Wix build quality versus media quality

[Lyondellic]

I use the Wix 51356 oil filter on both of my Honda vehicles. I have also used the EAO13 oil filter from Amsoil on occassion, which I understand is also made by Wix. In my opinion Wix build quality is top notch, with a sturdy can, a high quality gasket and anti-drain back valve, steel end-caps and a front end bypass valve.

The one thing that I have always wondered, however, is why Wix selected such high quality components and then opted to use a less efficient filter media. It seems that Wix could directly compete with the Purolator P1 and Mobil 1 EP oil filters if they simply used a more efficient media. Does anyone have an idea why Wix selected the filter media that they use?

 

[river_rat]

If I were to guess, and this is my opinion:

1. After break-in period and with a good air cleaner, there probably isn't a lot of junk to filter...but you still need a filter to catch what there is--even if it takes several passes.

2. Most wear occurs at start-up, and it's important to get good flow right away.

3. The filter size is limited by available space.

4. Too many pleats and they squeeze together and actually start restricting flow.

My guess is they picked what they considered to be a happy medium between pass efficiency and flow.

 

[VQ35DE]

The NAPA GOLD media is a good semi-synthetic media.

 

[labman]

How do you know how good their media is? That seems to be a great unknown. Perhaps Fram uses some great media that a third as much is equal or better than an AC. Perhaps you would be interested in buying some land in Florida.

 

[TallPaul]

Sounds reasonable river_rat. I used some Fleetguard filters and they had pretty high flow, I think 16 gpm and didn't filter as finely as other filters. I liked them for that reason, but quit because they did not have the threaded end bypass valve.

 

[tenderloin]

http://www.wixfilters.com/productinformation/index.html

Oil Filter Media
The media is the filtering material in the oil filter element. It essentially determines the efficiency, performance and useful life of the oil filter.

There are two basic types of filter media: the "paper" media and the "depth" type media. The primary features of the filter elements are:

Particle size retention (filtration efficiency)
Particle size retention is the measure of the degree to which the filter can retain particles of various sizes. Wix has developed optimum particle size retention quality in filter media by extensive engine wear tests including exhaustive testing of filters used in racing, and sophisticated laboratory tests. Wix media in the automotive full-flow oil filter is able to trap and hold essentially all the contaminant particles larger than 25 microns. (A human hair measures approximately 70 microns in diameter. An object that is 1 micron in size is .000039 inches in diameter.) Our filters also capture a high percentage of even smaller particles.

Dirt-holding capacity
Dirt-holding capacity is the amount of contaminant that can be removed and held by the filter until the filter ceases to function. The capacity of Wix filters is significantly larger than the minimum requirements to efficiently filter all the oil during the oil and filter change periods as specified by vehicle manufacturers.

Resistance to oil flow
WIX full-flow oil filters for automotive applications use arch-pleated, prescription-blended media. When new, the media with a maximized number of pleats has less than 2 psi pressure drop when filtering oil at a rate of 4 g.p.m. at normal operating temperature. This low initial restriction to oil flow protects the vital engine parts more effectively

 

[ThirdeYe]

The 1356 actually has very good beta ratios, especially when compared to the other Honda filter, the 1334.

 

[river_rat]

Wow. Good post.

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: labman
How do you know how good their media is? That seems to be a great unknown. Perhaps Fram uses some great media that a third as much is equal or better than an AC. Perhaps you would be interested in buying some land in Florida.

I prefer the threaded end bypass, too. But filter brands that have that...they are few and far between.

I do believe that by the time the bypass opens, though, there is a lot of pressure against the filter media and usualy still some flow through the media. That probably pretty much keeps the accumulated dirt from washing off.

 

[VQ35DE]

Well I guess I don't know after all.

 

[river_rat]

I think everyone would agree that WIX/NAPA Gold is a good choice.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
2. Most wear occurs at start-up, and it's important to get good flow right away.


Keep in mind that this term means anything other than steady state. It's a most misused testing and research term in marketing. It's on a curve, so there is surely more wear the colder the engine is, but it's got little to do with lack of lubrication.


..but I agree that WIX is a good choice for anyone.

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Keep in mind that this term means anything other than steady state. It's a most misused testing and research term in marketing. It's on a curve, so there is surely more wear the colder the engine is, but it's got little to do with lack of lubrication.

True that.
Still, my truck can often set unstarted for days at a time and I want a flood of lube ASAP.