Oil Filter Question

datsun65 · Post by **datsun65** » Sat Jun 19, 2004 11:18 am

Yesterday I bought two oil filters (1600/2000), at two different stores.

The one from the local Auto Zone was an STP brand ($2.99). The other was from Napa Auto Parts ($7.39). The diameter and seal on both the filters is he same, however, the filter from Napa was longer (about 1.5 inch) than the STP filter.

Should the differences between the two filters cause any concern? Have other folks run these brands?

impinhigh · Post by **impinhigh** » Sat Jun 19, 2004 11:59 am

I'm running the STP right now, on this site is a link to "everything you ever wanted to know about oil filters" it says that the STP is made by a major filter manufacture, not sure which one but that it is a recommended filter. I think the Napa is also recommended.

Matt

Minh · Post by **Minh** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 1:53 am

If you think about if both filter were the same in all aspects except the height, the taller filter would be a better. The filter would a much larger filter surface therefore provid much more oil flow.

The Napa filters are manufactured made by WIC. They are good filters with a anti backflow valve re revent back flow of oil thus redepositing the filter particles back into the pan. It also keep the oil gallies full of oil so that at start up all the bearings are immediately lubricated.

It olny sucks when you change the filter because all the oil seeps back out because that backflow valve. Just be sure to have lots of rags when you change the filter.

Post by **spl310** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 1:35 pm

Minh,

That is not always accurate. Some filters have less pleating, therefore less surface area. That could be true of the taller or shorter filters. Height does not always mean more area. Another thought is that the porosity (did I spell that right?) of the media will affect the filtration quality. That is why K&N filters do a worse job than paper filters until they get good and dirty. They let too much crap through that can cause damage. Someone on the Roadster list did a study for their work and they concluded that the gauze cloth (K&N type) filters would cost much more money than they would save due to the increased wear on the engines. But I am getting afield of the subject here.

The article referenced above is a great resource and it should give more details.