Quaker State QS3387A, 3k miles - media failure

[Jim Allen]

Good, useful thread!

I echo the sentiment above about low rent filters. I think any filter can fail, but the low rent versions are more likely. If you think about it, wouldn't a filter with wide pleats/fewer pleats generally be more likely to have a failure like this? Especially a surface loaded media like cellulose that would have higher differential pressure at every level of loading? Since one of the major common differences between low and high cost filters is the amount of media, common sense dictates....

The only failure I've had since I started cutting open all my filters is an external can leak ( the crimped edge) on a Motorcraft FL784.

Keep these failed filter autopsies coming! Very useful! Not that I'm wishing failures on anyone, just hoping they will share the failures when, Heaven forbid, they occur.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
I think any filter can fail, but the low rent versions are more likely. If you think about it, wouldn't a filter with wide pleats/fewer pleats generally be more likely to have a failure like this?


I think so. When the pleats are widely spaced, they are way more susceptible to fold over from the oil flow going through the media. When the pleats fold over, the most stress is at the ends of the pleats where they are secured to the end caps.

You can fold them over by hand and basically recreate the failure mode.

 

[LeakySeals]

I just started using the classics when Walmart started selling them. Will save when they come off at about 6k.

Question to the OP. Any coolant issues (loss, need to top off frequently, etc.)? Ever had a UOA on the engine?

 

[ABerns]

No UOA ever done on the engine, but no known engine problems, either. Doesn't burn any oil or require any top-off. And this filter was only on for 3k miles.

Can't promise the engine doesn't have problems, but nothing I've noticed so far!

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
I think any filter can fail, but the low rent versions are more likely. If you think about it, wouldn't a filter with wide pleats/fewer pleats generally be more likely to have a failure like this?


I think so. When the pleats are widely spaced, they are way more susceptible to fold over from the oil flow going through the media. When the pleats fold over, the most stress is at the ends of the pleats where they are secured to the end caps.

You can fold them over by hand and basically recreate the failure mode.


Another reason for wire-reinforced synthetic media.

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen


Another reason for wire-reinforced synthetic media.


Except for the lack luster efficiency numbers we get for most of them.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: cp3
Originally Posted By: Jim Allen


Another reason for wire-reinforced synthetic media.


Except for the lack luster efficiency numbers we get for most of them.


I don't think they are that bad ... most are right up there with the rest of the best.

 

[4ever4d]

Seeing this on this site and knowing that we are a very fractional portion of the general motoring public makes me wonder, how many filters really do have issues that are never known about as not many are cut open to find them!

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
I think any filter can fail, but the low rent versions are more likely. If you think about it, wouldn't a filter with wide pleats/fewer pleats generally be more likely to have a failure like this?


I think so. When the pleats are widely spaced, they are way more susceptible to fold over from the oil flow going through the media. When the pleats fold over, the most stress is at the ends of the pleats where they are secured to the end caps.

You can fold them over by hand and basically recreate the failure mode.


Another reason for wire-reinforced synthetic media.

That would be the Fram XG and Ultra. 2 ply, not many pleats, screen reinforced.

 

[cp3]

Don't forget the Amsoil EaO, NAPA Platinum and Purolator Synthetic.

Z06

I guess you're right, XG & Puro Syn aren't too bad. And likely get better with use in an extended application. I just remember being shocked at the information I got from Wix regarding the Platinum.

I just noticed the Ultra is rated better than the XG and the XG better than the Synthetic...99 - 97 - 95...I thought they were all the same filter.

 

[Jakegday]

i dont have time to dig it up right now, but i posted a pic of a PureOne that did the exact same thing. It was that same model too, ran on my grand prix. The cause was too much moisture getting in the oil from bad lower intake manifold gaskets. EXTREMELY common problem on 3800s. (i think i posted pics of the gaskets too).

 

[ltslimjim]

^You know, gleaning that sort of information might be worthy of something to discuss since it's very constructive.

I've got a coolant leak myself, but I've been using fully synthetic media. The OCI that got the spike was about 7.5k miles long on a Royal Purple. I tossed the RP, IIRC, but if it were paper I'd imagine a decent amount of wavy media would be expected.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: cp3

I just noticed the Ultra is rated better than the XG and the XG better than the Synthetic...99 - 97 - 95...I thought they were all the same filter.

The Ultra is a new filter just making the shelves now. Different media than the XG (99% Ultra vs 97% XG, 15k OCI Ultra vs 10k OCI XG). Not sure on prices yet I hear its the same for both at Walmart. I also hear the part numbers for both are "XGxxxx".

Not a big fan of a high efficiency filter on a extended drain. Over time filters clog. As they clog the efficiency goes up along with restriction. Filter is more likely to bypass more often, contaminating the oil quicker.

But Fram makes a new 99%/15k extended drain filter so maybe I'm worried about nothing.

 

[steve20]

'bout those metal endcaps, you were sayin?

 

[901Memphis]

Bumping for the one who wanted to see QS filters.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
The date code F04 C05D2 means is was made on April 5th, 2011 on line E on 2nd shift at the Fayetteville NC plant (ie, Purolator plant).



Wow that's an old filter to be tearing! Most of the tears happened in 2013-14

And after only 3k

 

[dlundblad]

Surprised to see this.

 

[crazyoildude]

it's a tearolater... Just like the group 7 and a few other ones.. Buy a Wix or Fram ultra if you want a quality oil filter.. Also a/c makes a good filter. Non E-Core of course!