The classic FL500S is still being sold. The other version was a stop-gap during supply chain issues. The classic FL500S however has been shown to have sloppy black potting material on the metal end caps that can come loose during use.
The cheapening of the oil filter...
- Thread starter Navi
- Start date
The classic FL500S is still being sold. The other version was a stop-gap during supply chain issues. The classic FL500S however has been shown to have sloppy black potting material on the metal end caps that can come loose during use.
I know there are flaws with the FL500S and thus why I like buying the Wix XP.
Around 2018 the Fram Tough Guard was fantastic value... And so was the Motorcraft FL910s..
Today, I have no clue. Any information from back then is irrelevant now since there have been so many changes in both quality and price.
What is the go-to nowadays for value? Not necessarily the best filter, but the best for the money?
Today, I have no clue. Any information from back then is irrelevant now since there have been so many changes in both quality and price.
What is the go-to nowadays for value? Not necessarily the best filter, but the best for the money?
Im going to say the best for the money is the filter the automaker suggests. Ford suggests the Motorcraft FL500S for example a lot. Its not a perfect filter, but I have never had one fail on me. Its made by Purolator/Wix companies. These can be found cheaply on Rockauto for about $4. Its not the best filter media...cellulose I think it is...but its a reliable cheap filter trusted by Ford.
I have some FL-910s and FL-500s in stock but recently there have been complaints with the sloppy gluing ending up in the filter - if I’m not mistaken. Was considering something else if the quality has dropped considerably. Plus, the everyday price at Walmart has nearly doubled for these.
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
They should of kept making PF63e like that …
Yes ... and a few FL500S filters have also been posted in this forum showing torn media.
Well I’m about to pull one off a Mustang. Maybe I’ll C&P it.
@Bellavita had posted a pretty complete spreadsheet summary. However I haven't seen him around in a while. I didn't agree with everything but it was pretty comprehensive and rational.
There are too many ifs/and and buts.
Tough Guard used to be good but the price went up a bunch at walmart. Probably its biggest detraction
The Premium Guard and equivalent branded filters seem to hold up well with good construction, but there is a lot of debate about the actual filtering spec.
Champ XL is still pretty cheap if your OK with an e-core. They turned me off by going back and forth between nitrile and Silicon ADBV. I am sure the excuse was "supply shortage" but if you stop meeting your own spec, thats pretty telling to me.
I like the Hengst filters. Super cheap and good construction. Same with Denso. But both have Nitrile ADBV?
The good news is there is still lots of options at least.
I've stopped using the FL500S due to the possible sloppy glue, and also the ones I've looked at recently have sketchy louver formation. Went with the Microgard Select and Carquest Premium (same filter guts) instead.
Yes, sad to report the quality decline in US made filters. We now see torn media, closed louvers, glue everywhere, badly cut threads,bypass leaf spring stamping problems causing leaks etc. I’ve switched my fleet to PG made filters. Quality at this time is superior.
