Oil pressure issues M1 vs STP filters

[Solo2driver]

Hello all-
Just swapped out my Mobil 1 filter after about 5K miles on German Castrol with a blue STP filter. The M1 filter had an intricate spring and valve setup on the inside, but the STP filter did not.

With the M1 filter, I never had any problems, but now when the engine is cranking over the oil pressue idiot light stays on until the car fires. Time to go back to the M1 (or comparable filter with valve)?

-JamesW
1994 Suzuki Swift GT
GC 0w-30

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Sounds like the ADBV is letting the filter drain while the engine is off.

 

[TC]

The "intricate spring and valve setup" you're referring to is the bypass valve. Bill's comments sound like a good possibility, and the STP likely has a lesser nitrile (black color) anti-drainback valve, rather than the M-1's better silicone (orange) ADBV. But you suggest that the light is coming off as soon as the engine fires up. If so, this probably isn't much of a problem in that many engines run a bit dry when cranking over, in spite of ADBVs are present. Personally, I wouldn't sweat it for this oil change cycle, but revert back to a silicone ADBV (visible through the base plate) at your next service, or try a non-Champion built brand.

 

[gerhardb]

The STP, Bosch, and WalMart filters all use a "popper" type by-pass valve.

It DOES NOT work properly for many applications.

In short, don't use them.

Look for a filter that uses a conventional spring type by-pass valve.

 

[BIGJ552000]

quote:

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Originally posted by TC:
The "intricate spring and valve setup" you're referring to is the bypass valve. Bill's comments sound like a good possibility, and the STP likely has a lesser nitrile (black color) anti-drainback valve, rather than the M-1's better silicone (orange) ADBV. , but revert back to a silicone ADBV (visible through the base plate) at your next service, or try a non-Champion built brand.

---

Isn't M1 oil filters made by Champion Labs?!?!?

The above quote just doesn't make sense when they are made by the same company.

 

[elwaylite]

Just because they are made by the same company means nothing, the filters made for Mobil1 are obviously better quality and design. They arent always just rebadged filters, sometimes its a completely different design.

 

[T-Keith]

quote:

---

Originally posted by gerhardb:
The STP, Bosch, and WalMart filters all use a "popper" type by-pass valve.

It DOES NOT work properly for many applications.

In short, don't use them.

Look for a filter that uses a conventional spring type by-pass valve.

---

I see no reason to believe the DO NOT work, as you say. A few people have "not liked" them, but never really offered proof showing that they don't work. Are they the most optimal? Maybe not. Do they not work at all? Of course. They must work or we'd be seeing media failures with every one.

Try switching to a different filter. No need to shell the big bucks out for the M1 filter though. Try an AC delco or Purolator.

-T

 

[slalom44]

Originally posted by T-Keith:

quote:

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They must work or we'd be seeing media failures with every one.

---

I've only used two filters with "clicker" (or as gerhardb refers to them, "popper") bypass valves and they both had failed filter media. If you want pictures, pm me with your email address. There is no doubt in my mind that they do not work.

That doesn't mean that they will fail with every engine under all conditions & temperatures. I believe this depends on the particular engine pump's bypass setting, and how much pressure & flow demanded by the filter. The two filters that failed for me were back in December/January/February.

One filter had a ruptured pleat. The other had a collapsed pleat, and it was torn away from both end caps.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

quote:

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Originally posted by slalom44:
Originally posted by T-Keith:

quote:

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They must work or we'd be seeing media failures with every one.

---

I've only used two filters with "clicker" (or as gerhardb refers to them, "popper") bypass valves and they both had failed filter media. ....The two filters that failed for me were back in December/January/February.

One filter had a ruptured pleat. The other had a collapsed pleat, and it was torn away from both end caps.

---

Is it too much effort to tell us the brand?

 

[slalom44]

They were SuperTech ST-3614 filters, although it doesn't make much difference because it's identical to STP. It's also the same manufacturer.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

I think brand IS important since you attributed the failures to the clicker valve.
Relating your experience to a clicker valve in ONE brand is somewhat unfair.
Anybody has the capability of making a bad bypass valve, no matter what type it is. OTOH, the opposite should also be true.

Why do you attribute the failure to the BPV?
Why not the media?

 

[slalom44]

Since only one manufacturer makes their filter with a "clicker" bypass valve, and they are identical in all of the filters they are used in, then I don't believe that it is important which "brand" they happen to use it in.

I've taken apart numerous filters, and I find the media in the SuperTech filter to be quite durable. Even the filters that failed appeared to have very durable filter media - just torn.

If you search through past threads, you will find that my opinion on the sturdy construction of the SuperTech filter is shared by many others.