Stens 120-523

[Bettez88]

Figured I'd try out one of these filters on my John Deere since Stens is a well known aftermarket small engine company. Here are some pictures, seems to be made by champion labs. ADBV is rubber but since this is a summer only use, I doubt it'll matter much. Seems to be a clone of JD and a Kohler. If you search YouTube, you can find someone claiming this is the worst filter because it doesn't have a bypass valve, but clearly it has a clicker type. Gotta love the uneducated

 

[danez_yoda]

I just use a motorcraft FL400s or similar. Even supertech. Those lawn mower engines don't move much oil through the filter so they will rust before you fill them up with debris.

 

[Bettez88]

Cost isn't an issue, it's $8 a year

 

[Job]

Good choice. This is Fram's equivalent.

https://www.fram.com/parts-search/P...gEwAMAtAKx4DMAOgHZbUCuANo5g860y215x8wLpA

 

[jeepman3071]

They are okay, basically just copies of the Kohler and Briggs filters. Not really anything special or better/worse than what else is out there.

 

[Bettez88]

Would I be better off with the fram or ecogard vs the stens?

 

[tundraotto]

IMHO you would be better off with a slightly larger Fram extraguard (is that a PH3614?)....the filtering area is so small to begin with....and the price drops to around $3-4 a piece

 

[Job]

The Fram ph8172 looks the same as the Sten, both have Champ build clues. Same crimp type, same baseplate with large hole. There has to be a reason Fram used the special filter and charges more for it. Many many 3/4 thread filters will fit including Toyota. Those would be a great choice if want to go away from the recommended list.
You have interesting observations. This filter says transmissions also so it may be designed for small engines that use the shunt type filtering system where the engine is splash lubed. The filter could be finer in those types than a full flow. My engine is shunt type have to keep these in mind next time.

 

[Bettez88]

True just makes me wonder why they have ope filters for mowers if the car ones will fit. Marketing? Maybe a higher burst pressure? Special media? Who knows