Alarming observation re: Ecotec filters

[LoneRanger]

In my continuing quest understand the differences between the two predominant oil filter designs for the Ecotec, I have gone a step farther. Took an AC Delco PF457G oil filter and placed it in the filter compartment without the lid, seated it place. Took photo. Removed it, then seated Purolator L15436 and photographed.

A reference photo on the design difference between Wix (Carquest) and Delco vs. other designs (photo credit, JTK):

Purolator L15436 is same design as Supertech and Fram above, but with grey filter media instead of yellow.

Notice in above photo, larger bottom opening on the two left most filters vs. the Carquest (Wix) and Delco.



I was curious as to how the different diameter openings might fit to the oil port in bottom of the filter compartment.

Here is a photo of an empty GM Ecotec filter compartment, showing the oil port. Floor has a round hole for filter nipple to plug into and U-shaped oil flow port to the left (Photo credit, Blue Goose):

Here is the Purolator L15436 seated in the compartment:

The U-shaped oil port is fully exposed and unobstructed by the filter. The inner edge of the filter's bottom opening appears to be in alignment with the outer edge of the oil port (best photo angle I could get w/ the bulky Canon A60)

Here is the AC Delco PF457G seated in the compartment:

Focus is off a bit and I tried to replicate same camera angle. Appears the oil port is partially covered by inner edge of the bottom opening on the Delco filter. Unknown if it matters or not, but I don't like it. It looks like it might restrict flow through the oil port. Given that the Purolator has the larger bottom opening like the Fram and Supertech in the reference photo and it lines up perfectly with the oil port, it would follow that the smaller diameter opening on the Delco might tend to partially cover the oil port.


After observing this, I decided to run the Purolator L15436. The Delco is now boxed and set aside for the time being.

 

[Lonnie]

Is this setup designed to keep some of the old gunky oil inside the housing to be added to the new batch of oil on the next startup?

 

[rn2fine]

The partial blockage may not make much of a difference but it may just be possible that Purolator paid closer attention to the design. I would not hesitate to use any of the filters you have. But I do have a Purolator in my EcoTec (smiling).

 

[LoneRanger]

Quote:

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Is this setup designed to keep some of the old gunky oil inside the housing to be added to the new batch of oil on the next startup?

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No. The filter compartment does not hold oil. There is no anti-DB valve on filters for the Ecotec. Some residual oil on the floor of the compartment is not uncommon, as in Goose's photo, but there is no design intent to hold oil.

 

[JTK]

Interesting observation LR. What still puzzles me with this setup is; How is the oil filter sealed against the bottom of the filter housing? There is no sealing type material on the filter end or in the base.

For bypass mode is appears the spring loaded plate inside the cover supplies the tension and the filter will lift up and unseat the O-ringed nipple, providing oil bypass.

Joel

 

[LoneRanger]

I haven't figured out the flow routing yet. It has me scratching my head.

 

[dwendt44]

It appears to be similar to other cartridge type filters I've seen.
There is, or certainly should be, a hole/port near the outside diameter of the housing; possibly on the side. That would be the 'in' for the oil. It goes through the filter and back out the center part/hole.

 

[JTK]

Quote:

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It appears to be similar to other cartridge type filters I've seen.

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Most definitely the flow is your typical outside-in path, like a spin-on filter. It's the bottom edge sealing that's got me.

Joel

 

[Blue_Goose]

That oil that you see collected in there is probably because the car is up on ramps tilted slightly back. It would drain more out if on a level surface I believe. I just use a wadded up blue shop towel to soak up the excess oil..takes almost all of it out

This is very intersting LR....very..I'm using the Fram now



Goose

 

[LoneRanger]

Yeah Goose I'm not going to run a Delco or Wix I don't think. Whether it makes a difference in oil flow or not it leaves me with a bad feeling. Supertech, Fram, Purolator or other identical designs for me.

 

[BigAl]

There were no AC examples available at any stores near where I live. I bought a couple of Purolators and will initially use them on my new 07 Malibu. I also ordered few AC-Delco filters from Rock Auto and they just got here. The AC-Delco version has a lot more media, and I'm sure that the Ecotec filter housing was designed around their repackaged Hengst units. The AC examples just look a lot more carefully put together too. They are going to be my brand of choice.

The Bulgarian filters (Fram/SuperTech) look OK too, but they're . . . err . . . well . . . made in Bulgaria.