Looking for the most experienced oil filter expert (or moderator) to answer one question.

[MVAR]

So maybe a better question might have been to LIST oil filters by performance

I did make a list of criteria I was looking for but IMHO the answer appears to be, from my hours of reading before
asking the question and the current responses, is that there is no answer as everyone has their own opinion, own experience, own preference, own data, etc, etc, etc.

IMHO at least part of the reason for (no one including me) not being able to clearly say which are the best filters is because
much of that data is not released by the manufacturers, on purpose, to confuse buyers ie: they sell their filters based on marketing slogans, nicely designed boxes, etc, etc.

As mentioned in my original post I've been using the Purolator BOSS since it came out, specifically the PBL30001 but that filter
part number appears to be disappearing from the shelves which is why I was looking for a new filter to go to. I do regular engine oil analysis (EOAs) and have gotten good results with that specific BOSS filter.

FWIW I recall talking to a real tech at Purolator years ago (hard to get to those guys these days) and that tech told me that the Boss filtered 99% at 30 microns and the Purolator ONE filtered 99% down to 20 microns.

But all of that IIRC was before Mann Hummel bought Purolator, so IDK what the filter efficiency is now but I kinda doubt it's as high as 46 microns.

Here’s a list of filters I use in that size:

Donaldson SYNTEC169071

Fleetguard LF3487

Baldwin B2HPG

Motorcraft FL1A

Ford Racing CM6731-FL1A

Fram FE8A

Amsoil EA015 (same as Fram FE8A)

All work well. Best bang for the buck would be the FL1A by a wide margin.

 

[chorty]

Still seems like a pointless comparison.

I ran a fram, a wix, and a mobile, all cross referenced to be identical.

Every time i over-revved engine when the outdoor temp was -30*F, the thick oil would collapse the innards.

They're all equally garbage, right?

I wouldn't get too worked up. I never complained when my paper towels that designed to be used then thrown in the trash have flowers printed on them or not.

 

[MetalSlug]

It’s weird to see Mobil 1 is back on recommend list lol

 

[ZeeOSix]

It’s weird to see Mobil 1 is back on recommend list lol

Because it's not made by M+H anymore.

 

[Bob69]

OK, based on the spec sheets it appears the efficiency of the BOSS filters (assuming they all use the same media) is 99% @ 46microns
which is surprisingly poor.

My only guess is that before M-H bought Purolator the specs were different (better)??

ZeeOSix said Because (Mobil 1 filter) it's not made by M+H anymore.

Got info on that ie: when was the change (I have an older M1 filter sitting on the shelf), who makes it now,
what are the current specs on the M1 filter?

 

[ZeeOSix]

OK, based on the spec sheets it appears the efficiency of the BOSS filters (assuming they all use the same media) is 99% @ 46microns
which is surprisingly poor.

My only guess is that before M-H bought Purolator the specs were different (better)??

ZeeOSix said Because (Mobil 1 filter) it's not made by M+H anymore.

Got info on that ie: when was the change (I have an older M1 filter sitting on the shelf), who makes it now,
what are the current specs on the M1 filter?

Info on the new Mobil 1 oil filter in the thread linked below. There are a few other threads too that are pretty new discussing the new Mobil 1.

Thread 'New Mobil 1(108-A) made in Vietnam C&P'

Apr 12, 2025

Purchased at Walmart for $11.44.

Definitely gives me Pentius vibes to be honest. Most likely VAFI built(made in Vietnam). Some models are made in South Korea. A little extra glue but otherwise a high quality build. Much better than the previous M+H made M1 filters. Highline Warren is handling the warranty on these.

Tomorrow I’ll cut out the media and get measurements.

• Glenda W.
• Replies: 105
• Forum: Engine Oil Filters

• 

 

[MetalSlug]

By look at the new Mobil 1. The inside is no longer Louvers . Good !!

 

[Glenda W.]

By look at the new Mobil 1. The inside is no longer Louvers . Good !!

Yes no louvers! It’s a good looking filter. A little more expensive($11.44) but if you’re look for a one stop shop at Walmart it’s a great option.

