WIX Oil Filter Fail!

[Learn Ya]

2021.07.02

Thanks again. I have a few 51056's on the shelf...made in Mexico in 2023 and 2024. I may cut the older filter open. I wonder if age is a factor???

 

[Sumboodie]

It’s a known M+H problem. We call them poppers in the oil filter forum. Sometimes the glue breaks apart and gets through the bypass valve or center tube and ends up in the engine.

View attachment 280964

View attachment 280966

There's an oil filter forum too?

 

[Learn Ya]

I just opened my Wix 51056...made in Mexico 5/2023. No issues. The glue is super strong. I couldn't pull the filter caps apart with my bare hands.

 

[Shel_B]

It’s a known M+H problem. We call them poppers in the oil filter forum. Sometimes the glue breaks apart and gets through the bypass valve or center tube and ends up in the engine.

Does it "pop up" frequently, or is it a rare-ish occurence? Does it happen with just straight oil, oil without additional additives and treatments mixed in? Has it happened with any regularity with other brands?

 

[Glenda W.]

Does it "pop up" frequently, or is it a rare-ish occurence? Does it happen with just straight oil, oil without additional additives and treatments mixed in? Has it happened with any regularity with other brands?

I wouldn’t consider it rare. We see at least a couple per month here on straight oil. It’s rare with other brands but does happen occasionally.

 

[zmelli]

I just opened my Wix 51056...made in Mexico 5/2023. No issues. The glue is super strong. I couldn't pull the filter caps apart with my bare hands.

View attachment 280974

not sure if you can tell until you run hot oil thru it.

 

[Learn Ya]

not sure if you can tell until you run hot oil thru it

I will cut a used filter at the next oil change. Hopefully other members will do the same.

The filter is for a Cub Cadet lawn tractor with a Kohler engine. Obviously not the same operating conditions as yours, but it will be an interesting autopsy.

Stay tuned.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Pretty much all oil filter cans seem relatively "flimsy" when cut open and inspected, but they don't fail in use. Once and awhile to crimp seam around the base plate will leak, but that's a sealing issue, not a can thickness issue.