I’m no betting man, but I would never bet on India in a quality race against Japan.
The Honda Oil Filter Thread
- Thread starter Hohn
- Start date
Duly noted. I really do like the Japanese, and I hope to go there some day. And, of course, their workmanship is, or should be, the standard. India I want to go to for the philosophy. Hinduism and Buddhism. Also, when I was dying, a bunch of Indian doctors saved my life, so these dudes are not fooling around.
But, anyway, back to oil.
The supposedly OEM Honda filters I’ve purchased have cardboard end caps. The WIX standard filters are sloppy as hell in the #901 65mm 14 Flute Oil Filter Wrench that fits the Honda filters very well. Makes me wonder about their quality overall. At this point, I’d LOVE to purchase a case of these MAHLE made in India filters.
Apparently, Honda opted for them from the factory. What do they know that you don’t?
They know $$$ and cost optimization.
In that case, since they’re built in Lincoln Alabama, it would have been less dollars using the USA made units. Either way, I’m not getting “cheap part” vibes from this machine.
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You should look into how cheaply items can be manufactured and shipped from half way around the world. Get ready to have your mind blown.
I wouldn't bet on the Champ filters being cheaper, even accounting for international shipping. Indian labor is pennies on the dollar compared to US workers and their labor and environmental protection laws governing the factories are lax.
It doesn't look as well made as the PGI stuff we've seen, the pleat spacing by the crimp is huge and a potential stress riser for a tear.
I take it this was the filter installed at the factory. Side note - notice it says on the can to install until fully seated, meaning it's a P-style gasket and they want the can fully seated (ie, the can makes contact with the seat).
That’s where I pried it apart looking for debris.
It’s what Honda installed, has metal end caps, and generally better quality than USA made “OEM” filters. There may be better available, but IMO, OEM should be what was installed at manufacturing. Why the hell can’t we buy the **** things?
Tariffs?
Factory production use only. Many auto makers operate that way with the oil filter.
I recall similar discussions in the past on reasons why a vehicle maker will have a exclusive to engine manufacturing parallel sourcing of oil filters that cannot be normally bought retail for end user maintenance service. The #1 reason having an exclusive to engine manufacturing oil filter was an easy identifier for dealership service should a vehicle come in with customer engine issue complaints that the vehicle was still running the factory oil fill and filter.
Not a large length difference between them anyway. I never measured actual media width/length between them. Whip City Wrenchers may have that.
You might get an extra 4 ounces capacity.
Carquest Premium 84356 is $10. P84356 The EP extended is $17. Both can be had with the oil change bundle for "free" at Advance Auto Parts. Depending what oil in bundle, $40-$47 for versions I looked at.
9 of the PG4612EX shipped to me is $53.72 with Rock Auto discount code from sale thread. Filter is $4.96 each. Shipping was $6.99 if I put one or nine in my cart. 10 made it $8.99. Your location may be different.
Many of us have a "supply" of oil bought on discount so bundles cost more than just getting a great filter for less price.
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Yep, I've got about a 2 year oil stash so I'm buying filters only. I only leave them on for 1 OCI so I don't imagine the smaller size would ever affect anything. Just always wanting an oversize version, lol!
I would not intentionally use a filter with metal end caps and a leaf spring, too many opportunities for leaks. Fram Ultra used to have a gasket at the base and I think that's the only time I'd feel OK using a leaf-spring filter.
I've also had damaged filters (not too obvious) where the leaf / cartridge was loose, it was more obvious after disassembly. No more leaf springs for me!
Yes that Carquest, or STP 7317 extended or synthetic at Autozone or Microgard Select 57356 at Oreilly's and also Ecogard S4610.