Which oil filter type do you prefer?

[1978elcamino]

Canister or cartridge type?

I have only owned one vehicle with a cartridge filter, at first I dident like it. Once I realized I can swap the filter without spilling a drop I liked it. Plus, I can look at the media without cutting a canister. I always kept a spare cap in the event it cracked or broke but never needed it. Gave it to the new owner when I sold the car.

One advantage I feel the canister has is the bypass valve is built in, new with each filter change. The bypass valve in the cartridge syle is part of the car.

Both I feel have their cons and pro's, does anyone else have any thoughts on why one could be better than the other?

 

[demarpaint]

The cartridge filter is starting to grow on me.

 

[Wolf359]

I have the cartridge filter now. The only reason I would dislike it would be the cost of the filter. They're normally like $15-$20 in the store. Even online they're in the $7-$8 range unless you can find them on clearance. But yeah, very easy to change and you don't spill any oil as it's on top.

 

[JLTD]

So far, canister. My cartridge is underneath, behind a skid plate

Now, if it was on top I'd probably prefer it.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Give me a screw on type filter I'm not pay someone double for a filter that is only the guts of a screw on filter.

 

[WobblyElvis]

I prefer the filter that is easiest and cleanest to change. Type doesn't matter.

 

[newbe46]

A drop-in style cartridge is the least messy, it's a little more work to reassemble the o-rings but I'm doing it while the oil is draining anyway.

 

[Quattro Pete]

If the cartridge filter is mounted on top, then it makes for a no-mess oil change that can be performed without having to crawl under the car.
Cartridge at the bottom - no thanks.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Cartridge filters are only acceptable if they are priced the same as a spin-on can and accessed from the top

Otherwise, the spin-on is better

 

[Whipcitywrencher]

I use both.
The canister filters are more interesting, if you cut them open

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
Cartridge filters are only acceptable if they are priced the same as a spin-on can and accessed from the top

Otherwise, the spin-on is better

Yeah, otherwise cartridge filters are just an excuse to charge you more. Although the tops, bottoms and around the cartridge seem to be a bit more solid than the ones you see in a canister.

 

[bbhero]

Originally Posted by JohnnyJohnson
Give me a screw on type filter I'm not pay someone double for a filter that is only the guts of a screw on filter.



Right on Johnny....

 

[1978elcamino]

I had a GM ecotec 2.2 with a cartridge, it cost no more than a filter for my f150. I think the AC Delco at Walmart was under 4 bucks IIRC.

 

[blupupher]

I would prefer a top mounted cartridge filters for ease of changing (and inspecting). I don't like the cost.

I still have to go under the vehicle to drain the oil (and no, I don't want to do a vacuum pump) and look around underneath it, so a bottom mounted canister that is easy to get it does not bother me either.

Toyota's bottom mounted cartridge seems to be a more complicated process. Why not top mounted like every one else?
I can't stand sideways mounted canisters or ones in hard to reach places.
_____________________________________________________

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: Delo XLE 10W-30, OEM Filter, 3,000 mile OCI
2012 Scion xB: QSUD 5W-20, CarQuest Blue, 5,000 mile OCI
2007 Saturn Vue: Synpower 5w-30, Ecogard Synthetic, OLM
2002 Ford F150: Magnatec 5W-20, Bosch Distance +, 1 year OCI
1994 Honda VT1100c: Peak 15W-40, Bosch Distance +, 1 year OCI

 

[oil_film_movies]

Cartridge, hands down winner. You can inspect it before installation since it's all there out in the open, nothing hidden. Plus, seems we rarely, if ever, have seen one get a hole or tear in it.

 

[atikovi]

Gimme a toilet paper filter.

 

[cos]

I had a cartridge filter on my '06 Ford Fusion which I owned since new for twelve years. While I didn't mind it I felt the price was too high. Access from the top would have been nice too (mine was under the engine).

 

[CrAlt]

I really like the cartridge setup on my pentastar v6. Up top and no mess.

 

[JLTD]

Originally Posted by bbhero
Originally Posted by JohnnyJohnson
Give me a screw on type filter I'm not pay someone double for a filter that is only the guts of a screw on filter.



Right on Johnny....


Good point Johnny....I could get behind that.

 

[Sayjac]

Personal preference, spin on type. That said, engine top mounted cartridge type, not too far behind. Engine bottom mounted cartridge type like Toyota, no love here.