Volvo OEM Oil Filter- A Look Inside
- Thread starter Need2know
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Thanks again to all who have offered their comments. Bear in mind my intent was not to be at all critical of the filter, just to provide a good set of photos of how it was constructed, since I had not seen any posted here before. I think that it is a quality filter, just that this one happened to get left on a bit too long, mostly due to lazyness, bad weather, and the venerable old Volvo not being the "new" car anymore. I hope all who responded did look at the full set of pictures linked in the original post- not just the one that shows the void.
To provide answers to several questions:
Yes, it was on all through winter.
Yes, we do meet requirements for highway driving. (Almost always 7+ miles, usually 18 to 35 depending who drives it to work.)
It's oil change history is- we bought it at 28,000 miles. The lady that owned it took it to the dealer for an oil change only when the "needs service" light went on every 10,000 miles. Unfortunately, she did drive mostly short trips. For most of it's life, it got changed at the dealer on the even 10,000 mile intervals, and by myself in between at 5000 mile intervals. I only used the OEM filters. I had cut open several filters before, never saw a problem. This was the first one that I had where I had let it go the full 10,000 miles. Was surprised to see the rip myself. My conclusion was basically this: It's well made, but I do not see anything mystical about it. Since it's a long haul to go to the dealer, plus I have to leave work early to get there when they are open, for the most recent change I decided to try a Wix 51311, which I can get here in town. Since the dealer used Mobil 10-30 dino I have continued using it with what seems to be good results- minimal consumption and no smoke at 193,000 miles. But in the future I think I will stick to 5000 miles or 6 months for changes.
I am very concerned about the recommendation of my wife's MINI Cooper for 15,000 mile changes. While yes, the recommended synthetic oil may be up to it, I am worried the filter may not be. I think I may begin doing an intermediate change at 7500 mile intervals myself. I am curious to see just how much different the cartridge it uses looks from the spin on elements we have examined.
To provide answers to several questions:
Yes, it was on all through winter.
Yes, we do meet requirements for highway driving. (Almost always 7+ miles, usually 18 to 35 depending who drives it to work.)
It's oil change history is- we bought it at 28,000 miles. The lady that owned it took it to the dealer for an oil change only when the "needs service" light went on every 10,000 miles. Unfortunately, she did drive mostly short trips. For most of it's life, it got changed at the dealer on the even 10,000 mile intervals, and by myself in between at 5000 mile intervals. I only used the OEM filters. I had cut open several filters before, never saw a problem. This was the first one that I had where I had let it go the full 10,000 miles. Was surprised to see the rip myself. My conclusion was basically this: It's well made, but I do not see anything mystical about it. Since it's a long haul to go to the dealer, plus I have to leave work early to get there when they are open, for the most recent change I decided to try a Wix 51311, which I can get here in town. Since the dealer used Mobil 10-30 dino I have continued using it with what seems to be good results- minimal consumption and no smoke at 193,000 miles. But in the future I think I will stick to 5000 miles or 6 months for changes.
I am very concerned about the recommendation of my wife's MINI Cooper for 15,000 mile changes. While yes, the recommended synthetic oil may be up to it, I am worried the filter may not be. I think I may begin doing an intermediate change at 7500 mile intervals myself. I am curious to see just how much different the cartridge it uses looks from the spin on elements we have examined.
Have you considered doing an Auto-Rx treatment on her since you have been using dino? It should help clean out any baddies in the engine that have built up over the years.
Depends on the criteria. Style and appearance are subjective to the beholder. The fit and finish and materials quality of the '05s generally meet traditional standards. Performance is improved; the old bricks even in turbo trim do not approach the overall competence of the top new models.
There is a tremendous amount of electronics and candy in the new models, which can be troublesome. But this is a plauge on all European makers at the moment, and Volvo still predominantly sources with EU suppliers. The drivetrain fundamentals are for the most part continuing refinements of the white block platform. The white block has proven itself a good powerplant, so basic durability should continue.
The term "Ford Volvo" is a bit of a misnomer. Most of the current models have limited Ford impact on them (the S40 notwithstanding) and remain principally Volvo-bred designs. FoMoCo trickle down can be seen in some electrical subassemblies, but that's about it. Volvo has done well since the acquisition, so Ford hasn't messed with them too much . . . yet.
But the next generation of models will be largely based on shared corporate platforms and drivetrains. This may have been much needed at Jaguar, where QC was a disaster, designs were outdated, and Ford did an exemplary job. But Volvo was doing well and continues to do so. Much Volvo design work has been shifted in recent years to that great Scandinavian mecca - California (this started even before the takeover). So this may be the last product cycle to buy a "genuine Volvo" if that is the concern.
Need2Know: You do yourself a disservice by not being critical of this filter. Critical thinking is an important part of being a responsible and well educated person. And it would avoid perpetuating erroneous conclusions such as yours: "Was surprised to see the rip myself. My conclusion was basically this: It's well made, but I do not see anything mystical about it."
It sounds like you're just a happy go lucky sweetheart, so let me do your dirty work for you: That filter is a P.O.S! I don't care how long it sat in old oil. It ripped in TWO PLACES. Why are you apologizing for it?
It sounds like you're just a happy go lucky sweetheart, so let me do your dirty work for you: That filter is a P.O.S! I don't care how long it sat in old oil. It ripped in TWO PLACES. Why are you apologizing for it?
Yeah, right. That's why there are Volvos still tooling around with 400 and 500k on exclusively Manns.
His tore for whatever reason. That's the first damaged Mann I've seen in over thirty years. That's better than I can say for ANY other major manufacturer.
A "P.O.S. Mann" is about a perfect oxymoron.
