Puralator Oil Filter Discussion

[UGA33]

There was a long thread awhile back that discussed the different oil filters and which ones to use and not to use. The ones if i recall that were good to use besides the motorcraft and racor filters were the fram and purolator filters. Last oil change (roughly Feb 08), i went to the auto parts store and pulled out a motorcraft, fram, and purolator filter and lined them up side by side and for fifteen minutes compared everything. All three were identical, all three had the same patent numbers, etc.. Motorcraft was $19.99, Fram $15, Purolator $13.99. No brainer went with the purolator. Reason for the post is that i went in today, compared the purolator and motorcraft and now they are different. Anyone else noticed this? Same height but the black plastic between the filter material is thicker on the purolator and the filter material is a lighter color. Turned it over and couldnt find the patent number to compare with the motorcraft. Thought i would pass my findings along

[bismic]

Thanks for the post UGA33. This is why I decided long ago to just use the Motorcraft or International (or Racor).

The potential savings from buying the others is just not enough money to risk having problems. I too have compared and found examples of exact match and examples of differences. But even if things match under our inspection, it doesn't mean that all things are equal.

I know (have seen it first hand) that because of corporate initiatives to save a few cents in production, the resulting product can cause the consumer problems. Even if the appearances are the same and the patent numbers are on them, companies can introduce their own subtle changes. One is cheaper materials - even if the design is the same. Another is the assembly process and then there is always quality assurance and quality control that may or may not be effective.

I have become very skeptical over the years. There is a lot of corporate greed that impacts us all.

When there is much to risk, don't bargain hunt (IMHO).

[UGA33]

Definately agree. I bought the purolator before i watched that video that was running around here awhile back about why to use the oem filters. A motorcraft filter went in the next day after that video. Just thought i would examine today while in the store piddlin around and thought i would post my findings