I noticed wavy pleats with most of the filters I used, except for the Fram XG9018. Seems like the Hengst/ACDelco filters usually did pretty well too. The Purolator filters were the worst with wavy media. I wonder if the wavy media is really because the filters are just hair too long, and when the cap is tightened it twists the filter and media some.
On the Fram XG9018, the failure was the metal clamp that holds the crimped media together. It came loose and was just hanging out in the oil filter canister. I honestly don't remember anymore about it, except for that.
Originally Posted By: oshia86
Elvis, maybe you're right. I might be overthinking this. One of the biggest drivers for me looking at switching is just access to the filters. The Fram and Mobil 1 are right down the road from me at a local Walmart. I have to go into the next town for a Wix.
drtyler, the Wix does look exhausted by 6k, which is what I have been changing it at up to this point. Nothing scientific on my observation here, just noticing that the pleats are very wavy, almost "bent" in a way. I really do enjoy wrenching on my own cars. It would be virtually impossible for me to weight 10k.
Another point, a 10% failure rate is far too much of a risk, in my opinion. The cost difference between the M1 and Fram isn't a concern. I pulled both the FU and M1 AP out of their boxes this past weekend and both seem like stout filters at first touch.