Why So Many Similar Filters?

[RayCJ]

Why is it that filter manufacturers make so many equivalent filters in the same product line? For example, a Fram EG6607 is compatible with a EG7317 and EG3593 -and about 2 or 3 other Extra-Guard Fram filters. If I were a filter manufacturer and someone requested a filter that was basically identical to one I already made, why would I agree to make it instead of selling the one I already made?

Is the purpose of the different size can size just to round-off engine oil capacity to some convenient amount? Possibly there are different bypass pressures and flow-rates involved? If I were a manufacturer, I'd be working overtime to minimize the number of duplicate products I made.

Ray

 

[Garak]

I can't answer for Fram, but when it comes to Wix, at least, they do make different base plates and the application guide changes based upon that. There are technically four filters I can list off the top of my head that works for my G37, but only one is technically specified (I'm actually not using the "correct" one right now). For the four filters, there are two base plates and two lengths, giving us four filters.

 

[paulri]

The user Motorking is a Fram rep who posts here occasionally. I'd look him up and PM him to post an answer to this question if you would like an insider's perspective on that.

 

[Onetor]

Capitalism. Many choices and decisions.

 

[oil_film_movies]

Beavis & Butthead have commented on similar complexities:

 

[Spartanfool]

Originally Posted by RayCJ
For example, a Fram EG6607 is compatible with a EG7317 and EG3593 -and about 2 or 3 other Extra-Guard Fram filters.

Is the purpose of the different size can size just to round-off engine oil capacity to some convenient amount? Possibly there are different bypass pressures and flow-rates involved? If I were a manufacturer, I'd be working overtime to minimize the number of duplicate products I made.

Ray




One of my cars uses this exact size. The 7317 is the 23lb by-pass pressure version of the 6607 made for Subarus. The 6607 is only 13 lbs.

 

[RayCJ]

Originally Posted by Spartanfool
Originally Posted by RayCJ
For example, a Fram EG6607 is compatible with a EG7317 and EG3593 -and about 2 or 3 other Extra-Guard Fram filters.

Is the purpose of the different size can size just to round-off engine oil capacity to some convenient amount? Possibly there are different bypass pressures and flow-rates involved? If I were a manufacturer, I'd be working overtime to minimize the number of duplicate products I made.

Ray




One of my cars uses this exact size. The 7317 is the 23lb by-pass pressure version of the 6607 made for Subarus. The 6607 is only 13 lbs.


7317 and 6607 have the same bypass of 13.

http://www.fram.com/parts-search/TG...CMCmUQBoQBUDiA7AMwCMh2iANlVtbfXQjUy-QLpA
http://www.fram.com/parts-search/TG...CMCmUQBoQBUDiAbIQAwDs2iANlVtbfXQjUy-QLpA

The difference in gasket size is a few hundredths of an inch...

The can dimensions are different so, I suppose that some engine compartments might be cramped enough where a smaller can makes a difference.

Ray

 

[CR94]

The ridiculous proliferation of minor variations is more the fault of the vehicle manufacturers than filter manufacturers, I suspect. Five sizes ought to cover all light-duty automotive gasoline engines. In fact, I think fewer than that probably covered nearly all American cars 50 or so years ago.

 

[Vern_in_IL]

Originally Posted by CR94
The ridiculous proliferation of minor variations is more the fault of the vehicle manufacturers than filter manufacturers, I suspect. Five sizes ought to cover all light-duty automotive gasoline engines. In fact, I think fewer than that probably covered nearly all American cars 50 or so years ago.


The legendary FRAM PH8A has to be the most popular size of all time.

 

[SZR48207]

I always figured manufacturers like having a lot of SKUs. It makes them look diverisifed and capable.

 

[Hall]

As much as anything, the vehicle manufacturers should be making efforts to share parts among different vehicles. Some things are going to be unique no matter what but many things can certainly interchange.

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted by CR94
The ridiculous proliferation of minor variations is more the fault of the vehicle manufacturers than filter manufacturers, I suspect. Five sizes ought to cover all light-duty automotive gasoline engines. In fact, I think fewer than that probably covered nearly all American cars 50 or so years ago.


Somebody posted the Walmart TLC chart that shows the compatibility of filters, Seems like it was 10 filters total on the list for about 30 filter sizes.

 

[Spartanfool]

Originally Posted by RayCJ
Originally Posted by Spartanfool
Originally Posted by RayCJ
For example, a Fram EG6607 is compatible with a EG7317 and EG3593 -and about 2 or 3 other Extra-Guard Fram filters.

Is the purpose of the different size can size just to round-off engine oil capacity to some convenient amount? Possibly there are different bypass pressures and flow-rates involved? If I were a manufacturer, I'd be working overtime to minimize the number of duplicate products I made.

Ray




One of my cars uses this exact size. The 7317 is the 23lb by-pass pressure version of the 6607 made for Subarus. The 6607 is only 13 lbs.


7317 and 6607 have the same bypass of 13.

http://www.fram.com/parts-search/TG...CMCmUQBoQBUDiA7AMwCMh2iANlVtbfXQjUy-QLpA
http://www.fram.com/parts-search/TG...CMCmUQBoQBUDiAbIQAwDs2iANlVtbfXQjUy-QLpA

The difference in gasket size is a few hundredths of an inch...

The can dimensions are different so, I suppose that some engine compartments might be cramped enough where a smaller can makes a difference.

Ray




Sorry...it's the 9715 with the updated 23lb PSI. Fram recommended the 6607 for years for Subaru until they came out with the 9715. The 7317 is just a longer version of the 6607. As you pointed out, some engine compartments might require the smaller can. Just like the Purolator 14610 being longer than the 14612 (same application).

 

[JeffKeryk]

I always thought there should be a very limited number of oil filters. They ain't that much different.

 

[Ducked]

Originally Posted by Onetor
Capitalism. Many choices and decisions.


Yep. For my Renault 5, the dealer, given the model, year and VIN chassis number, couldn't tell me which one of about 9 different brakes from 3 or 4 different manufacturers was fitted to it.

No such problem with my Lada. They only did one.

Are we political yet?

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
I always thought there should be a very limited number of oil filters. They ain't that much different.
Yes, and air filters too. Now every new engine is so special it needs unique filters? Ford and Chrysler used to use the same oil filter. I adapted same-year GM 2.8L V-6 air filters to fit in my 1.49L Mazda. The GM filters were easier to find.