I've been researching oil filters and thought I'd share my findings to hopefully help others out.

Here are some actual performance numbers (not just vague marketing claims) for anyone interested.

*The following numbers are for the Wix 51372 oil filter, which fits the 7.3L Godzilla, but other filter data looks to be the same or very similar.


Wix 51372 / NAPA Gold 1372:

Beta Ratio: 2/20 = 12/25 (Wix Data)
What the Beta Ratio means is listed below
(um = micron, 1 millionth of a meter). * a human hair thickness is ~ 70 microns *

2/20 = 12/25 means:
1 in 2 particles will get past filter media (50% filtration efficiency) at 12um
1 in 20 particles will get past filter media (95% filtration efficiency) at 25um

50% @ 12um

95% @ 25um

99% @ 23um (NAPA Gold Data shows a bit better performance, again Wix and NAPA Gold are the same filters)

11 to 13 GPM flow (Wix Data)




Wix 51372XP / NAPA Platinum 41372:

Beta Ratio: ?

62% @ 20um (Oreilly’s Data)

88% @ 35um (Oreilly’s Data)

11 to 13 GPM flow (Wix Data) *Same flow rate data as the better filtering regular Wix / NAPA Gold. I would of expected the Wix XP / NAPA Platinum flow to be better....But no.




Motorcraft FL-820S:

Beta Ratio: ?

80% @ 20um (rockauto.com Data). I'm sad to see this. I've used Motorcraft filters for years and years. I'm switching to Wix / NAPA Gold.


What this data is telling us is that the Wix XP / NAPA Platinum filters are not designed for maximum filtration but rather to hold large amounts of particulate material (such as possible dirty conditions with extreme oil change intervals)

If you're someone that changes their oil between 5,000 to 10,000 miles, AND your engine is well maintained (internally clean), the regular Wix / NAPA Gold should provide you with better filtration performance!!!

The Motorcraft FL-820S actually out filters the Wix XP by +18% @ 20um!!

The Wix XP / NAPA Platinum strength is that it can hold much more particulate.....BUT again, if you're changing your oil at 5 to 10k miles AND your engine is clean, I'd say you're much better off using the cheaper regular Wix or NAPA Gold for its better filtration performance compared to Wix XP / NAPA Platinum.

For some information on the ISO 4548-12 standard check out this interesting thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/advanced-...ency-data.html

 

Blackstone Labs have a somewhat costly test for your particular filter as removed from your vehicle---$125 & $200 if that sort of analysis is of a concern. Along with analyzing your oil this might help determining your engine's overall heath. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/oil-filter-testing/

No not affiliated--just hoping to pass along more information.

 

Just wanted to pass along the fact that the Wix XP / NAPA Platinum is not the best oil filter if filtering performance is what you're wanting out of an oil filter.

 

Fram Ultra and Fram Endurance are both 99% at 20 microns.

I’ve not seen flow rate numbers(would be interesting for sure)but the Endurance is listed as “high flow, synthetic blend, wire backed media”. Also it’s about $6 cheaper than the Wix XP/Napa Platinum in my area.

 

I have heard negative things about Fram for so many years. Is it cheap shots from their competitors that are envious that Fram's market share is huge?

A few years ago, my brother, who is also a motorhead, interviewed with that company, which was Fram, Prestone, Autolite, to be their world marketing manager. Big time job.
He toured the Fram factory and talked to their engineers. They told him that their directive was to make the best filter in the world, not the cheapest. They measured their filters' flow rate, filtration rate, burst strength of the outer metal shell, and whatever else that you test filters for. Ther results had to exceed every other brand of filter made.
Is that all a lie? My brother was impressed with the quality of their manufacturing, and knew that a failed filter and a failed engine as a result would be devastating to business. Yet, we've all heard Fram described as the orange can of death.

I've used plenty of them over the years, mainly based on price and great availability. There are plenty of internet smarty pants that claim that they have a secret filter that is better than everyone else, but Fram's success and wide usage speaks for itself.

 

Fram makes filters for many different types of customers (price points).

I'm personally very impressed with the new Synthetic Endurance. It's an outstanding filter. Factor in this filters pricing at Walmart and it's a slam dunk.
With that said, I'd never put a regular Fram 'Extra Guard' in any of my vehicles (paper end caps = big no go for me). The Synthetic Endurance is frustrated that the orange can of death is in its family.

 

Just like politics, the fear factor try’s to drive public opinion. Random ramblings next!

I tend to use Purolator or Motorcraft oil filters, but prefer Purolator.
I put magnetic drain plugs in after the first oil change. Does it help? Photo attached is the first oil change after I put the plug in on my 2016. Almost nothing on the magnet. Dealer did the oil change so I am not sure how careful he was removing the plug.
l put a high strength magnet on the filter housing. Does it help? In my mind it does. See second picture but my disassembly of the filter would not pass most laboratory protocols and I forgot how to focus!
As for a week oil pump, the oil pump is a positive displacement pump. If the pump is running, the pumpage has to go somewhere or something will rupture, that is unless the pump is completely broken or worn out.
My older trucks took 4 quarts of oil. My 7.3 takes 8 I believe. As a chemical plant worker would say, dilution is the solution to pollution. I would ASSUME you would need 2X the contaminants from these much cleaner running engines to see the same bad affects as on the older 4 quart oil capacity engines of the same displacement.
The quality of the additive packages and refining processes has improved the capabilities of today’s engine oils.
The size of oil filters seem to be getting smaller compared to those used on older vehicles. Not sure of the filtering capacity/capability.

I applaud d7velo1 doing his research as it give us valuable information to make our our own informed decision.