Here's a list of different oil filter manufacturers and the private brands they make. Understand this is as current a list as I could find, but changes occur. ADBV = Anti Drain Back Valve

Most Champion Labs filters are good quality, except for some recent versions known as "e-core" construction. Many shops are reporting failures with the e-core types where the filter media separates from the ends. This allows unfiltered oil to pass straight thru the can.

Wix filters are excellent, and I consider them about the best value. They provide quality construction, good filtration, and good flow characteristics.

Purolators are also excellent filters, though I recall hearing of shops reporting some media coming unglued. This was only on a few filters manufactured for a distributor at a low price.

Also keep in mind HD specs 10 micron filters for the Twinkie motor. Do not use these filters on older engines (Evo, Shovel, etc.) as they won't necessarily flow enough, and might go into bypass mode. There are a few people who believe that the HD Twinkie filters bypass more oil than they filter almost immediately after installation. Haven't seen any tests yet, but several engineers seem to think along those lines. Maybe one day soon one of 'em will set up a protocol and run the filters.

Fram

Fram Extra Guard (std)
Fram Tough Guard (different media?)
Fram X2 (Silicone ADBV, Fuzzy media)
Fram Extended Guard(same as the X2)
Mileguard (Jiffy)
Honda
Chrysler line up except for the Cummins
Penzoil
Quaker State
Deffense


Champion Labs

Bosch
Car and Driver
Deutsch
Mobil 1
STP
SuperTech
K&N
Valvoline filters
Mighty
Service Champ
Lee
AutoZone Value Craft
Some AC Delco

Wix

Carquest blue
Napa Gold
Napa Silver (lower quality with nitrile ADBV)

Purolator

Purolator premium plus (nitrile adbv)
Purolator Pure One (silicone adbv, different media)
Havoline
Group7
Promotive
Quaker State (less media)
Advanced Auto Total Grip. (less media)
Pep Boys Pro Line
MotorCraft

And just to spice things up, some studies have shown that almost all engine wear occurs with particles of less than 5 microns. Which might mean that running an oil filter ain't doing much, anyway! (Not that I'll stop running my Wix filters.)

 

Had read much of this before but it helps to put it all together~~

I run the Supertech filters in my Guzzi and my Harley (same 3614 in each).

Thanks for the effort.

 

I wonder if there is a review on any of these, or hopefully a bunch of these. For example, what size elements are they capable of filtering, type of material, etc.

Mac

 

Here's an interesting article that gives you the skinny on the different filters if you click on the brand on the left of the page.

http://www.twocreeks.net/toby/oil_filters/index.shtml

 

Only problem with these studies is some of the filters are 6 years out of date. The way the off-brands change who makes their filters, and even the way the manufacturers change things, there is no way to tell if the info is still accurate.

Guess we need to hire a tech to test filters on a permanent basis. I'll volunteer and it'll only cost $45/hour @ 40 hrs/week!

 

I hear ya Skip, as much as I hate to admit it , I stick with the HD -10 micron so there is no guess work about bypass valve pressure, filter media and a host of other things. It's much easier on the brain than what I see some people go through trying to figure out if this or that filter would be "OK " to use.

 

Those are pretty much the reasons I stick with the NAPA/Wix filters. They're good filters, reasonably priced, and the NAPA dealer is 6 miles away.

 

What part # NAPA filter do you run? If you don't mind that is...

 

I run the 1215, which is the black NAPA Gold version. They have a chrome version available, too, if'n you're a chrome-junkie! Plus they might have a NAPA Silver version, which is there less expensive line. Part number for it is probably 21215. These are for Evo Softails. They aren't for Twin Cam engines. I don't know if the same number fits any of the other Evo motors - Dyna, Garbage Barge, etc. Just tell 'em what you have and they can look it up.

 

I hate going here again but I'm confused from my ride yesterday.

I stopped at a local cycle shop the owner rides a glide in my search for Mobile 1 syn 20/50.

He had HD oil filters for sale and K&N and said he switched to K&N it was 30 micron versus 10 Micron in the HD.

Is 30 Micron better then 10 Micron?

So.. I've read what I could find in here..but see people Poco running Wix, and others running HD and K&N.

Its not the 16.95 I paid yesterday (that did **** me off when I saw the same filter at another shop or 11.95) no.. Maybe it is the 16.95 that prompted this.. I just want the best filters. I just hate HD pricing locally. Am I paying for a HD name and not getting the better oil filter?

Is it money that’s making decisions or best filters or branding?

I know Fram is out, I know HD is HD can't go wrong there.

The K&N was 13.95 it is larger then the HD and has an easy off nut.

I have quickly come to trust you guys and your years of experience.
If K&N is better I can easily get them, if HD is best. Then that’s that.

If Wix is best.. cool..Napa is everywhere.

Off the oil topic..........

Should I also replace my air filter at 5k or just clean it and inspect it. Do you replace the O rings and gasket each time you inspect your air filter?

See what happens when you suggest I buy a manual <grin>.