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Oil filters-would bigger be better?


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It's about oil change time... actually it isn't, but bought the car a little while ago, it's got ~200,000 (98 Legacy Outback) and the previous owner put in the cheapest oil with Fram filter at JiffyLube. So I'd rather put in a decent filter, a pep boys branded purolator and MaxLife.

 

Was there looking for a filter today, and realized that these filters are just tiny! Would it be better to put in a better filter? Anyone know the part number (for any brand) that would fit?

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No - get your filters from the dealer. They are supposed to be small.

 

The size of the filter has little to do with it's filtration ability and if you change the filter every 15,000 miles (oil every 7500) per the book you will be fine.

 

The filter actually gets better as it ages and that won't happen as quickly with a larger filter media.

 

GD

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"and realized that these filters are just tiny! Would it be better to put in a better filter? Anyone know the part number (for any brand) that would fit?"

 

By better, do you mean larger? I don't have part numbers for you as I haven't worked on these engines.

 

A Chevy 350 has available large and small filters, depending on what it's going into for clearance. And I'm talking the large one holds probably a quart more oil than the small one. Obviously, the larger one has more filter media. You can verify that those are larger filters but the entire function is the same, except for capicity.

 

One Subaru I have has 20mm X 1.5 threads and it's the same situation. I used the largest physical filter I could find of the same dimensions where it screws onto the block and the o-ring seal.

 

I'm confidant if you look around, you'll find a larger filter. It then just depends on whether you have room for it.

 

Doug

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A larger filter, at the lower change interval's that are commonly in use (3,000k miles, etc) will never reach a state where it filters down to it's potential. A filter that starts out as a 25 micron filter can reach a saturation point where it will filter to 5 micron's for quite a long while. It takes time and mileage for this to occur and thus the filter change every other oil change. If you change out the filter all the time or use large filters that never reach saturation you will never get to the point where it filters to 5 micron.

 

GD

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I'm no expert, but if Subaru is happy with the smaller filter in their WRX and STi screamers, I'm certainly happy with the smaller flter on my EJ22 Impreza. I change my oil and filter every 2500 miles. Sounds like I should skip changing the filter every other oil change.

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Hey Kwhistle,

 

You opened a can of worms:)

 

Disposable filters are a little Goldmine. There are people who have reusable, cleanable filters.

 

The bypass valve may open on an old Subaru, then there is no filtration.

 

Lots of big chunks in a lot of Subaru motors I've looked at.

 

Then, times when a solvent is put in the crancase and knocks all manner of debri loose.

 

Filter clogging stuff, and I'd wager a lot of folks don't even know it.

 

Anyway, can of worms.

 

Doug

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"Hidden Horrors

Worse than outright failure is an oil filter that fails in its task without ever letting on. A poorly constructed internal bypass valve inside the filter can open unnecessarily and cause the oil to simply go around the filter. Filtration is lost without any outward signs. Conversely, a clogged oil filter will also cause a bypass valve to open. Just because an oil filter looks right or screws onto an engine does not mean it's the right one for the job. Oil filters are manufactured to match engine requirements to maintain the correct oil pressure, flow volume, pressure relief valve opening and of course filtration. Always select only an oil filter designed and built specifically to work with the engine and oil system it is to be spun onto."

 

If you're looking for a different filter pay attention to the Pressure relief valve opening point. Though it's not "that" critical.

 

My Chevy LS series motor doesn't use a pressure relief valve in the filter.

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Hey,

 

Try this experiment, if you want. I do this with Pure One filters, and IMO a cheap one wouldn't be worth it.

 

Weigh your time and the materials cost tho. Take the filter off and dunk it in solvent, blow compressed air, clean, repeat. I've got it down where I use less than a dollars worth of solvent.

 

Flush and blow with compressed air until it's clean. (No more dirty stuff comes out)

 

Put it back. On an old Sube I got, I did this three times to get the new oil to where it would stay clean. You can actually see the oil clean up.

