CHAMP PH/2835

[CharBaby]

In January, I removed a Champ PH-2835 oil filter from my daughters 06 Mazda3 2.0L. This is the part match # to the FRAM 3614 or Purolator 10241, etc. After using it for 2 OCI's and totaling 9000 miles I decided to cut it open and see how well it was constructed. I have no pictures but Im sure it is an E-Core design when comparing it to W*M SuperTech #3614. You'll have to use your imagination on this one as I cut it open, looked at a few thing quickly and then chucked it!

1)When removing the filter I noticed that the outer shell(can) seem a bit on the thin side as it was starting to twist just prior to breaking free. When I cut open the can, it seemed similar in thickness to most after market Fram, ST, Puro's.

2)On the inside there were no metal end caps but, they were not cardboard either. It was more like a thick cloth material. The glue holding on the end caps did it's job keeping everything together but, I could easily peel it off of the ends. None the less, it held together!

3)The filtration media looked decently constructed and no signs of comming apart but were a bit wavey in appearance and slightly fuzzy. I didn't count the pleats but they were evenly spaced.

4)The center tubing that the media was wrapped around seemed to be of the E-Core design with it's round plastic center latter type construction. There was no metal center tubeing. Again, nothing came apart!

5)The ADBV looked great for only being black rubber. Looked like it could be reused again in a newely constructed filter. It wasn't warpped or distorted in any way. This filter was used for 5 mo/9000mi but with 2 oil changes.

6)The By-pass valve spring at the top of the filter was of the flat or slightly beveled metal spring type design(not the round coil spring design). Lookes OK!

Overall, I don't thing that this is a bad filter but I've cut open better. Even better FRAM's...By looks anyway!

Any thoughts/comments?

 

[finalyzd]

I think its a good filter is what we carry in bulk at our shop. Never had any problems. Don't think it was made for that long of a oci though

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Description is of a std chap e-core. Can you cut open the media and get the surface area? This is critical and noone seems to do it. Thanks for the nice writeup - its good to see a modest filter held up for 2 ocis!

 

[labman]

Yes, I would like to see more reports of the media area, and River Rat is right that you need to look at the thickness too. Not sure you can get a good measurement of the thickness. Of course, that still doesn't tell you the quality of the media.

I would like to know in what way a Fram was better? Did it have a 1/4'' of what little media it had taken up with glue? The Ecores only have the surface of endcap bonded to the media to seal it.

In the filters I have cut apart in the past, Fram had half the media of an ST or other lower priced filters.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I think the E-Cores are underrated, I've had no problems with any of the e-cores I've used, and I've cut open all of them. They may LOOK flimsy but they hold together great for what they're designed to do.

 

[CharBaby]

"I would like to know in what way a Fram was better? Did it have a 1/4'' of what little media it had taken up with glue? The Ecores only have the surface of endcap bonded to the media to seal it".

I don't really want to go here but, some FRAM Filters "looked" better apon inspection. I don't think FRAM is better, only "looked" better(and I only cut open a few). I don't go out to specificly buy/use FRAM anymore since discovering BITOG back in 04 but I did use them for 20+ years without issue. Too expensive for their quality and construction. At one time they were priced well. FRAM's were fine years ago when I was getting them for .99-1.49 ea. I may use em today with an oil/filter special from PepBoy's. I've seen PB's specials of 5qts GTX, VWB or PYB w/ FRAM for $9.99...(Black Friday-$4.99)!

 

[Herz]

If you think the champ filters are thin cut open a purolator lol.