEM. Why risk it? Unless the other one is a proven filter with a very good track record.

 

[MParr]

Either one. At least you see what you’re getting with a cartridge filter.

 

[Egg_Head]

Thinner/more pleats would have more surface area for filtering.

 

[4WD]

They both look well made and suitable for use.

 

[Sayjac]

Both look to have Mann (M&H) type endcaps used on OEM cartridges like BMW. Generally, those cartridges are well thought of.

Echoing other comments, both look to be well made. Seeing as the MC is OEM, I'd lean that way. Fit is important with cartridge filters. If it fits well, Drive+ looks to be decent option though.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

You can't judge just off the number of pleats.

 

[JavierH19]

At the end of the day unless you're doing 20k+ runs with those filters it honestly won't matter

 

[SureshR]

I change at 10k+ - the thing is these filters are half the cost of the Motorcraft and I do around 30k+ a year so .. worth checking I thought. Thanks!

The dimensions of the filter are exactly the same, the only difference I can find is in the pleats, and as many say here the drive+ does appear to be solidly made.

For a change every 10k this is probably just buying a Walgreens branded acetaminophen pill versus the actual Tylenol, though.

 

[DannyM]

the thing is these filters are half the cost of the Motorcraft

Why not try it out ??.. What exactly could be an issue ?

 

[ZeeOSix]

What's the number of pleats on each? And is there a pleat depth difference?

They both look like a lot of media area.

 

[fantastic]

They both look real good. The problem is there is probably limited specs on both filters but at least the OEM version we know is built correctly for your engine.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Depends on media
Pleat count means nothing unless media is the same
Surface area means nothing unless media is the same

As such, no decision can be made without further research on holding capacity and filtration capability.

 

[SureshR]

Nice selection here - engine oils, brake pads and discs, suspension components etc

https://driveplusinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Filters.xlsx

https://driveplusinternational.com/products/

The media seems much the same, cellulose paper, same end caps. The only difference is about 20% less pleats and slightly thicker (I don’t have a screw gauge handy to measure so only by eye) pleats.

 

[Greasymechtech]

With media, the word "seems" means nothing. You'd be surprised how many media supplier have similar looking products that aren't even close.

You can get particle count used oil analysis to see how each filter performs for your specific engine/driving style and make a determination on which one you'd prefer.

The only thing you get by looking at a new filter is it's construction type.... and looking at an old filter can sometimes show a visible failure. Other than that, opinions are like laxatives flowing excessive

Both look well enough constructed. Both will need to be used in a normal interval to see if either show any visible failures. And, if you want comparative data, you can UOA PC the oil, send the new/old filters for testing... holding capacity, filtration capability at certain microns, capacity remainder after.... and then determine which one could be better.

Quit trying to judge media capability by looking at it.