 

Doug

 

Edit: In my eyes, to answer the original question, yes, a larger filter is preferred and better for me.

Edited by Quidam
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Also, do Subaru filter not have a check valve to prevent back flow since they are vertically mounted but all others do since they have to be more universal in fitment?

 

The anti drain back valve...yes, my filter has it, and yes you'll probably want one with that feature too.

 

Edit: Here's the three common size oil filter threads.

M20 x 1.5mm

M18 x 1.5mm

¾ UNF16

When your gasket matches up, threads the same, oil pressure relief valve in the same range...if it has the anti drain back valve you need, it's ok to put it on your engine.

Edited by Quidam
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I've worked on plenty of serviceable oil filters. The reason they went to fiberous, disposable filter elements is because they filter better and are a LOT cheaper to produce and easier to maintain. Cleaning those old filter elements is time consuming, troublesome, and messy - and it's near impossible (IE: Very, very expensive) to produce an element that will both trap 5 micron particulate as well as release it on demand - thus limiting their useful lifespan (yes - they don't last forever). Time and mess = money. A monkey can change a spin-on in 30 seconds. You would have to pay for 30 minutes of that monkey's time to clean the serviceable element. There are other reasons besides "it's a goldmine".

 

In short - there are damn good reasons no one uses serviceable filter elements anymore.

 

I'm not going into all the reasons why you shouldn't clean a throw-away filter (There's a short story there I'm sure), but mostly the solvent will stay in the filter media, break it down, as well as break down your oil. This is a REALLY bad idea. It's paper and it's glued together - you folks can do the math on that one. :rolleyes:

 

GD

Edited by GeneralDisorder
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This K&N "GOLD" oil filter fits all these cars:

 

