After nearly a year and a half I finally have a set of the three oil filters I've wanted to cut open and compare. Each of these ran 1 ~6000 mile OCI on my 07 Civic (1.8L).
Napa Gold
Honda A02 (Honeywell)
Honda A01 (Filtech)
My observations are as follows:
- All three use silicone ADBVs.
- All three have metal lining the inside diameter of the media.
- The Honda filters have circular cross-section gaskets while the Napa Gold has a rectangular cross-section gasket.
- Both Honda filters have "rear mounted" bypass valves, although the valves are constructed differently. The A01 has a metal bypass valve while the A02 has a plastic one.
- Both Honda filters have paper/cardboard style endcaps, but again they are different in design: the A02 has fully covered ends while the A01 has endcaps that only cover half the pleat radius.
- The Napa Gold/Wix has metal endcaps, with a fully closed back-end and "front mounted" bypass valve. A separate spring fits between the back endcap and the end of the can (the springs on the Honda filters are integrated with the bypass valve assembly).
- The filter media on the Napa Gold/Wix is slightly shorter than the two Honda filters (which are the same length). The pleat density looks the same to my eye.
- The A01 can material is incredibly thick and strong. I basically destroyed my filter cutter trying to cut it open, and was literally only able to dent the side of the can. I had to hack-saw the top off instead. I can barely flex the open end of the A01 can with my hand while I can easily bend the other two.
Conclusions:
I don't really know much about oil filters, I was just curious how these three compared to each other. Here are the thoughts I come away with:
- The A01 and A02 filters are similar enough that it's probably not worth going out of the way to get A01s instead of A02s.
- For the same price, I suppose I'm still inclined to run Honda filters given they are made to Honda's specs (bypass pressure, flow rate, etc), unless I can be convinced that the metal endcap construction and front bypass valve of the Wix are practically superior.
- I'm still not sure whether I think it's a good idea to run the filter for two OCIs (12k miles) per Honda's recommendation but I now feel that all of these three filters probably have the same chance of standing up to such service.
Anyone have any questions or want any detail pictures before I get rid of the filters? I hope this post is useful or informative to someone!
Honda A02 (Honeywell)
Honda A01 (Filtech)
My observations are as follows:
- All three use silicone ADBVs.
- All three have metal lining the inside diameter of the media.
- The Honda filters have circular cross-section gaskets while the Napa Gold has a rectangular cross-section gasket.
- Both Honda filters have "rear mounted" bypass valves, although the valves are constructed differently. The A01 has a metal bypass valve while the A02 has a plastic one.
- Both Honda filters have paper/cardboard style endcaps, but again they are different in design: the A02 has fully covered ends while the A01 has endcaps that only cover half the pleat radius.
- The Napa Gold/Wix has metal endcaps, with a fully closed back-end and "front mounted" bypass valve. A separate spring fits between the back endcap and the end of the can (the springs on the Honda filters are integrated with the bypass valve assembly).
- The filter media on the Napa Gold/Wix is slightly shorter than the two Honda filters (which are the same length). The pleat density looks the same to my eye.
- The A01 can material is incredibly thick and strong. I basically destroyed my filter cutter trying to cut it open, and was literally only able to dent the side of the can. I had to hack-saw the top off instead. I can barely flex the open end of the A01 can with my hand while I can easily bend the other two.
Conclusions:
I don't really know much about oil filters, I was just curious how these three compared to each other. Here are the thoughts I come away with:
- The A01 and A02 filters are similar enough that it's probably not worth going out of the way to get A01s instead of A02s.
- For the same price, I suppose I'm still inclined to run Honda filters given they are made to Honda's specs (bypass pressure, flow rate, etc), unless I can be convinced that the metal endcap construction and front bypass valve of the Wix are practically superior.
- I'm still not sure whether I think it's a good idea to run the filter for two OCIs (12k miles) per Honda's recommendation but I now feel that all of these three filters probably have the same chance of standing up to such service.
Anyone have any questions or want any detail pictures before I get rid of the filters? I hope this post is useful or informative to someone!
I can get a better made, 99.9% efficient Pure One PL14610 at Kmart or Advance Auto for less everyday. With sales or Amazon P1 everyday price $9.48 for 2, by six get free shipping. Or, buy something else to make it $25 for free shipping. Less than $4.75 each for a P1.
Not even a close choice for me. But, that's just me.