Used eCore pictures (Valucraft V3614)

[weatherdude]

Here are some pictures of Champ labs' new eCore design after about 3k Miles of use (only went 3k to test how the filter would hold up). This is my second run of these filters (two different cars).

Oil used: Penzoil 5w30
Miles: 3,023
Ambient Temperature range: 30F ~ 74F
Length of time used: 17 days

Picture one (general overview shot):

Picture two (close-up of the element):

Picture three (close-up of the center):

Not the best at taking pictures, but hopefully these will be of interest to someone. The element held up well durring the short timeframe. I was not pleased with the un-even pleats, but I believe FilterGuy said this was the bottom rung of the champ lab filters.

The endcaps were transparent after use. Felt a bit weak, and that worries me a bit. The plastic center tube held the media well, and there didn't appear to be any cases of the media breaking through the gaps of the nylon tube.

I don't understand the combo ADBV/Bypass valve, and the simplicity has me worried. Could be a great design, but I don't know enough to say one way or another. Hopefully an expert can shed some light on that subject.

So all in all, I was pleased. However, I do worry about the endcaps holding up, and the rubber diaphram combo ADBV/Bypass valve. Those worries could be just my lack of knowledge... FWIW.

[ November 29, 2004, 02:54 AM: Message edited by: weatherdude ]

 

[Ironduke4]

Very interesting filter i was hoping someone would post some photos of the new ecore. The thing that shocks me is the filter element and the top leaf spring thingie look a lot like a fram!

are the end caps cardboard or what?

 

[Marlin]

quote:

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are the end caps cardboard or what?

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NO. Champ Labs if NOT fram. It is a high temp nylon? material.

I have seen some and they look good to me. Only ones I have seen so far are actually the same one listed here the V3614 and SA3614.

 

[weatherdude]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ironduke4:
Very interesting filter i was hoping someone would post some photos of the new ecore. The thing that shocks me is the filter element and the top leaf spring thingie look a lot like a fram!

are the end caps cardboard or what?

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It's not a Fram. The end caps are not cardboard. The center tube is nylon. They also have a new combination ADBV/bypass valve (the black diaphram thing seen in the top picture).

As to what the endcaps are made of.. I don't know. When handling the element, the edges of the endcaps fuzz up like the frams do (best shown in the second picture), but the feel is different.

(compare to T-Keith's pictures of a new ST3614 cut open Here)

Also note how the endcaps look on the new filter and the used filter. The used filter's endcaps appear more transparent. Almost as if the oil was absorbed into them.

[ November 29, 2004, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: weatherdude ]

 

[weatherdude]

Also of note is that the media, core, and endcaps had a slight angle to them. To visualize this (couldn't get a good picture showing this), imagine having the core placed on it's end as in the picture. Then imagine placing a weight on top of the core so that the top shifts to one side or the other in relation to the bottom of the filter.) Almost like they were a bit too long and were stuffed into the assembly. Guessing at how the bypass valve works in this filter, could that be a result of the filter going into bypass on the colder mornings?

If so, going into bypass over a longer period of time might lead to damage of the element itself.

[ November 29, 2004, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: weatherdude ]

 

[T-Keith]

Definitely not a Fram, but it uses some similar design elements. The endcaps are similar in design in that they are open at both ends. However the metal spring actually seals against the one and and the ADBV is capable of providing it's own support. The ADBV is actually very similar to the Delphi AC-delcos.

Another big difference is the center tube is actually quite strong and rigid unlike the Frams thin, bendable metal center tube.

-T

 

[labman]

I found a one piece bypass/ADBV in a Purolator L10193 in my August 03 chop session. I have reported it several times along with data showing Fram PH 3950 very poor compared to most low cost filters, and the AC PF 1177 well in front of the pack in filter area. The ST 3950 I installed on my truck last night was still the conventional construction.

 

[tom slick]

just a couple of tips for picture taking.
shine a light at your subject. It can be a desk lamp, flashlight, etc. any extra light will make it look better. Light is very important for getting rid of the dim, fuzzy pictures.
Use the "macro" setting if your camera has it. It is usually the setting or button that shows a flower as it's symbol. The "macro" sets the camera for taking close up detailed shots like the ones you took.

If you use these two tips you'll get good pictures even out of a cheap camera.

 

[weatherdude]

quote:

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Originally posted by tom slick:
just a couple of tips for picture taking.

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Thanks for the tips. All of your tips are valid and would help even the cheapest of normal cameras. Keep in mind that this was a camera on a cell phone. Not a product designed to take high quallity photographs to start with. It was the only thing I had on hand at the time, and although the quallity of the photos leave a lot to be desired, I do believe they served their purpose.

On another side note, I did pick up a new camera over the hollidays and future picture contributions will hopefully be of better quallity