AMSOIL Filters
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
Originally Posted by johnsdiesel
I have to agree with the filters to avoid. It's well known that Fram filters are junk. The main problem is that only a few companies make the filters under multiple names.
I've watched the show Motor Week for years.
It's on Speed channel now.
The show's resident mechanic Pat Goss did a segment on oil filters awhile ago.
He cut open a Group IV generic cheapo filter that many service stations use for a cheap oil change.
The contents was ridiculed by Goss and derservingly so.
Don't remember the number of filtering pleats but there weren't many proving all filters are not the same.
I feel comfortable spending $9 for a oil filter that states it will do the job for 12500 miles.
Do I trust it for 12500 miles? NO!
7000 miles...YES!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
Originally Posted by boxcar1974
If we are talking about Amsoil 5W-20 for the gasoline engine........IT IS API CERTIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will take a pic tomorrow just to prove it!!!!!!!!!
Curious to see how many on the board will react to their biggest gripe about Amsoil's oil.
Although I use Amsoil in my '69 corvette showcar only because I like 10w40 but I use Mobil 1 in my family vehicles.
Last edited by redvet; Apr 10, 2004 at 07:17 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by boxcar1974
If we are talking about Amsoil 5W-20 for the gasoline engine........IT IS API CERTIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will take a pic tomorrow just to prove it!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by johnsdiesel; Apr 10, 2004 at 07:17 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
Think I will start a war over red trucks.......I hate them....a marketing scheme by ford to get people to buy thier trucks........The red trucks are more expensive......why buy a red one when you can buy a blue one that is just as good as the red one and pay less????????? How STUPID HUH? People really need to get over their hang ups about products on the market....If you hate them that much then.....DONT BUY IT!!!!!!! Nobody is forcing you to use Amsoil and charge you money!!!!!!! If K&N filters are getting dirt into your engine......well be glad it is not your engine.... These forums at times are rediculous.....If you believe it is snake oil then good......tell people it is snake oil and leave it at that.....let them make up thier own mind......the outward showing of bitterness is here is not what FTE is all about. It is here to help and learn off other people PERIOD.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
boxcar, I don't think people are being bitter. As one side shares an opinion the other side shares an opinion. Response, response, response, etc. That's how forums work. Information is shared and if people disagree it is debated in what is hopefully a mature manner. I don't think anyone is crossing the line. What us "non-Amsoil guys" can't understand is the unwillingness of the "pro-Amsoil folks" to even consider a discussion about Amsoil that includes anything negative. Points are made against Amsoil and we are attacked for sharing our opinion. In some cases it's not just opinion, it's fact. Again, the purpose of these forums is for open discussion, not one-sided posts on any topic.
Last edited by johnsdiesel; Apr 10, 2004 at 08:00 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
Originally Posted by johnsdiesel
boxcar, I don't think people are being bitter. As one side shares an opinion the other side shares an opinion. Response, response, response, etc. That's how forums work. Information is shared and if people disagree it is debated in what is hopefully a mature manner. I don't think anyone is crossing the line. What us "non-Amsoil guys" can't understand is the unwillingness of the "pro-Amsoil folks" to even consider a discussion about Amsoil that includes anything negative. Points are made against Amsoil and we are attacked for sharing our opinion. Again, the purpose of these forums is for open discussion, not one-sided posts on any topic.
I believe a $3 Fram isn't as good as an Amsoil filter.
Not my opinion.The opinions of people have tested both.
I prefer paying say $10 for an Amsoil filter than a Mobil 1 filter.
Like I said above...no other filter states it can go 12500 miles.
I'm looking for 7000 miles so the Amsoil filter works for me.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
Sorry, I shouldn't have lumped all "pro-Amsoil folks" into 1 category. It's easy to generalize when you get harsh responses to honest posts.
I believe Fram isn't as good as any filter.
BTW, the Amsoil filter for my truck would cost me $18.30.
I believe Fram isn't as good as any filter.
BTW, the Amsoil filter for my truck would cost me $18.30.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 447
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Originally Posted by redvet
So you would feel comfortable going 10000 miles with a generic Group IV gas station filter or a bad reviewed filter like these?
Filters To Avoid
The following list of filters have known problems. You will see well-known names here and will probably be disappointed. This is because many of these brands have stopped making their own filters and buy from a common manufacturer.
Fram Extra Guard
Years ago Fram was a quality filter manufacturer. Now their standard filter (the radioactive-orange cans) is one of the worst out there. It features cardboard end caps for the filter element that are glued in place. The rubber anti-drainback valve seals against the cardboard and frequently leaks, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes not molded correctly, which allows them to leak all the time. The stamped-metal threaded end is weakly constructed and it has smaller and fewer oil inlet holes, which may restrict flow. I had one of these filters fail in my previous car. The filter element collapsed and bits of filter and glue were circulating through my system. The oil passage to the head became blocked and the head got so hot from oil starvation that it actually melted the vacuum lines connected to it as well as the wires near it.
