Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
... the tearing problem is caused by too wide of pleat spacing combined with brittle media that tears instead of flexing when oil flow force pushes the pleat sideways. That's why all the posted photos of torn media is at the seam where the pleats are widely spaced out. ...
That's generally true, in combination with FlyingVan's theory about too-rigid end caps. The pressure differential forces wide pleats inward, pulling against the end cap. Anything the reduces the pressure drop (thinner oil grade, hotter oil, lower engine speed, larger media area, less restrictive media ... ) reduces the risk.