The K&N Filters HP-1004 Fits the Following VehiclesYearsMazda 8081972 - 1974

Mazda Mizer1976 - 1977

Mazda GLC DX1977 - 1979

1984 - 1985

Mazda GLC LX1977

1984 - 1985

Mazda GLC1978 - 1985

Mazda GLC Sport1978 - 1983

Mazda GLC Custom1980 - 1983

Mazda RX-7 GS1980 - 1985

Mazda RX-7 S1980 - 1985

Mazda GLC Custom L1981 - 1983

Mazda RX-7 GSL1981 - 1985

Honda Prelude1983 - 1987

1997 - 2001

Mazda RX-7 Limited Edition1983

Honda Accord1984 - 1985

Honda Accord LX1984 - 2002

Isuzu Trooper1984 - 1985

Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE1984 - 1985

Chevrolet Spectrum1985 - 1989

Honda Accord SEi1985

1989

Honda Accord S1985

Honda Prelude 2.0 Si1985 - 1991

Isuzu I-Mark DLX1985

Isuzu I-Mark1985 - 1987

Honda Accord DX1986 - 2002

Honda Accord LXi1986 - 1989

Hyundai Excel GLS1986 - 1991

Hyundai Excel1986 - 1994

Hyundai Excel GL1986 - 1994

Isuzu Trooper LS1986 - 1997

2000 - 2002

Isuzu Trooper LX1986

Isuzu Trooper DLX1986 - 1987

Mazda 3231986 - 1989

1991

Mazda 323 DX1986 - 1988

Mazda 323 LX1986 - 1989

Mazda RX-71986 - 1987

1991

Mazda RX-7 GXL1986 - 1990

Mazda RX-7 Turbo1986 - 1991

Chevrolet Spectrum CL1987 - 1988

Chevrolet Spectrum CL Plus1987 - 1988

Chevrolet Spectrum Express1987 - 1988

Chevrolet Spectrum Turbo1987 - 1988

Isuzu I-Mark S1987 - 1989

Mazda RX-7 Sport1987

Mazda RX-7 2+21987

Mazda RX-7 GXL 2+21987 - 1990

Mazda RX-7 LX1987

Mazda RX-7 LX 2+21987

Mitsubishi Precis1987 - 1994

Mitsubishi Precis LS1987 - 1989

Subaru Justy GL1987

Subaru Justy DL1987

Acura Integra LS1988 - 2001

Acura Integra RS1988 - 1998

Acura Integra LS Special Edition1988

Honda Civic DX1988 - 2000

Honda Civic1988 - 1991

Honda Civic RT 4WD1988 - 1991

Honda Civic Wagovan1988 - 1989

Honda Civic LX1988 - 2000

Honda CRX DX1988

Honda CRX Si1988 - 1991

Honda CRX HF1988 - 1991

Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 4WS1988 - 1989

Honda Prelude 2.0 S1988 - 1990

Isuzu I-Mark XS1988 - 1989

Isuzu Pickup LS1988 - 1992

Isuzu Pickup S1988 - 1995

Isuzu Pickup 1 Ton1988 - 1992

Isuzu Trooper S1988 - 2002

Isuzu Trooper XS1988 - 1991

Mazda 323 SE1988 - 1989

1991

Mazda 323 GT1988

Mazda 323 GTX1988 - 1989

Mazda 9291988 - 1989

Mazda RX-7 SE1988

Mazda RX-7 SE 2+21988

Mazda RX-7 10th Anniversary1988

Mazda RX-7 Convertible1988 - 1991

Mazda RX-7 GTU1988 - 1990

Mercury Tracer1988 - 1989

Mitsubishi Galant Sigma1988

Mitsubishi Precis RS1988 - 1991

Honda Civic Si1989 - 1995

1999 - 2000

Honda CRX1989 - 1991

Hyundai Sonata GLS1989 - 2010

Hyundai Sonata1989 - 2004

Isuzu Amigo S1989 - 1994

1998 - 2000

Isuzu Amigo XS1989 - 1994

Isuzu I-Mark LS1989

Isuzu I-Mark RS1989

Isuzu Impulse1989

Isuzu Pickup XS1989 - 1990

Isuzu Trooper RS1989 - 1990

1993 - 1995

Mazda B2200 LX1989

Mazda B22001989

Mazda B2200 SE-51989

Mazda B26001989

Mazda B2600 LX1989

Mazda B2600 SE-51989

Mazda MPV Cargo1989

Mazda MPV Passenger1989

Mazda RX-7 GTUs1989 - 1990

Mitsubishi Galant LS1989 - 2003

Mitsubishi Galant1989 - 1992

Mitsubishi Galant GS1989 - 1992

1994

Mitsubishi Sigma1989 - 1990

Acura Integra GS1990 - 1993

1997 - 2001

Ford Festiva L Plus1990

Ford Festiva GL1990 - 1993

Ford Festiva LX1990

Ford Festiva L1990 - 1993

Geo Storm 2+2 GSi1990 - 1993

Geo Storm1990 - 1993

Geo Storm 2+21990 - 1993

Honda Accord EX1990 - 2002

Honda Civic EX1990 - 2000

Honda Prelude Si ALB1990 - 1991

Honda Prelude Si1990 - 1996

Honda Prelude Si 4WS1990 - 1994

Isuzu Impulse XS1990 - 1992

Lotus Elan1990 - 1992

Mazda Protege LX1990 - 1991

Mazda Protege 4WD1990 - 1991

