I simply want to know if Wix is now using a nitrile ADBV or is a black silicone. If it is not silicone, they are not delivering what they're advertising. I plan on calling them this after noon.
Wix 51522 now w/ black rubber ADBV
- Thread starter blsnelling
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Here's the corrected link.
I just talked to a Wix tech person. She said that all Wix filters are still supposed to have silicone ADBVs. Also, the 51522 is not a new filter for the modular GM engines only. It has applications all the way back to '83. She said that I need to check the date code on the dome of the filter. Here is the break down of the code.
Characters 1-2 = Day
Characters 3-4 = Year
Character 5 = Line
Character 6 = Shift
I will check my filter when I get home tonight.
Characters 1-2 = Day
Characters 3-4 = Year
Character 5 = Line
Character 6 = Shift
I will check my filter when I get home tonight.
All the 51522 Wix's I've bought for my LS1 the past two years have had the orange ADBV except for the first one I bought back in 7-02 and I was told it was an old overstock filter. All new Wix's should have the orange silicone ADBV @ the T-03 Glass Enhanced Synthetic Filter Media.
blsnelling, any word on the date/age of your filter. I never did hear back from WIX regarding my inquiry ... been out of town so I may have unintentionally deleted their reply. I imagine you purchased an older version of this filter and that all new WIX filters have the silicone ADBV.
Sorry I've taken so long to reply. The filter in question was made in Jan '03. I was told that the switch over to silicone was not made all at once on all filter models. It was done over time. All newly manufactured Wix filters should now have a red silicone ADBV. They are NOT using a black silicone. It is simply old stock. Yes, a filter made in Jan '03 can still have an old ADBV. He also stated that they never had a problem with the nitrile ADBVs and went to the silicone ADBVs in response to competition. He also confirmed that the rest of the old stock filter, including the media, would be the same as one with a silicone ADBV. I hope that answers some quesitons. It also sheds some light on silicone ADBVs. Sounds like it's more of a false perception that they're needed. We think we need it so they have to respond to the market to fight competition. BTW, the latest filters I bought are Baldwins with excellent build and they do NOT have a silicone ADBV.
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