Proline filter is better than Delco/Hengst

[LoneRanger]

Excuse the broad and controversial subject line. In regards to the cartridge filter used in the GM Ecotec engine, there recently arose here a thread discussing the O-ring on the anti-drainback nipple on these filters:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1151274/

The above thread touched on the fact that the apparent thickness of the anti-drainback O-ring on Supertech and possibly FRAM filters for the Ecotec was smaller than that of the OE Delco PF457G filter and also the Purolator/Proline P15436 filter.

Having both a used Delco PF457G on hand and also a used Proline 15436 on hand I compared the two. As apparent in the photos, the Purolator/Proline had a thicker O-ring. When each was placed into the engine's oil filter canister and seated in the housing properly, (with canister lid not attached) the Purolator/Proline felt like it fit snugger, once both were pressed down to engage the anti-drainback nipple. Photos follow (orange O-ring = Purolator/Proline, green O-ring = Delco/Hengst... both filters marked as Made in USA):

 

[zulu]

Let me add to the confusion...

Today, I purchased a new AC Delco cartirige filter for my 08 Malibu. I asked the Chevy parts counter for a PF456G and he said they are now superceded by the PF457G filter. I asked him why do they keep changing, and his response was the remaining 456 filters (Hengst, made in USA) now only comes packaged with the cap... I think the part number for that is PF2256G or something similar. Their new stock is the PF457G (made in Bulgeria) which is the stand-alone cartridge replacement. It comes in a clear plastic bag, and looks EXACTLY like the Proline filter, except with a green o-ring. Thicker end caps and fatter filter media, but still the smaller 1" inner diameter.

As if that wasn't enough, I drove straight to Wal-Mart to do some investigating. That's when I got confused. I grabed the newest package Fram CA9018 filter I dould find and pulled it out of the box. IT WAS AN EXACT MATCH TO THE AC DELCO PF457G FILTER, EXCEPT FOR THE MEDIA. The endcaps were the same, including the manufactured part number stamped into the plastic top. The drain nipple was identical. The inner plastic cylinder was the exact same with the same flow hole patterns. I pulled the o-rings off of each, and they were perfectly interchangable (now the Fram o-rings are green). The endcap teeth were the same too. The only difference was the Fram media was the thinner fuzzy media, but it had way more pleats than the AC Delco (or the Proline in the picture). And the pleats weren't as straight.

I still went ahead and used the AC Delco, but now I'm wondering if the AC Delcos and Frams are being made in the same place.

 

[BGK]

On my Saturn V6 the filter cartridge is made by Hengst in Germany. The Fram equivalent typically sells for more at Wal Mart and other stores and is made in Korea. Earlier versions of the Fram, if I recall correctly, were actually the Hengst filter just put into a Fram box! You would think the Korean filter would be less expensive.

 

[Finklejag]

The saga continues. When I bought my 03 Saab 9-3. It had the 2.0T Ecotec engine. When they first came on the market. Saab stocked the Purflux filter (made in France). Then in 04, Hengst (made in Germany)filters. Both were way over priced, around twelve buck a pop. Somebody told me to buy the filter at my local Chevy dealer. I was paying about $6.00 for the (made in Germany Hengst).

When I went back to buy more. He handed me a plastic bag with a (made in South Korea) filter in it. I said no thanks, and drove to the nearest Saturn dealer. They still stocked the Hengst (made in Germany) ones. I sold the car in 05.

Fast forward to today. My girlfriend has a 04 Ion with the 2.2 Ecotec. I been using Napa Gold's 7082 (made in South Korea). It all comes full circle.

It looks like the South Korean factory makes quality filters for different companies. I have checked out Frams, STP's, and a few others that are made in Bulgaria. They look to be put together shoddy. They are sometimes the highest priced to boot.

I get my Napa Gold 7082 for about $4.19 after my 40% discount through my work. I can get the Pro-Select for $3.29. My local Napa doesn't stock Pro-Select. I might order one though. I have a feeling they are made in Bulgaria though.

 

[LoneRanger]

I wish I knew what was up with the small inner diameter on the Delco and some other filters and the wider inner diameter on yet other brands like Purolator. Bizarre.

 

[severach]

They might be depending on oil soak to expand the rings. I have an o-ring in my PCV and oil expands it. I must keep one on the shelf that has gone back to normal size so I can put the PCV back in.