Mazda Protege SE1990

Mitsubishi Eclipse GS1990 - 2005

2009

Mitsubishi Eclipse GST1990 - 1999

Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX1990 - 1999

Mitsubishi Eclipse1990 - 1994

1996 - 1997

Mitsubishi Galant GSX1990 - 1992

Plymouth Laser1990 - 1993

Plymouth Laser RS1990 - 1993

Dodge Stealth ES1991 - 1993

Dodge Stealth1991 - 1996

Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo1991 - 1996

Dodge Stealth R/T1991 - 1996

Honda Accord SE1991

1993

1997

2000

2002

Hyundai Excel GS1991 - 1994

Hyundai Scoupe1991 - 1995

Hyundai Scoupe LS1991 - 1995

Isuzu Impulse RS1991 - 1992

Isuzu Rodeo LS1991 - 2003

Isuzu Rodeo S1991 - 2004

Isuzu Rodeo XS1991 - 1992

Isuzu Stylus XS1991

Isuzu Stylus S1991 - 1993

Isuzu Trooper SE1991

1996

Mazda Protege DX1991

Mitsubishi 3000GT1991 - 1999

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-41991 - 1999

Mitsubishi 3000GT SL1991 - 1999

Mitsubishi Galant GSR1991 - 1992

Mitsubishi Galant VR-41991 - 1992

Acura Integra GS-R1992 - 2001

Acura Vigor GS1992 - 1994

Acura Vigor LS1992 - 1994

Honda Civic VX1992 - 1995

Honda Civic CX1992 - 2000

Honda Prelude S1992 - 1996

Hyundai Elantra GLS1992 - 2009

Hyundai Elantra1992 - 1998

Hyundai Elantra GL1992

1996 - 1999

Isuzu Stylus RS1992

Mitsubishi Diamante LS1992 - 1995

Mitsubishi Diamante ES1992 - 1996

Mitsubishi Montero SR1992 - 1997

Mitsubishi Montero1992 - 1993

1998 - 2000

Mitsubishi Montero LS1992 - 1997

Mitsubishi Montero RS1992 - 1993

Subaru SVX LSL1992 - 1993

Subaru SVX LS1992

1994 - 1995

Honda Accord 10th Anniversary1993

Honda Civic del Sol Si1993 - 1997

Honda Civic del Sol S1993 - 1997

Honda Prelude VTEC1993 - 1996

Hyundai Scoupe Turbo1993 - 1995

Mitsubishi Galant ES1993 - 2003

2008 - 2009

Mitsubishi Galant S1993 - 1996

Ford Aspire1994 - 1996

Ford Aspire SE1994 - 1995

Honda Civic del Sol VTEC1994 - 1997

Honda Passport EX1994 - 2002

Honda Passport LX1994 - 2002

Honda Passport DX1994 - 1996

Hyundai Sonata GL1994 - 1998

2005 - 2006

Subaru SVX L1994 - 1997

Subaru SVX LSi1994 - 1997

Acura Integra Special Edition1995 - 1996

Acura TL1995 - 2005

Acura TL Premium1995 - 1998

Honda Odyssey EX1995 - 2004

Honda Odyssey LX1995 - 2004

Honda Prelude SE1995

Hyundai Accent L1995 - 2002

Hyundai Accent1995 - 1996

2004

Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder SL1995 - 1996

Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder VR-41995 - 1996

Mitsubishi Eclipse RS1995 - 2004

Acura RL1996 - 1998

Acura RL Premium1996 - 2004

Acura SLX Premium1996 - 1999

Acura SLX1996 - 1997

Honda Accord Value Package1996 - 1997

2001 - 2002

Honda Accord 25th Anniversary Edition1996

Honda Civic HX1996 - 2000

Hyundai Accent GT1996 - 1997

2004 - 2005

Isuzu Oasis LS1996 - 1999

Isuzu Oasis S1996 - 1999

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST1996 - 1999

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS1996 - 1999

2001 - 2005

2009

Acura CL1997 - 1998

2002 - 2003

Acura CL Premium1997 - 1999

2001

Acura Integra Type R1997 - 1998

2000 - 2001

Honda CR-V LX1997 - 2001

Honda Prelude Type SH1997 - 2001

Hyundai Accent GL1997 - 2004

Hyundai Accent GS1997 - 2002

2007 - 2009

Hyundai Tiburon FX1997 - 1999

Hyundai Tiburon1997 - 2001

2003 - 2004

Isuzu Trooper Ltd1997

Mitsubishi Galant DE1997 - 2003

2008

Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS1997 - 2004

Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES1997 - 2003

Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS1997 - 2004

Acura RL SE1998