Fram Double Guard
Another bad filter idea brought to you by your friends at Fram. The filter itself is a slightly improved design over the Fram Extra Guard, but still uses the same filter element. It has a silicone anti-drainback valve, a quality pressure relief valve, and enough inlet holes for good flow. The big problem is that they are trying to cash in on the Slick 50 craze. They impregnate the filter element with bits of Teflon like that found in Slick 50. As with Slick 50, Teflon is a solid and does not belong in an engine. It cannot get into the parts of the engine that oil can and therefore does nothing. Also, as the filter gets dirty, it ends up filtering the Teflon right out. Dupont (the manufacturer of Teflon) does not recommend Teflon for use in internal combustion engines. Please do not waste your money on this filter.
Penzoil
This filter is a Fram! It is the exact same design as the Fram Extra Guard filter and it is junk. On the up side, it costs $1 less than the Fram version.
Quaker State
This is another Fram Extra Guard that I have seen at K-mart. It used to be a Purolator, but Quaker State is now owned/controlled by Penzoil...
Filters To Avoid
The following list of filters have known problems. You will see well-known names here and will probably be disappointed. This is because many of these brands have stopped making their own filters and buy from a common manufacturer.
Fram Extra Guard
Years ago Fram was a quality filter manufacturer. Now their standard filter (the radioactive-orange cans) is one of the worst out there. It features cardboard end caps for the filter element that are glued in place. The rubber anti-drainback valve seals against the cardboard and frequently leaks, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes not molded correctly, which allows them to leak all the time. The stamped-metal threaded end is weakly constructed and it has smaller and fewer oil inlet holes, which may restrict flow. I had one of these filters fail in my previous car. The filter element collapsed and bits of filter and glue were circulating through my system. The oil passage to the head became blocked and the head got so hot from oil starvation that it actually melted the vacuum lines connected to it as well as the wires near it.
Fram Double Guard
Another bad filter idea brought to you by your friends at Fram. The filter itself is a slightly improved design over the Fram Extra Guard, but still uses the same filter element. It has a silicone anti-drainback valve, a quality pressure relief valve, and enough inlet holes for good flow. The big problem is that they are trying to cash in on the Slick 50 craze. They impregnate the filter element with bits of Teflon like that found in Slick 50. As with Slick 50, Teflon is a solid and does not belong in an engine. It cannot get into the parts of the engine that oil can and therefore does nothing. Also, as the filter gets dirty, it ends up filtering the Teflon right out. Dupont (the manufacturer of Teflon) does not recommend Teflon for use in internal combustion engines. Please do not waste your money on this filter.
Penzoil
This filter is a Fram! It is the exact same design as the Fram Extra Guard filter and it is junk. On the up side, it costs $1 less than the Fram version.
Quaker State
This is another Fram Extra Guard that I have seen at K-mart. It used to be a Purolator, but Quaker State is now owned/controlled by Penzoil...
That has nothing to do with what I was saying. I never mentioned Fram or a "group IV" (whatever that means) filter. I referred to decent quality filters. If you don’t agree with what I said that’s fine but don’t start tossing around that Fram propaganda. We have all seen it a thousand times and it has nothing to do with Amsoil filters or filter life.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 410
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From: NE JERSEY
Originally Posted by BlueRanger94
That has nothing to do with what I was saying. I never mentioned Fram or a "group IV" (whatever that means) filter. I referred to decent quality filters. If you don’t agree with what I said that’s fine but don’t start tossing around that Fram propaganda. We have all seen it a thousand times and it has nothing to do with Amsoil filters or filter life.
This is your post
"When a car manufacturer specifies 5,000 or 7,500 or 10,000 mile oil changes why do they not recommend a fancy high $$$ filter? I believe the answer is simple. If automaker X recommends 10,000 mile oil changes then the regular Purolator, Bosh, Champion filter can handle the miles just fine"
I'd bet a "regular" Purolator, Bosh, Champion filter would not do a good job filtering at 9000-10000 miles.
Maybe a higher end Purolator, Bosh, Champion filter but not a "regular" $3 filter.
BTW
Group IV was the name of a cheap filter sold by gas stations mechanics in the NYC metro area for many years.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I'm not going to touch the Amsoil topic with a 10ft. pole. However, I have read that the Amsoil filters are made by Baldwin. Whether they're good or not, I do not know. Probably ok, the reviews I've read seem to indicate they're ok.
I like to use the Napa #1773 filter on my Fords. It's a 2 quart filter, and will go where any standard FL-1A will go. The Napa filters are made by Wix, which are constructed good. Those of you looking to extend your drain intervals may want to look into this filter. You want more filter media? Use a bigger filter!
I like to use the Napa #1773 filter on my Fords. It's a 2 quart filter, and will go where any standard FL-1A will go. The Napa filters are made by Wix, which are constructed good. Those of you looking to extend your drain intervals may want to look into this filter. You want more filter media? Use a bigger filter!