The cheapening of the oil filter...

N

Navi

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Aug 14, 2019
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I was running out of the Wix XP filters I use and was going to order more. After looking at the internet I found Wix switched to a synthetic blend media. After realizing this I looked for alternatives and found that Fram has also cheapened their Ultra filter. Both the Wix XP and Fram Ultra now feature a synthetic blend media (versus a full synthetic media). Gone is the wire backing. As for other brands like Champ Luber Finer, Motorcraft and AC Delco etc seems like it only gets worse. The oem filters have a worse cellulose media.



Grudgingly I will be ordering another batch of Wix XP because of a lack of options. Seems like they are moving in the wrong direction on filters nowadays...
 
dogememe said:
So, you don’t like the new version, but you continue to support the company by buying it anyway?

Why not vote with your wallet and buy a different filter :)
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I think their point was that if everyone is doing it then why bother chasing the other brands either. In the meantime stick with what you're comfortable with I suppose?

OP: Purolator Boss w/"Smart Fusion" reinforced backing would be a good alternative. :cool:
 
In a recent video, I think the worst thing is the openings of the stamped louvers are not consistent.



Seeing this video put the fear of god into me, that I removed my WIX filter and swapped it for a Toyota OE filter.
 
If you want a synthetic backed media, get the Fram Synthetic Endurance from Walmart, that or pay even more for the Royal Purple or Amsoil equivalent.
 
Navi said:
When I buy something like this I do it by the case. These were purchased some time ago.
There is a video on Whip City Wrencher showing the classic Motorcraft FL500S replacement with fabric end caps
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The FL-500S was not replaced with the FL-2121. The E-Core Motorcraft filters are meant to be supply chain supplements when there is shortages. Most dealerships are not going to hand you a E-Core Motorcraft at the parts counter unless you specifically ask for one.
 
Hootbro said:
The FL-500S was not replaced with the FL-2121. The E-Core Motorcraft filters are meant to be supply chain supplements when there is shortages. Most dealerships are not going to hand you a E-Core Motorcraft at the parts counter unless you specifically ask for one.
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This is a similar issue to what NAPA ran into with the Gold filters-Mann couldn’t make & supply enough filters, so NAPA went to Premium Guard. And Motorcraft went to Champ.
 
I swear I thought this was satire!

Reminds me of my Navy Days when I left the USA as I was stationed in Scotland. When I got there, the BATMAN movie was just released (like a year behind the USA.) It was odd.........old news for us, but new for the locals.
 
bullwinkle said:
Mann couldn’t make & supply enough filters, so NAPA went to Premium Guard. And Motorcraft went to Champ.
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Ramping up production numbers is the reason a product was cheapened?
I don't think so, given all the filters sitting idly on stores' shelves.
I'd bet they just wanted a cheaper product or larger profit margin.
 
Unlike Motorcraft OFs, if supply chain issues truly the reason for Genuine Parts Co. Napa Gold switch to PGI made, at this point I don't think you'll see any change back. I believe PGI will be the GPC Gold oil filter supplier/manufacturer going forward.

And reading a couple comments still recommending FE Endurance, I'll just say, at this point if one is ok with oil bypass in the bypass seal area, I suppose they could still be an option. For $13, imo one should expect better.

To topic, it does appear M&H has done something similar to the XP media as FB did to Ultra XG media. Wonder now if the Puro Boss will follow suit. I will say, for me the blended media filters with integral end cap bypass looking like best option now.
 
That guy makes me wanna add some cutoff tees back to my wardrobe! In all seriousness, WCR posts some great dissection vids. I’ll check these out
 
When it comes to oil filters the two companies that come to mind are Wix and Fram. There are some other companies like Champ, etc.

All of them now have either a cellulose and/or synthetic blend media. Gone is the full synthetic media.

I did look at Fram Endurance and it says "fully synthetic blend".

So I chose to keep going with Wix XP even though I would prefer a true full synthetic media with a wire back.

1000036542.webp
 
Kira said:
Ramping up production numbers is the reason a product was cheapened?
I don't think so, given all the filters sitting idly on stores' shelves.
I'd bet they just wanted a cheaper product or larger profit margin.
Click to expand...
I was told by multiple NAPA franchisees that the Gold switch was done due to Mann (operating the Wix factory after they bought them) could not supply enough filters to keep NAPA stocked. From the looks of some of the now-Mexican made Wix filters, it was a good move, although prices are still ~double what PG goes for elsewhere. Even better grade quality Purolator filters are available elsewhere anyway, like Menard’s, RA, etc.
 
Louvers ... when oil filter production became rocket science. 😄
 
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