Good Morning Bullwinkle,The MP Super Techs seem to have disappeared from Walmart-here's to hoping they make an appearance on Rock Auto at a greatly reduced price!
That would be interesting
What test(s) would that be? If a used filter doesn't show any internal mechanical failure, then it's "strong enough" for the job.
So you want to jump through hoops trying to find a replacement over a couple bucks a year based on a marketing gimmick? Thing is, you'll probably settle for something less, albeit still a very good filter that's a couple bucks cheaper. Fine and dandy.
carquest premium for a few bucks cheaper at AAP
Doesn't need a wire backing since it's 2 layer, with cellulose on back layer, which makes it more rigid. Synthetic media only needs a wire or mesh backing, due to being less rigid and prevents media from collapsing and in worse case scenario; bunching up on itself due to overuse.
I will look, thanks. But realistically, probably every manufacturer has had torn filters, faulty bypass valve, poor sealing anti-drainback or any other sort of manufacturing defects on their filters at some point, not everyone cuts up every filter on the market. I had a KN premium filter with bypass stuck open at 6700 miles and a old style fram ultra with a crushed center tube that I sent back prior to installing, i do have pics of that. I used to like Purolator until Mann-Hummel took them over and then i start hearing horror stories of their media tearing and now they won't even divulge filtration specs even when you email them about it. I used to like Bosch Premium filters until hearing about issues with built in Mexico issues. Champion Labs now owned by Fram, Purolator owned by mann-hummel, I guess there is premium guard which are not built in United States. All I can do is keep cutting open my filters and see if any issues arise. There there is Baldwin who owns hastings and heard of louver issues on that on top of having high flow but lower filter efficiency. I guess it's a gamble to put on a cannister type filter and you will only know issues after the fact. Then i wanted to use a Purolator Boss but not interested in 99% at 46 micron for my specific filter and it doesn't have a true metal mesh backing. I have two filters I will post when I run OCI on them. Purolator 20K and Fram Ultra new design. But I will say, having the new version of Fram Ultra tearing is not a good start for Fram or makes me feel confidence in running it, but I will and see what happens.
that is why i have stopped using US built filters. Carquest premium, microgard select, certain STP XL’s and a few others are based on Premium Guard XL filters and have been absolutely perfect across the board. search for “carquest premium 84502 C&P” and you’ll see tons that i have cut and posted from a commercial industrial fleet.
I have heard good things about premium guard on this site. Last time I used a carquest premium when I believe Champion Labs was building them. Give it some time though, someone will cut up a premium guard and find a defect as some point, perhaps some people have, but know nothing about this site or simply don't bother with cutting open their premium guard filter, then Premium Guard who were once revered will be called junk, you can guarantee that.. I can't wait to have a vehicle with cartridge type filter, that way I can inspect when i'm curious.
Never seen any crushed metal center tubes. Worry more about ill-formed louvers on metal center tubes.
A crushed center tube is an indication of the oil pump not properly controlling the max pressure output.
Actually both Fram and Champ Labs are owned by First Brands.
Premium Guard Inc (PGI) built filters have had pretty solid construction for many years ... they don't seem to be into changing something in the design that works. And manufacturing QA seems to be really good and consistent too. Guess time will tell, but if they were smart they would leave the design and manufacturing QA as is and not try to cut corners like many of the US brand filters have done.
