Virgin Amsoil EA15K13 C&P - It Ain't Pretty

[rstcso]

Had two remaining EA15K13 filters still on the shelf. After the C&P on the first one I used, I knew these two would never go onto my car, but I didn't realize just had poorly they are being made until now. It's a shame, as another one just like it is currently on my engine, but probably not for long.

What started my concern was after cutting open the first one I used, it was obvious the construction had changed from previous posts of this same part number on YT and what Amsoil's own Product Data Bulletin currently shows. Then I saw "flashlight tests" on these filters by WCW and others, which led to much discussion related to ruffled pressure relief valve assemblies.

In the picture where I did the flashlight test, the pressure relief valve was still seated into the cartridge as it came out of the can. It wasn't until after did I remove the assembly, which was still seated good. The pressure relief valve spring has plenty of tension, but the valve was not centered. Depending on how I tried to move the valve as if going into bypass, it would often stick until I jiggled it a bit. I guess had it been well-oiled, it would have worked good (right?).

 

[rstcso]

The end caps on the cartridge were not aligned. Neither are loose, so it’s just how they were glued in place. Using two torpedo levels, I tried to show just how poorly the cartridge is assembled (micrometer out of action). Torpedo level #1 was placed on the bottom and leveled, then torpedo level #2 was placed on top of #1 to verify it was also level. I then placed the cartridge between #1 and #2 and took a picture. I then rotated just the cartridge ~180 degrees (I didn’t think to mark the cartridge, thus ~180) and took another picture.

 

[Oliveoil2]

It’s not perfect but I’d run it!

 

[fantastic]

Thanks for cutting this Amsoil. Very thorough report and inspection.
Agree with your assessment.

 

[Glenda W.]

Nice work!! This one has some serious leaf spring problems, ruffles and all. Uneven end caps….nice find. First Brands race to the bottom. Maximum profit, minimum quality.

 

[rstcso]

My other concern would be the effectiveness of the ADBV, depending on which end of the cartridge is "more flush" with the base assembly.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Build date of 1/20/2025 ... still ruffled leaf spring and some other possible issues. Champ Labs needs someone who cares about manufacturing processes and quality.

 

[rstcso]

Build date of 1/20/2025 ... still ruffled. Champ Labs needs someone who cares about manufacturing processes and quality.

I put the responsibility squarely on Amsoil. It's their name on the product, not Champ Labs. It's still a $12 filter with preferred pricing, and $15 list.

It would have been nice for Amsoil to have used a different part number considering the construction change. Mobil was kind enough to do so recently.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I put the responsibility squarely on Amsoil. It's their name on the product, not Champ Labs. It's still a $12 filter with preferred pricing, and $15 list.

Yes, Amsoil should be concerned too and hammering on Champ Labs/First Brands. But even Champ Labs/First Brands should be aware even without Amsoil telling them stuff is coming out of the factory with bad manufacturing quality - but apparently they don't check what's going on or they ignore it. If Amsoil takes notice and lets the manufacturer know, the manufacturer better listen and make corrections - that goes with any manufacturing relationship like that.

It would have been nice for Amsoil to have used a different part number considering the construction change. Mobil was kind enough to do so recently.

Configuration control is loosy-goosy with things like oil filters. If they changed the part number every time a change happened with oil filters there would never be a stable part number. Configuration control is a different story in the aerospace world, lol.