I did not intend to apologize for the filter so much as for my allowing it to remain in service for as long as it did. But, please consider:
Here is what I saw "good" when I looked at the filter:
1- Sturdy can
2- Metal end caps
3- Well constructed by-pass valve
4- Deep pleats
5- Outstanding anti-drain back valve
6- Sturdy spring to hold the element
7- Metal crimp at the element joint
And the "bad":
1- The rips
I don't think we can condemn the entire class on the basis of this one example, remember, all the others I have cut open have had no rips. And I know this one was left on longer than I would normally. Hence my feeling that it was a basically a good (by design)filter that went bad through neglect.
However the assessment also convinced me that there are other filters that are the equal to this one in terms of mechanical construction, hence my decision to give the Wix 51311 a try. I am not really sure how much it matters, but I think that the by-pass being at the open end on the Wix is positive feature, as others have postulated that it allows for less "washing" on debris back through an open by-pass. Theoretically, it seems to have merit.
Would I still use the Volvo/Mann filter? Sure- but I will stick to the 5K OCI with it or any filter until convinced otherwise.
I like to think that being able to look at results and reach reasonable conclusions place me in the "moderate" category, but will admit that being an easy-going sweetheart at times has kept me out of a lot of trouble.
I look forward to reporting on the Wix after the 5K trial, but it may be a while since the Volvo is no longer the primary "long trip" car.
Here is what I saw "good" when I looked at the filter:
1- Sturdy can
2- Metal end caps
3- Well constructed by-pass valve
4- Deep pleats
5- Outstanding anti-drain back valve
6- Sturdy spring to hold the element
7- Metal crimp at the element joint
And the "bad":
1- The rips
I don't think we can condemn the entire class on the basis of this one example, remember, all the others I have cut open have had no rips. And I know this one was left on longer than I would normally. Hence my feeling that it was a basically a good (by design)filter that went bad through neglect.
However the assessment also convinced me that there are other filters that are the equal to this one in terms of mechanical construction, hence my decision to give the Wix 51311 a try. I am not really sure how much it matters, but I think that the by-pass being at the open end on the Wix is positive feature, as others have postulated that it allows for less "washing" on debris back through an open by-pass. Theoretically, it seems to have merit.
Would I still use the Volvo/Mann filter? Sure- but I will stick to the 5K OCI with it or any filter until convinced otherwise.
I like to think that being able to look at results and reach reasonable conclusions place me in the "moderate" category, but will admit that being an easy-going sweetheart at times has kept me out of a lot of trouble.
I look forward to reporting on the Wix after the 5K trial, but it may be a while since the Volvo is no longer the primary "long trip" car.
Volvohead: You can't love a brand so much that you suffer denial about ****ing evidence staring you in the face. The fact remains that this filter has ceased filtering, and thus deserves a sound tongue lashing. I will accept your contention that Mann is a superior brand (or was, until now?), but I think Mann owes loyal (and potential) customers an explanation, an apology, and reassurance that this won't happen again.
Need2Know: It's exciting getting in trouble. Being in trouble is another story...
You seem to blame yourself while continuing to reach unsupported conclusions: What you now call 'neglect' (10k OCI) was Volvo's own number, as you yourself stated (or is there a time interval also?). It sounds like you are assuming that the filter blew out at 5001 miles, thus your decision to stick with 5K OCIs. In the fight for 'good' and 'bad,' you seem to suggest that the score is 7-1. Is that seven dwarves versus one wicked witch? Perhaps it's reasonable in this case not to condemn the whole bushel because of one bad apple, but dang! that is one deadly poisonous apple!
Need2Know: It's exciting getting in trouble. Being in trouble is another story...
You seem to blame yourself while continuing to reach unsupported conclusions: What you now call 'neglect' (10k OCI) was Volvo's own number, as you yourself stated (or is there a time interval also?). It sounds like you are assuming that the filter blew out at 5001 miles, thus your decision to stick with 5K OCIs. In the fight for 'good' and 'bad,' you seem to suggest that the score is 7-1. Is that seven dwarves versus one wicked witch? Perhaps it's reasonable in this case not to condemn the whole bushel because of one bad apple, but dang! that is one deadly poisonous apple!
No doubt, if this one malfunctioned, it should be brought to both Volvo's and Mann's attention. Mann in particular is very quality conscious, and would be very upset to see this. This is what I first advised the gentleman.
But it's a gigantic leap to simply declare the Mann a "P.O.S.", especially based on this one unusual example. That sort of broad brush condemnation is usually reserved for a more deserving maker such as F***.
Show me a pattern, and I'll stand with you. But not on one bad apple like we have here. Everyone is entitled to one Mulligan in my book.
But it's a gigantic leap to simply declare the Mann a "P.O.S.", especially based on this one unusual example. That sort of broad brush condemnation is usually reserved for a more deserving maker such as F***.
Show me a pattern, and I'll stand with you. But not on one bad apple like we have here. Everyone is entitled to one Mulligan in my book.
I think some of you are being too hard on Need and Mann. If we kill messengers, we will get fewer messages. The rip in the media is a serious problem. On the other hand, if it is aberration, Mann may be worth the premium you pay for them. So what do you switch to? Wix and have leaks at the crimped seam as recently reported here? I doubt there is any widely used filter that nobody has ever reported a problem here.
And where do I stand? I am running ST on my old truck. The one I expect to still be driving 10 years from now, or until my children force me to buy a new one. When my daughter complained about having to learn to drive in it, I told her not everybody gets to learn to drive in the truck they rode home in, when they were born.
And where do I stand? I am running ST on my old truck. The one I expect to still be driving 10 years from now, or until my children force me to buy a new one. When my daughter complained about having to learn to drive in it, I told her not everybody gets to learn to drive in the truck they rode home in, when they were born.
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