Split topic: Oil Filters
 

I guess you'll flip out when I tell you I just put a Wal-Mart SuperTech filter on a Dodge CTD.

BTW, although not quite as good as a Fleetguard, they are pretty darn good filters (especially for the price).

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

[quote author=Jelly link=board=4;threadid=23740;start=0#msg223694 date=1071500315]
I guess you'll flip out when I tell you I just put a Wal-Mart SuperTech filter on a Dodge CTD.

BTW, although not quite as good as a Fleetguard, they are pretty darn good filters (especially for the price).
[/quote]

No problem here at all, it's your truck. People look at me funny and shake their heads when I tell them I run my oil 50,000 miles. ( but I also run a dual remote filter system )

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

It's actually dads... ;D

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

I hope your dad carries a cellphone and a phone book with him so he can call a tow truck when the noname oil filter disintegrates and clogs his piston cooling ports with neoprene....I have heard of this happening way too much with name brand filters....Wix, Fram, etc. and causes major engine trouble......just thought Id mention that in case you already didnt know.

I dont mind spending $1.50 more to protect my warranty and engine.....

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Dr. Evil,

Well, not to start an argument with you, but I don't believe you know much about filters...

The SuperTech (Wal-Mart) filter is actually produced by Champion Labs. which also produces such filters as ACDelco and K&N. It's a real good filter for a low price.

The problems you are talking about relate to the Fram filter, which is a pretty much the worse filter you can buy...


Quote:

"TECHNICAL INFORMATION

It has been brought to our attention that a few DaimlerChrysler service technicians are
recommending that the FRAM PH3976 filter not be used on DaimlerChrysler vehicles with
the Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel engine and that use of these filters can cause damage to
the engine. DaimlerChrysler has informed us that they released a Technical Service
Bulletin to their dealerships communicating a potential contamination issue and
recommending the use of Fleetguard manufactured filters.
FRAM has been selling PH3976 filter for this engine application since the engine platform
launch and it has maintained an extremely reliable service record.
Late in 2000, Cummins and DaimlerChrysler brought to our attention a low incidence
failure mode in their Cummins 5.9L Turbo Diesel engine of the piston cooling nozzle
plugging, resulting in engine failure. The plugging was caused by contaminates lodging in
the nozzle. The contaminants included metal chips, calcium carbonate, polyethylene, and
styrene butadiene that are not associated with filter manufacture, and a neoprene
compound, which is used as a sealant on the tapping plate of the filter. There were also
several other engine warranty issues determined unrelated to the piston cooling nozzle
plugging that were part of the engine failure sample.
A small amount of neoprene rubber was used in the FRAM filter as a sealant. Throughout
our investigation with Cummins & DaimlerChrysler on various engine failures, no
conclusive evidence was found to assign cause to filters or other contamination
sources. However, driven to satisfy our customers, the FRAM engineering team made
modifications to the design eliminating the neoprene and expedited development and
manufacturing to release a revised filter model number to PH3976A.
With the design change on the PH3976A completely removing the use of neoprene,
there is absolutely no validity in comments that the Fram filter should not be used
for this application or that it may cause engine failures associated with plugged
nozzles.
The Honeywell Consumer Products Group warranty policy also protects the consumer if it
is determined that a FRAM filter is responsible for damage to an engine due to defects in
design or workmanship.
This information should be openly conveyed to our customers if they have any concerns or
apprehension about using a FRAM filter for this application."

After this, Fram went back and made some changes to their filter:

"FRAM ANNOUNCES PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PH3976

THE PH3976 WILL BE SUPERCEDED TO THE PH3976A

Several important product
improvements have been made to the
PH3976A:
· The cartridge has been upgraded
to contain a spiral center tube.
· The retainer spring is more robust.
23% thicker and stronger material.
· A plastic centertube seal has been
added between the centertube and
the tapping plate. This
improvement creates a better seal
between the filter cartridge and the
tapping plate"

You still won't see me running a Fram though (ON ANYTHING)...mostly noteably, the small filter element size and cardboard endcaps make me stay away.

In my opinion though, oil filters, and the choices you make are not nearly important as what oil you run. I would have never thought this before, but based on reading many analysis results, I do believe it now.

Just buy a good-flowing, well-constructed filter...if you're only running a full-flow filter, as most everyone here is, you're only gonna catch the big stuff anyways, and if you have two filters that flow enough oil, your engine wear isn't gonnna differ any if you choose a 10-micron $8 filter or a 20-micron $2-filter.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

This is a link to a TSB from Dodge which lists the approved oil filters to ensure warranty compliance.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-004-01.htm

The approved list:
Part Number Manufacturer

05016547AC Mopar
LF3894 Fleetguard Stratopore
LF3552 Fleetguard Microglass
LF3949 Fleetguard Cellulose
3937695 Cummins Cellulose
FL896 MotorCraft Cellulose
L45335 Purolator Cellulose
PF1070 AC Delco Cellulose

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Please confine your discussions to relavent facts and take the attacks elsewhere.