Honda Civic GX1998 - 2000

Honda CR-V EX1998 - 2001

Hyundai Accent GSi1998

Honda Civic Value Package1999

Honda Odyssey Cargo1999 - 2002

Isuzu Rodeo LSE1999 - 2003

Isuzu VehiCROSS1999 - 2001

Mitsubishi Galant GTZ1999 - 2003

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Limited1999 - 2003

Honda CR-V SE2000 - 2001

Honda S20002000 - 2009

Isuzu Trooper Limited2000 - 2002

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT2000 - 2005

2009

Acura CL Type-S2001 - 2003

Acura MDX2001 - 2002

Acura MDX Touring2001 - 2002

Chrysler Sebring LXi Limited2001

Chrysler Sebring LX2001 - 2004

Chrysler Sebring LXi2001 - 2003

Dodge Stratus R/T2001 - 2005

Dodge Stratus SE2001 - 2004

Dodge Stratus ES2001 - 2004

Hyundai Elantra GT2001 - 2006

Hyundai Santa Fe GL2001

Hyundai Santa Fe LX2001 - 2005

Hyundai Santa Fe GLS2001 - 2006

Hyundai XG3002001

Hyundai XG300 L2001

Isuzu Rodeo S V62001 - 2003

Isuzu Rodeo Sport S V62001 - 2003

Kia Optima LX2001 - 2009

Kia Optima SE2001 - 2003

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT2001 - 2005

2009

Mitsubishi Montero Limited2001 - 2006

Mitsubishi Montero XLS2001 - 2004

Subaru Outback L.L. Bean2001 - 2004

Subaru Outback VDC2001 - 2003

Subaru Outback2001 - 2004

2008

Subaru Outback Limited2001 - 2005

Acura TL Type-S2002 - 2003

Chrysler Sebring LX Plus2002

Chrysler Sebring GTC2002 - 2005

Chrysler Sebring Limited2002 - 2005

Dodge Stratus SE Plus2002

Hyundai Santa Fe2002 - 2005

Hyundai Sonata LX2002 - 2006

Hyundai XG3502002 - 2005

Hyundai XG350 L2002 - 2005

Isuzu Axiom2002 - 2003

Isuzu Axiom XS2002 - 2004

Kia Sedona LX2002 - 2005

Kia Sedona EX2002 - 2005

Subaru Outback H62002 - 2004

Dodge Stratus SXT2003 - 2005

Honda Pilot EX2003

Honda Pilot LX2003

Hyundai Tiburon GT2003 - 2008

Kia Sorento EX2003 - 2006

Kia Sorento LX2003 - 2006

Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS2003 - 2005

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GTS2003 - 2005

Chrysler Sebring Touring2004 - 2005

Chrysler Sebring2004 - 2005

Isuzu Axiom S2004

Kia Amanti2004 - 2006

Kia Optima EX2004 - 2009

Kia Spectra LX2004 - 2005

2007 - 2009

Kia Spectra2004

Kia Spectra GS2004

Kia Spectra GSX2004

Kia Spectra LS2004

Kia Spectra EX2004 - 2009

Subaru Outback H6 VDC2004

Subaru Outback H6 35th Anniversary Edition2004

Hyundai Accent GLS2005 - 2009

Hyundai Tiburon GS2005 - 2008

Hyundai Tiburon SE2005 - 2008

Hyundai Tucson GLS2005 - 2009

Hyundai Tucson LX2005

Hyundai Tucson GL2005 - 2006

Kia Spectra SX2005 - 2009

Kia Spectra52005 - 2006

Kia Sportage EX2005 - 2008

Kia Sportage LX2005 - 2009

Subaru Outback XT2005 - 2006

Subaru Outback XT Limited2005

2007 - 2008

Subaru Outback R2005 - 2006

Subaru Outback R L.L. Bean Edition2005 - 2008

Subaru Outback i2005

Subaru Outback VDC Limited2005

Hyundai Elantra Limited2006 - 2007

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited2006

Hyundai Tucson Limited2006 - 2009

Kia Rio2006 - 2009

Kia Rio LX2006 - 2009

Kia Rio5 SX2006 - 2009

Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited2006 - 2007

Subaru B9 Tribeca2006 - 2007

Subaru Outback R VDC Limited2006

Subaru Outback 2.5i2006 - 2008

Hyundai Accent SE2007 - 2009

Hyundai Elantra SE2007 - 2009

Hyundai Sonata SE2007 - 2010

Hyundai Sonata Limited2007 - 2010

Hyundai Tiburon GT Limited2007 - 2008

Hyundai Tucson SE2007 - 2008

Kia Rio SX2007 - 2009

Kia Rondo EX2007 - 2009

Kia Rondo LX2007 - 2009

Kia Spectra5 SX2007 - 2009

Subaru Outback 2.5i Basic2007

Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited2007 - 2008

