Neglected "prime guard" quick lube filter cut open

[KDonkey]

In my extended family there's a car whose engine holds 4.5 qts of oil and the scheduled oil service interval is 5000 miles "or 6 months." Its owner asked me to change the oil and there's a sticker from a quick lube shop 8 months, 12k miles ago. Same date is written on the oil filter by the tech that installed it.

I don't go to quick lube shops and this small sump engine is different to what I normally care for so I decided to cut it open. The filter media and can were full of dirt. I think it was packed full and recirculating dirt. Even the paper toweling I had on hand became packed full of dirt.

I have seen photos of poorly constructed filters on the internet (fram, ecore) and maybe this one isn't as bad. The anti-drain flap was certainly worthless, all the oil drained from the can without any tampering with the flap, which felt more like hard plastic than rubber. However this application mounts with the base up so it would never drain.

It is a Focus so I installed FL-910S and used the DEFY because zinc. I asked him to bring the car back to me after 5000 miles and maybe we will see if this filter gets jam packed.

More/larger photos on imgur here

Enjoy

 

[Lubener]

For or 12K miles,it has held up good.

 

[HTSS_TR]

El-cheapo Prime Guard held up very well to 12k miles in a not so clean engine. It looks better at 12k than many supposed better filters at 5-6k.

 

[SuperDave456]

For 12K miles and all that junk I'd agree that it held up very well.

If you think the engine is loaded up with junk grab an extra FL-910S filter and run it around the block a few times, then replace the filter and top off the oil.

Even with abuse, engines last a long period of time.
That being said, I'm surprised we don't see more failures with some of the neglect that goes on out there.

 

[dishdude]

Do you think that was made by Wix or just a Wix clone?

 

[salv]

Another tough China made filter. These things, the Pro Gauge, the Driveworks, etc. All of them are pretty sturdy, reliable filters. Yes the anti-drainback valves tend not to be the best, but what do you expect from a $2-$3 filter?

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I'd rather have this filter after 12k than a torn P1 at 6k.

 

[crazyoildude]

Me too those filters are much better than tearolater!

 

[MinamiKotaro]

Construction looks top-notch. Get an ADBV made of better rubber in that thing and we'd have a real winner.

 

[Dave Hess]

I do 20K oil filter changes on our cars...

*But* thats with 3 OCI's.

 

[KDonkey]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
For 12K miles and all that junk I'd agree that it held up very well.

If you think the engine is loaded up with junk grab an extra FL-910S filter and run it around the block a few times, then replace the filter and top off the oil.


While taking it apart I felt that apart from the disappointment about the anti-drain flap, that it was generally well made. The only other defect I found was the bypass valve may not have completely covered the hole. After cleaning off the button a wear pattern was visible and it overlapped the edge of the button.

I considered changing the filter early, I saw the car again after it had run 1200 miles. The dipstick showed bright amber so I decided not to make him wait. On one hand the filters are not very costly but on the other I am used to european cars that are set up for long drain intervals. There is still plenty of time to do it so I may yet.

 

[threeputtpar]

I'm glad to see the Prime Guard holds up that well. I picked up 6 of them on RA for the Audi at a really good price and will do 7500 mile OCIs with them an not lose any sleep.

The Driveworks I just took off at 7500 miles still held oil behind the ADBV, so that's encouraging. Especially given that the DW filter endured the coldest winter WI has seen in 20+ years.

 

[SLATRON]

I think filter looks great for 12k an doesn't look overly dirty to me from pics, I've seen way worse, I wouldn't change filter again before oci , just another reason why I do double or more fci on top tier filters with a clean engine, never a problem and always look good.

 

[andyd]

Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
I do 20K oil filter changes on our cars...

*But* thats with 3 OCI's.
What do you use for a filter? Have you looked at the medium? Just curious. I've never seen fit to dissect the STP filters I buy. Never had any fail.

 

[fdcg27]

Looks really good.
Maybe they should use a better material for the ADB valve and market it as the Prime Guard Extended Life oil fliter?

 

[Dave Hess]

I use PureOne filters, not concerned about a small tear in the media.

Engines are very clean, no sludge or grime.