Ed
Moderator

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Dr. Evil,

I said what I said because the statement you made is exactly what someone who knew nothing about oil filters would say...if you are knowledgable in the subject, then I am truely sorry...I don't mean to start stupid fights with fellow board members.

I'm not trying to make a personal atttack on you; I just know that the SuperTech filter, while just a lowly, aftermarket, no-name filter, is actually very well-constructed, has a good amount of filter element (about double the Fram), and flows prety darn good as well. Saying that this filter will just blow apart in this engine is, for lack of a better word, a B.S. statement.

Also, thanks Shovelhead for the TSB link...and in my opinion, if DaimlerChrylser thinks the Purolator and AcDelco is good enough for the CTD, then I feel absolutely sure that the SuperTech is good as well, as it is a basic clone of the AcDelco (well, the AutoZone ACDelco) and is made just as well as the Purolator.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

I didn't mean to start and oil filter war, I merely wanted to know if I was using the wrong filter and if so what one to use. Cost to me is not an issue because it is cheap insurance in my oppinion. I just bought the wrong filters the first time and just realized it. Do you guys think I will be safe for another 2,000 miles on this LF3349 now that its winter or should I just rechange it now with the good filter? Thanks and sorry for any arguments this may have caused.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Guys,

There is no war here.....I just dont appreciate someone telling me that I dont know what Im talking about, when they dont know anything about me or my background....I, and most people on here would never do that.

My point is that there have been documented failures with oil filters - not just Fram.....I would bet that the no-name filters are the ones that will eventually lead to engine demise.

Like I said before....I do not believe in saving $1.50 on an oil filter that may/will cause major engine problems. If you want to risk engine damage - its your choice. I have NEVER heard of ANY engine problems caused by a Fleetguard filter. My advice is to always use an "approved" filter especially if you still have warranty.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

I think that the most bang for my buck can be had by staying with the factory recomendation through the warranty period. Thanks to Shovelhead for the post from the factory.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

i have heard of these filter wars before. i use a baldwin like alot of the comm vehicle owners such as construction companys etc. i got the bums rush from dc once when i showed up with a improved fram filter. so i emailed fram and they explained hoe a few engines had problems with particals plugging oil ports etc and they had redesigned. i think dc wants us to by their filters from them. if it meets industry standards dc has to prove that the filter caused the failure.just by industry standard filters.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Jigdog,

Who does DC have to prove this to?? They can and will just void your warranty whether the filter caused the problem or not...

You must have some pretty deep pockets - I cant even imagine what it would cost to take DC to court over an oil filter....instead, you could go out and buy yourself 3 or 4 new CTD's....

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

dr.This is an information exchange forum. I have given my information from personal experience i am not here to have a debate about warranty satisfaction. that is all.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

I personally have witnessed one of the trucks sitting at the dealer (engine apart). Cause? Fram filter. Like Dr. Evil said, why risk anything over a couple of bucks? Jelly is also right by saying that oil quality is most important, and there is a type of oil that is also recomended by Cummins. But I would have to say that if DC can void your warranty by using the wrong filter then they have a darn good reason. I dont think they got their high powered attorneys to rig up a scam so they can make a few extra dollars cornering the oil filter market! Every manufacturer recomends you use their factory parts. No war here, just opinions. ;D

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Hey guys,

Since we're all in such a fantastic mood 8) 8) I'm seriously thinking of going with the synthetic----amsoil??? anybody point me down the narrow path ??? ???

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

[quote author=jigdog link=board=4;threadid=23740;start=15#msg224160 date=1071547740]
dr.This is an information exchange forum. I have given my information from personal experience i am not here to have a debate about warranty satisfaction. that is all.
[/quote]

I know this is an information exchange......Im just pointing out that you will have a very hard time fighting DC over a failed engine...I know this from personal experience. I am well aware of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, but am merely saying you would need a very good attorney and a lot of money to fight DC.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

[quote author=Magnum link=board=4;threadid=23740;start=15#msg224173 date=1071548542]
Hey guys,

Since we're all in such a fantastic mood 8) 8) I'm seriously thinking of going with the synthetic----amsoil??? anybody point me down the narrow path ??? ???
[/quote]
AHHH, Amsoil? Looking for a new religion? Just stick with a quality filter. We all know that Baldwin probably makes most of Amsoil's filters, and Exxon/Mobil probably supplies most of their PAO basestocks, and Lubrizol the additive chemistry.......all mixed together in multi-level marketing hype.......been there, done that. Oh, well. Now I know better.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Cumminsdude,
Some guys like to DISCUSS [laugh] what is the best oil & filter to use!!! ;) I use the Fleetgaurd microglass filter from Geno's. I usually call them and order over the phone. I get the kit of oil filters, fuel filters and air filter. Love my Cummins. Adios.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Just for anyone who is interested -- Champion Labs does design and manufacture the majority of filters sold "off the shelf" in North America -- but they design them according to external specifications. Which means that a Champion-made filter will be of different designs, materials quality, and manufacturing quality, depending on different brands. For example, a Super-Tech from Wally World will have a plasticized cardboard back plate to inhibit mixing dirty oil with filtered oil. An AC Delco will have a metal backing plate. Both are made by Champion.