Honda S2000 CR2008 - 2009

Kia Rio5 LX2008 - 2009

Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart2008 - 2009

Mitsubishi Outlander SE2008 - 2009

Mitsubishi Outlander ES2008 - 2009

Subaru Legacy 2.5i2008

Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited2008 - 2009

Subaru Legacy GT Limited2008

Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited2008

Subaru Legacy 2.5i Special Edition2008

Subaru Legacy GT spec.B2008

Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean Edition2008

Subaru Outback 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition2008

Subaru Tribeca2008 - 2009

Subaru Tribeca Limited2008 - 2009

Hyundai Elantra Touring2009

Mitsubishi Galant Sport Edition2009

Mitsubishi Galant Sport V62009

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart2009

Subaru Legacy 3.0 R2009

Subaru Outback 3.0 R Limited2009

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track2010

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec2010

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium2010

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T2010

Kia Forte SX2010

Kia Forte LX2010

Kia Forte EX2010

Kia Soul Sport2010

Kia Soul +2010

Kia Soul2010

Kia Soul !2010

 

Description for K&N Filters part# HP-1004

 

You will get oil filtration that is good as gold with these K&N oil filters.Keep your engine free from contaminants as small as 10 microns with these Performance Gold K&N oil filters. They use a resin-impregnated filter media to provide maximum filtering, and an inner core to lend extra structural support to the filter, preventing filter collapse. Plus, these K&N oil filters have an anti-drainback valve that eliminates dry starts and prevents oil from draining back into the crankcase during engine shutdown. And they are protected by a heavy-duty outer shell that guards against rock and stone damage and provides over 550 psi hydrostatic burst strength. So, if you want golden-level oil protection, then you want K&N oil filters

 

 

I'd use one of these only if I were rinning 100 psi of oil pressure. They cost too much for a disposable filter. They got the name right:)

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Since the previous owner used cheap oil, and crap filters, I don't see the point in going to any extra expense for oil and filters. There really isn't much cost difference untill you get into synthetics anyway. The last few years I've been using Mobil Clean 5000, $11 a jug at walmart, and Champ filters because I can get them at work for $1.30 each, in all my vehicles and they're just fine. In fact, I was using 15w40 DELo heavy truck oil in the Loyale since it would leak alost a quart and a half in 4 days! I got the oil from work real cheap :rolleyes:.

 

http://www.champlabs.com/

 

Oh, and no, bigger isn't better. Not worth the hassle, it's tight enough as it is getting your hands around it, and a bigger one will make it worse. I tried it on an Isuzu once, truck was still a turd, and the oil pressure dropped a bit.

Edited by Frank B
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NASCAR isn't in the buisiness of having engines last half a million miles - they are NEVER a good resource for how to run your commuter car engine - I get that you like NASCAR and wrestling but neither are real life my friend.

 

Touting any race orginization as the reason for doing something stupid to your car/truck/boat/tractor is a pretty nieve way of causeing serious damage to your power equipment.

