Oil Filter Tension Springs

[StorminNorvin]

Hello. This is my first post here. I've been a long-time lurker.

I use to use AC-Delco oil filters on the GMs I maintain. The new E-Core design might be OK, but I prefer the classic style with the metal end caps. So now instead of PF-52E oil filters, I use Motorcraft FL-402 oil filters. I do try to grab the original PF-52 if I ever see any, but the Motorcraft version works well.

This leads to my question. How important is the design of the tension spring? I know that both AC-Delco, Bosch, and Motorcraft use a tension clip style spring and others like Baldwin, Hastings, and Wix use an actual spring. I think the clip may be a more superior design. I watched a bunch of videos today on oil filters just to see the internals of many oil filters. Here is one about a crushed Wix filter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCeMrjfA9hQ (Audio Error)

It kind of makes me think the oil filters with an actual spring might have the possibility of not staying level inside the canister and could lead to the above video.

I like Motorcraft filters. Good and affordable! I cannot see any great automotive oil filter needing to cost more than $7-$8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-jkLwDBbQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAdNL7bT0C8

Here is a nice article showing cut open oil filters and the different springs they use:

http://www.bullittarchive.com/5000/5003/Oil_Filter_Cut-Away_Comparison_Kit.pdf

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Hi Stormin, Never heard of coil springs causing problems in there.

As for oil filter preference, some writing in here prefer oil filters that filter out the smallest particles and hold the most dirt before clogging up. That usually means we prefer the oil filters with full-synthetic filter media (not the cheapo paper filters please). Fram Ultra oil filters, Royal Purple oil filters, or Purolator BOSS oil filters. Of the three, Fram Ultra seems to be the best, but all are pretty good. ISO 4548-12 tests demo it.

 

[compratio10_5]

I've wondered about these springs too. First of all, they are compression springs, so the naming does not reflect their function. The clip springs are functionally leaf springs. Since leaf springs inherently have higher friction than coil springs, it looks to me like the coil compression springs would deliver a more consistent force to hold the filter components together inside of the steel can. This is needed because of the changes in component length with temperature and pressure fluctuation. Does anyone with actual filter design or testing have more information?