Oil Filter Media Question

[revrnd]

Do the filter manufacturers use the same media across the same 'line' of filters?

For example, would AC Delco spec the same 'paper' in a PF48 as in a PF63? Obviously it would be different in the Ultraguard versions (if available)

 

[CR94]

Good question! For another example, does Fram use the same grade of media in my Chinese Tough Guard 10358 cartridge filter that they use in their US-made spin-ons? Or the same media in their recent Chinese Extra Guard 10358 cartridges that they used earlier in US Extra Guards for the same application? I noticed the media color is not the same.

Then there's the ST10358, which apparently uses the same end caps and construction as the old US-made Extra Guard 10358, but different media, and claims twice the life expectancy. ???

 

[Kira]

I've posted several times that the absence of a "library of media samples" is astounding given all the enthusiasts on this board.

We've all read that the filter companies play it "close to the vest" (inquiries go unanswered or receive kurt answers).
I think they know they sell something in a can and divulging their secrets would limit their ability to palm off any batch of cheap media which comes their way.

I'm a firm believer in businesses' capacity to think, "Oh look, raw material which is garbage. Just move it along and we'll make 'em better from now on", and feel good about it. Yeah, feel good because the black ink keeps flowing.

 

[revrnd]

The reason I asked is that once in a discussion about using a longer vs shorter filter (all other things being the same) it was posted about the possibility of different media being used. I'm not an engineer, but I don't think filter size would/should affect the pressure the lubrication system operates @. I'm pretty sure the thinking (rightly or wrongly) of using bigger rather than smaller is than there is more media for the oil to pass thru resulting in less impediment to flow, especially as more impurities are trapped over the service life of the filter.

"Oh you can't use a PFLL in place of a PFSS because GM uses a different filter media in the 2 filters..."

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted By: revrnd
... once in a discussion about using a longer vs shorter filter (all other things being the same) it was posted about the possibility of different media being used. ... I'm pretty sure the thinking (rightly or wrongly) of using bigger rather than smaller is than there is more media for the oil to pass thru resulting in less impediment to flow, ...
That thinking is correct, all other things (including media material) being the same.

 

[UG_Passat]

Originally Posted By: revrnd
Do the filter manufacturers use the same media across the same 'line' of filters?

For example, would AC Delco spec the same 'paper' in a PF48 as in a PF63? Obviously it would be different in the Ultraguard versions (if available)


They would because they would order a spool of a "standard" size for them, and trim them down to the specific application, to reduce the variations of the spool of filter material they order from their supplier, which in terms lowers manufacturing cost.

For example, all Fram ExtraGuards have the same filter media, All Toughgards have the same media, etc.

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
... For example, all Fram ExtraGuards have the same filter media, All Toughgards have the same media, etc.
Even the ones made in a different country, with a different color media?

 

[UG_Passat]

Originally Posted By: CR94
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
... For example, all Fram ExtraGuards have the same filter media, All Toughgards have the same media, etc.
Even the ones made in a different country, with a different color media?


No, only within the same factory.

The ones made in a different country will likely source the media from a local source, to minimize cost on freight.