Originally Posted by Mad_Hatter
Originally Posted by csandste
Everyone will tell you to avoid aftermarket oil filters, but we've had quite a few HyunKia 1.6, 2.0 and 2.4 engines, run non oem filters in all of them without incident. Think manufacturers cleaned up their act and started making acceptable filters about five years ago.
I run several aftermarket filters in my Kia V6 with no issues whatsoever but with this Theta engine, I'd run the OE. Could be that it makes no difference but given the history of bearing issues on this engine I'd want to be certain that I'm using the OE filter and changing it on time. I would do whatever I can to mitigate any flow/pressure issues and while using an OE filter doesn't guarantee you won't, it at least provides some peace of mind in that dept that you've done what you can to mitigate it.
Fwiw...
There was actually a complaint to the FTC I think it was, lodged against Kia by several aftermarket filter mfgs. In the complaint they contend that Kia isn't/wasn't forthcoming about certain spec's in re to flow and pressures and that some Kia engines are prone to pressure "spikes" (I'm working off memory so forgive me) and that could be bad for filters not capable of handling it. In support of their allegation, some of the companies involved in the complaint sent samples of OE Kia filters out for independent testing and it was found that they had (met) very high ratings. So the question by the aftermarket mfgs, why so high? I believe Kia contended it is what it is and there's no [nefarious] intent to hide anything (stop making subpar filters in other words), which sounds reasonable. So the crux of the allegation is that Kia knows something about their engines and how they perform, that they're not sharing with the aftermarket industry... and is using this "inside" knowledge to push consumers to use the OE filters. The complaint used a Kia TSB calling for OE filters in support of their allegation. But what mfg DOESN'T say, "use the approved oil filter" when a customer comes in complaining about engine noise? It's not reasonable to expect a dealership to promote using anything other than the OE filter.
So admittedly that's a pretty hefty claim on the part of the aftermarket mfgs and it could stem more from sour grapes by a few after having to pay out claims for their own defective filters (conjecture but who knows, right?).but it may be "something". I never kept up on what became of this allegation but I'm sure if you Google it you'll find more on the Net about it.
You are right, Fram had to redesign and add some can thickness about 5 - 8 years ago because of cans leaking from over pressure. Every Fram (only use the Ultra in my opinion) can take Hyundai over pressure.
I would never run anything but 5-30 to 5w-40 in a Hyundai till Hyundai can make a motor that doesn't kill it's rod and main bearings. A 10 year old problem that has not gone away to this date. Lets hope they finally figured it out on the new Theta 3 engine. Knowing Hyundai, they did not.
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