 

[chorty]

A little more expensive($11.44)

Hahhahaha

I just bought new filters for my rig

It takes 5 transmission filters @ $35 each, one is serviceable in the bottom, its stainless,, , 2 engine oil filters @ $15 each, , 1 air breather, @ $20, and for hydraulics there's 3. The one in the tank is $245, and luckily that one is a stainless screen thats spring loaded and serviceable, a water separator, $32, and a small return filter shared for the power steering, $18, and don't forget fuel filters!!

Wish I could buy the $8 and $11 from Walmart and aurozone.

 

[Glenda W.]

Hahhahaha

I just bought new filters for my rig

It takes 5 transmission filters @ $35 each, one is serviceable in the bottom, its stainless,, , 2 engine oil filters @ $15 each, , 1 air breather, @ $20, and for hydraulics there's 3. The one in the tank is $245, and luckily that one is a stainless screen thats spring loaded and serviceable, a water separator, $32, and a small return filter shared for the power steering, $18, and don't forget fuel filters!!

Wish I could buy the $8 and $11 from Walmart and aurozone.

Ya crazy. The locomotives I ran before retirement held 350 gallons of oil and 3000 gallons of fuel.

 

[chorty]

Ya crazy. The locomotives I ran before retirement held 350 gallons of oil and 3000 gallons of fuel.

This is filtering 35 gallons of hydraulic, 10 gallons of transmission and 2 gallons of motor oil, with a 40gal fuel tank.

Not excessive at all.

 

[chorty]

@Bob69 the the ph8a is 21 micron.

I'm using some older napa 1773 @ 32 micron with sloppy 5w20 to quickly clean up some oil, before switching back to ph8a and its 40 year diet of 15w40

 

[MetalSlug]

Yes no louvers! It’s a good looking filter. A little more expensive($11.44) but if you’re look for a one stop shop at Walmart it’s a great option.

View attachment 274458

That my whole point at shopping oil at Walmart. That 20k purolaror looking pretty good too, very good price. It’s place above fram lol. Fram need step back up .

 

[Bob69]

Sorry if I missed it, does anyone know the micron specs for the new line of Purolator 20000 filters?

All I can find is 99% but no micron number (size) is listed??

Also, anyone know if it's available in the PH8A size? Can't find that information either.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Also, anyone know if it's available in the PH8A size? Can't find that information either.

Use their look-up tool for a vehicle that specifies a PH8A filter.

https://www.purolatornow.com/en/part-finder.html

Update - looks like the Purolator 30001 size crosses over to the Fram 8A. This is all that Purolator shows in the 30001 ... no 20K version comes up when entering a vehicle that uses a 30001.

 

[Bob69]

So that confirms what I could find. There are other filters that should work ie: 3/4-16 thread as long as the bypass is similar.
IIRC the other size for the 20000 that will fit is LX3614? And there's another size, a bit fatter and taller, between
the PH8A and 3614.

Was curious what the new Purolator 20000 filter specs were, I couldn't find anything specific beyond "99%"

 

[ZeeOSix]

Was curious what the new Purolator 20000 filter specs were, I couldn't find anything specific beyond "99%"

It's a mystery since Purolator nor Walmart shows a % efficiency with a corresponding particle size. Walmart just parrots what's shown on Purolator's website. I'd venture to say the Gold 20K is probably around 99% @30u. It's probably better than the Boss.

 

[facility1]

Fram Ultra filters work well is what I found on studying the subject too, they filter well 99%+ at 20 microns, and good flow with a decent anti-drain back valve, , and easily found at Walmart with a reasonable price. though there a lot of brands and just opinions out there, good luck on this one.

 

[Hohn]

Flow is just as important as filtration. With people here all recommending 5K OCI for most oils, any reasonable filter will suffice unless you drive through dust storms every day.

If drive through dust storms every day, the air filter, not the oil filter, is what will matter for your engine’s life.

If the air filtration is up to par, the oil filter should only ever see contaminants generated by the engine, not ingested by it.

 

[brages]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161962774844

Six-pack of old Fram Ultras for $25 shipped - I don't think you can beat that.