Thinking about Wix cartridges again....

daves87rs · May 7, 2014

Thanks to of us going coupon crazy, I've been considering giving wix cartridge oil filters another try in my ecotec engines (thinking my Cobalt will be the tester here)

I'm not really all that thrilled with the Puro classic cartridges..even when using the same oil (and pretty much conditions as well) the oil seems to dirty up faster than with the the last two filters used ( Fram Ultra/Delco) on my cars.

Last time I used a wix cartridge, it just made the engine feel "off", something that has never happened with any other filter I have used.(was a wix made partsmaster brand) I'm thinking about trying the microguard brand (used made by wix) Looking at the media reminds me of the delco filters that I used.

To those who do use wix branded filters (microguard, Napa silver, and so on), what are your thoughts on them?

Garak · May 7, 2014

I've never had issues with any of the Wix oil filters I've used over the years. I haven't had an application that used cartridges, though, since I had an early 1950s Chev truck.

901Memphis · May 7, 2014

Just changed the oil on my friends 2007 Cobalt. The AC Delco filter that was in there was collapsing too much for my liking, OLM was at 10%. I put an Fram Ultra in there, and it looked and felt much sturdier. I might leave it in for two intervals. Also made it an Ultra Ultra change with some old PU SN.

yonyon · May 7, 2014

In the Napa version (this seems to be only the Ecotec application filter) they always come out slightly squished as if they are too long. Also, when they come out half of them no longer grip the cap. Lately I've been seeing a lot of them new out of the box with the pointy end broken off and shoved inside the filter.

Kira · May 7, 2014

Hello, You mentioned, "I'm not really all that thrilled with the Puro classic cartridges..even when using the same oil (and pretty much conditions as well) the oil seems to dirty up faster than with the the last two filters used ( Fram Ultra/Delco) on my cars."

I just changed the oil in my 2002 Volvo using a Purolater L15315 and Mobil 1 5w30. I will keep an eye on my oil as usual and report anything I notice. I run the factory recommended 7,500 mi. OCI.

The filters for this application are purely cylindrical. There is no taper or pointy end.

The Mahle and Mann filters are the hardest, the Purolater was softer feeling.

Frankly, the constitution of filtering media is what's missing from this fine topic. I'd love to see side-by-side tests done among the various media. I'd bet there is a difference between the "rock hard" European filters and the softer versions. Kira

Sayjac · May 7, 2014

Can't speak to the specific Wix/Napa Gold ecotec cartridge application, but in my experience the Wix/Napa Gold cartridges for Hyundai/Kia are very high quality and I would highly recommend.

That said, the ACDelco Hengst made oem ecotec filters posted here seem to show generally good results. But, not sure how price compares.

ChiTDI · May 7, 2014

I've used Wix and Toyota cartridges interchangeably for seven years on a 2007 Rav4. No difference.

FFeng7 · May 7, 2014

I have used the Auto Extra which is supposed to be manufactured by Wix. I ran it in my Cobalt for 8800 miles and it came out slightly twisted. This filter is probably similar to the Microguard or Napa pro select. I wonder if the genuine Wix or Napa gold would hold up better and not twist? Here's a picture of the Auto Extra. It's on the left and the filter on the right is a AC Delco.

hatt · May 7, 2014

Wix/Napa 7047 for Toyota always come out looking brand new after 8-9000 oci. Not a wave at all. The Puro classic looked fine too.

901Memphis · May 7, 2014

The Delco I just took out was somewhat wavy and twisted but it was still locked into the housing cap nicely and tight and now media perforations even though it was starting to get squished inwards.

datech · May 7, 2014

I am wondering if the twist happened during the installation.

Do you stick the little pointy end into the cap and then screw in the cap, or do you insert the cartridge into the housing then screw the cap on top of it?

901Memphis · May 7, 2014

The pointy end goes down into the engine, but you have to lock the filter clips into the plastic cap by pushing it in to place.

KCJeep · May 7, 2014

Originally Posted By: sayjac
Can't speak to the specific Wix/Napa Gold ecotec cartridge application, but in my experience the Wix/Napa Gold cartridges for Hyundai/Kia are very high quality and I would highly recommend.

Me too, nothing but Wix made Napa Gold cartridge filters in our KIA since I bought it, no running issues at all and the filters look great upon removal. Not a Chevy I know, but the Hyundai/KIA's are supposedly picky about oil filters but I've not had the slightest issue with the Wix.

daves87rs · May 8, 2014

Originally Posted By: Kira
Hello, You mentioned, "I'm not really all that thrilled with the Puro classic cartridges..even when using the same oil (and pretty much conditions as well) the oil seems to dirty up faster than with the the last two filters used ( Fram Ultra/Delco) on my cars."

I just changed the oil in my 2002 Volvo using a Purolater L15315 and Mobil 1 5w30. I will keep an eye on my oil as usual and report anything I notice. I run the factory recommended 7,500 mi. OCI.

The filters for this application are purely cylindrical. There is no taper or pointy end.

The Mahle and Mann filters are the hardest, the Purolater was softer feeling.

Frankly, the constitution of filtering media is what's missing from this fine topic. I'd love to see side-by-side tests done among the various media. I'd bet there is a difference between the "rock hard" European filters and the softer versions. Kira

Like that idea....

Merkava_4 · May 8, 2014

Originally Posted By: Kira
The filters for this application are purely cylindrical. There is no taper or pointy end.

Just out of curiosity, what are those pointed ends for anyway ?

yonyon · May 8, 2014

The pointy end plugs a hole. As I understand it, when you unscrew the cap the filter lifts up and unplugs that hole allowing the oil to drain back to the pan. A missing or out-of-place pointy end could be problematic.

daves87rs · May 8, 2014

Should I worry if the tops spins?Never seen that before...

morris · May 8, 2014

many years ago i ran early chrysler 392 hemis. it had a canister filter, bolted to the block. i set up a remote spin on, with a custom adapter at the block. best thing i ever did. that canister was a real mess.

Merkava_4 · May 9, 2014

Originally Posted By: yonyon
The pointy end plugs a hole. As I understand it, when you unscrew the cap the filter lifts up and unplugs that hole allowing the oil to drain back to the pan. A missing or out-of-place pointy end could be problematic.

Interesting. Thank you sir.

daves87rs · May 9, 2014

Should be an interesting try either way...

Thinking about Wix cartridges again....

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