 

And keep my engineering degree out of this. I have plenty of relevent education and experience in the field being discussed on this forum - the fact that I have education in a non-related field really has no bearing on this discussion. That's a personal attack and is not appreciated or relevent - nor does it strenghten your posistion. I've sited good reasons NOT to follow your examples with respect to filtration and frankly you have provided us with basically nothing in the form of evidence to the contrary.

 

I've gone through entire training courses on filtration from the likes of Parker, Mann, and other sources that are a ton more expert on the subject than you or I. There is a LOT that goes into filter design and one does not go and change the factory reccomendation without DAMN good reasons. There is more at work than just threads and seals and relief valve settings.

 

And NO ONE attempts to clean throw-away filters. That's plain dumb - they are $3 and both my time and the cost of the solvent to attempt to clean one are worth more than several new one's. Besides the fact that introducing harsh solvents to products manufactured with unknown adhesives and paper elements - big question marks arise about what it will/will not do to the inside of that filter. It just isn't done and to sugest such a thing to people that are asking for sound advice on how to maintain their car is bordering on irresponsible. Go ahead and do it if you want but don't tell others to perform such foolish acts.

 

GD

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GD,

 

I haven't read your response and don't intend to. You are a self proclamed rump roast. Here's what I said back there, and I'm leaving the rest on the floor, where it belongs.

 

" In my eyes, to answer the original question, yes, a larger filter is preferred and better for me."

 

Doug

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I haven't read your response and don't intend to. You are a self proclamed rump roast. Here's what I said back there, and I'm leaving the rest on the floor, where it belongs.

 

That's perfectly fine. My response wasn't intended for you. It was for all the people that might read your post and get completely screwed up by it. Besides - you'll read it. You won't be able to help yourself. I took psychology as well....

 

GD

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in response to the OP the best filter for your car is the one designed for it. Subaru spent millions designing the engine to work within certain parameters and changing to a non standard filter might take it out of those parameters. the cost of a real Subaru filter is low enough to justify using the one designed for the engine. I may be a newer member here but I do know a thing or two about engines and what kills them. I've been building race cars for the better part of two decades. If you aren't sure then don't experiment with your engines longevity stick with what the designers intended and it will last a long time.

Edited by vagen
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If you want the ultimate in oil filters install a Frantz bypass oil filter. It will keep your oil analytically clean 100% of the time. Some will bad mouth the Frantz but modern oil analysis tests have proven the Frantz does work as advertised.

 

Any full flow filter, regardless of manufacturer, is nothing more than a screen that removes the large particles. A bypass filter on the other hand removes much smaller particles. Large over the road diesels that run for over 1 million miles use both full flow and bypass oil filters.

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Quidam and GD...

 

get back to the OP topic or deletion will follow.

 

Everyone here has an opinion. There is a thread of truth in all of them.

 

Bottom line... a larger filter does not mean better filtration. What a larger filter will allow is a slight increase in capacity. Nothing more.

 

As far as dry sumps and full race/cpmpetition oil systems... not designed for a commuter. Period, end of discussion.

 

Higher end filters will give better filtration than cheaper ones. It comes down to the element. Better elements cost more therefore the filter also costs more. Napa gold, Top line Fram, Subaru oem, top line Purolator all provide a better element which will trap more particulates. And all of those comes with an anti drain valve.

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I do not know alot about filters or what not but I do know that GD has had very sound advice I also know that I had enough trouble putting on the regular filter in the space provided (of course you may have a differnet engine).

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Bottom line... a larger filter does not mean better filtration. What a larger filter will allow is a slight increase in capacity. Nothing more.

 

Sorry, but you did miss one important benefit of using a larger filter. When starting a cold engine, the bypass valve can open thus allowing dirt previously caught in the filter to circulate through the engine. The thicker the oil, the colder it is, and the smaller the filter, the greater the chances this will happen. In cold climates it's best to use the largest filter available.

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The filter actually gets better as it ages and that won't happen as quickly with a larger filter media.

 

GD

 

That is true. In one of the papers SAE makes available to the public, they show how air and oil filters actually filter better after they get a layer of contamination on them. Clean isn't necessarily better.

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