How long can a typical oil filter last before falling apart?

[ryaneirich]

How long can a quality filter (i.e. Purolator in my case) SAFELY be used before the filter media runs a significant risk of disintegrating? I am running a bypass filtration system and have so far gone about 2 years/19,000 miles; everything is great so far, but I am becoming weary of the filters at their current age.

I have also posted this on the bypass filter forum, specifically asking the same thing about the Amsoil bypass filters; please do not flag this as a double posting.

Thanks!

Ryan

 

[demarpaint]

Flame suit on, but I no longer consider a Purolator filter a quality filter any more. There are several members in agreement with me. The Amsoil filter you asked about would be a much better choice for a bypass filtration system.

 

[Pinoak]

I think your saying that you have a bypass system and you use a Purolator as the regular full flow oil filter?
No problem there. Purolator is perfectly fine.
Is it a classic, Purolator 1, or a boss?
I'd probably leave s boss on for 20or 25k or a classic or purolator 1 I'd change at 10k. That's my opinions there.

 

[CR94]

I used to run basic Purolators (before they had fancier models, and before they started having so many media blowouts) around 18,000 miles, which was roughly one year. None showed any inclination to "fall apart."

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted by ryaneirich
How long can a quality filter (i.e. Purolator in my case) SAFELY be used before the filter media runs a significant risk of disintegrating? I am running a bypass filtration system and have so far gone about 2 years/19,000 miles; everything is great so far, but I am becoming weary of the filters at their current age.


I'd say time to change it. Why risk it, seems 2 years and 19K miles pretty much got your use out of that one.

 

[Chris142]

The purolaters are now junk. Been junk a few years now. I'd say 6 months tops if rarely driven.

 

[WellOiled]

Originally Posted by demarpaint
Flame suit on, but I no longer consider a Purolator filter a quality filter any more. There are several members in agreement with me.

+1. I agree. There are other after market filter brands which surpass the quality and reliability of the Purolator brand.

 

[ryaneirich]

Yes, I am running the Purolator as my full flow filter, and the Amsoil as the bypass filter. the Purolator is the "classic" type (that's what they call it - it's painted white). Mileage is not my concern... it's on a 2.3L accord that runs quite clean, and both filters are massive (The purolator is a L14459 and it holds at least a quart...…. there's way too much filter media to get clogged to the point of being a restriction in this many miles). The Amsoil is a similar size.

 

[John_K]

Originally Posted by ryaneirich
Yes, I am running the Purolator as my full flow filter, and the Amsoil as the bypass filter. the Purolator is the "classic" type (that's what they call it - it's painted white). Mileage is not my concern... it's on a 2.3L accord that runs quite clean, and both filters are massive (The purolator is a L14459 and it holds at least a quart...…. there's way too much filter media to get clogged to the point of being a restriction in this many miles). The Amsoil is a similar size.


My Sonata takes the L14459 and I wouldn't call it massive. It is smaller than any other filter I have used on previous vehicles.

 

[ryaneirich]

Whoops...… I posted the wrong part number. I am using the L40084 filter.

 

[dnewton3]

Folks -
Let's not bash brands; check the forum rules. Stating facts is OK. Derogatory opinions are not.

Acceptable example of conversation ...
There have been many examples of Purolator products with media voids and/or tears. Check out thread (linked example) and see the pictures.

Unacceptable statement ...
"Purloators are now junk."

Learn the difference or face the consequences.

 

[toneydoc]

Nobody really knows the answer to the question
If you want to run long mileage between filter changes, I would recommend a filter specifically made for that purpose
I would stay away from the lowest priced filter from any brand
When will it start to come apart? Who knows

 

[tblt44]

All brands probley have issues every now and then.
How many millions don't blow out ?
I personally have 3 pur 1,s and a bosch waiting to go in my trucks.

 

[Pinoak]

Originally Posted by ryaneirich
Whoops...… I posted the wrong part number. I am using the L40084 filter.

In that case I doubt the actual media would fall apart before the can rusted out. Even so a few bucks and a few minutes every couple years won't break the bank

 

[Job]

For an oil filter forum there is surprisingly little information on how the media is made. They bind the fibers with types of resin and then adjust the porosity somehow. So there are many variations. Fram was saying seven years on unused filters per the rep. On a used filter sitting in oil all the time I would say four to five years as a guess. I have had cellulose filters on mowers for several years and the media was still not crumbling. Name brands including Purolator, 4-5 years, replace. I would replace every 2 years but am more of a don't save pennies but watch the big spending type.

 

[DGXR]

If I understand correctly, the benefit of a bypass filtration system is much more efficient filtration and much cleaner oil. I don't believe that it allows you to run extended service periods for the filters. If you are running bypass filtration, I really don't think you should also push the service life of the filters far enough to be worried about a significant risk of disintegration. Taking that risk goes against the reason you are running bypass filtration to begin with. If you are running premium filters, you should change them every 2 years minimum. (I would never run a standard filter much longer than 1 year.)
As for maximum mileage on the filters, that depends on the manufacturer's rating and it assumes your engine is clean and tuned properly.

 

[Blagoje]

I guess I am just trying to understand what the priority is here, to get as much usage out of a single oil filter as possible... BECAUSE???

I'm sure you could replace it with something like a Fram Ultra for say, $10? I have seen a lot of people do this mental juggling act with their priorities:

1. I want to get as much usage out of oil filter as possible.

2. I want to make sure I don't overuse the oil filter so to avoid negative consequences.

Here's my solution, buy a new oil filter and use it as recommended. Spending $10 will not only alleviate any potential issues related to the oil filter, you can also prevent the headache that comes with unnecessary mental juggling.

 

[TheLawnRanger]

about 19000 miles?

 

[dnewton3]

There is a significant difference between what filter makers recommend and what the filters can actually do.

When Jim Allen toured at Fram, one thing he asked is how long a typical filter can "unofficially" last; three years was a no brainer, and five was "iffy". Obviously there are a lot of inputs to be concerned about.

I would not worry about 3 years. It's more about the accumulated miles in those three years. 10-15k miles on a normal filter is doable, with little concern. But capacity becomes an issue. If you're going to run a longer OFCI on the FF filter, while still using the BP system, then I'd defer to a high-capacity FF like an Ultra.

The REAL way to know is to set up a oil pressure tracking system for the FF, not unlike what Jim did several years ago. Then, once you see the dP get close to the crack-open psi level, it's time to change the FF.

 

[tig1]

I have used MC filters in my Fords for many years now at 10K OCIs with no problems to date. I also use the FL 910S on my Craftsman riding mower and change oil and filter every 2 years with no problems