Stick with the LF 3894 Stratapore and feel as safe as you can. If you can't afford it, you probably can't afford one of these trucks. JMHO. ;)

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Tartarus,

Fram (and re-badged Frams) filters are the ones that have the cardboard endcaps, and even Purolator has started going to them on a few models.

As far as I know, all Champion made SuperTech's use metal.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Sorry -- I've seen several Super-Tech's cut open. They all had plasticized paper plates, with bits of glue spattered inside the can and on the filter material pleats. Not only that, but the pleats were uneven, and the can-spring also served as a bypass valve -- not a good design, because the bypass usually will not work with the filter properly seated into the anti-drainback valve.

On the other hand, Champion Labs also makes the Mobil 1 filter line, which is pretty good. Like I said -- your company gives them the specs and price-outs -- they'll make whatever you want. ::)

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

[quote author=Tartarus link=board=4;threadid=23740;start=15#msg224522 date=1071603068]
Sorry -- I've seen several Super-Tech's cut open. They all had plasticized paper plates, with bits of glue spattered inside the can and on the filter material pleats. Not only that, but the pleats were uneven, and the can-spring also served as a bypass valve -- not a good design, because the bypass usually will not work with the filter properly seated into the anti-drainback valve.

On the other hand, Champion Labs also makes the Mobil 1 filter line, which is pretty good. Like I said -- your company gives them the specs and price-outs -- they'll make whatever you want. ::)
[/quote]

Yup..........many (read cheap) filters will end up costing you lots in the end...I guess it depends how dangerously you like to live. The companies that are getting the filters made for them dont really care what its made of - they just want a rock bottom price. They know the likelihood of a dissatisfied customer taking them to court is very low...

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

magnum.i haven't used the amsoil engine oil but am using the tranny fluid and gear oil.it has lowered my tranny temps by 15-20 degrees and the fluid works beter at lower and higher temps.i have heard a lot of good reports of it here and no bad ones. ;D

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Any one who cares, read this. scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Check the last line on the webpage. ;)

This page is maintained by XXXXXXXXXXX and was last updated 05/25/99. Comments? Questions? Email

Bottom line:
It's your truck and your choice. ;)

My truck only gets Fleetguard LF3894 filters.

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

Beings as we are talking about oil filters if you want to see some side by side comparisons on performance with fleetguard then check their website @ www.baldwinfilter.com i think you will find the comparison interesting. ;D ;D

Re:Am I using the wrong oil filter?
 

I use a wix filter and have never had any problems. I live on a farm and this is the only kind of filter that we use. It is highly recommended by many parts stores. Also my uncle works for a fuel company and they were using a cheap brand filter until the filter collapside. They had to get the engine rebuilt and cummins told them to run fram, wix, or fleetgaurd I think, so I am not worried about running a cheaper fitler because they are a really good filter. dave

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

I split this thread as the original question was is this member using the correct Part number Fleetguard oil filter for his truck.

This has morphed into a discussion about many other brands.
No problemo, just keep to the facts and keep it civil.

Ed
Moderator

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

Hey thanks Shovelhead. When I read this again I was like WHAT is going on! Took me a second to realize you renamed it, and then I read your post. Thanks for the answers to my question.

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

[move] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]DID YOU KNOW FORD OWNS CUMMINS! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh][/move]



Sorry, had to do it, feeling alittle [eyecrazy] tonight and this thread has me cracking up! [laugh]

P.S. I use Fleetgaurd filters. ;D

dogslipsoutthebackdoorbeforehecausestrouble

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

[quote author=02DSLDOG link=board=4;threadid=23845;start=30#msg224788 date=1071628663]
[move] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]DID YOU KNOW FORD OWNS CUMMINS! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh][/move]
[/quote]


hahaha, priceless ;D

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

Did you know that D. C. owns Detroit diesel


Btw call me whatever but I just go to the dealer and buy the filters that way less argunent about warranty issue if sumthin goes wrong

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

[quote author=eieio link=board=4;threadid=23845;start=30#msg224806 date=1071630851]

Btw call me whatever but I just go to the dealer and buy the filters that way less argunent about warranty issue if sumthin goes wrong
[/quote]

I guess it would be a boring world if everybody did what they were supposed to.....what would we have to argue about on DTR???? If ya cant argue about oil filters and oil, what can u argue about??? [laugh]

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

I use the Fram 3976A for over 50,000 miles with no filter problems.I like fram they stand behind their product,I remember reading some time ago that the fram could not stand the high oil pressure of the cummins,but I can't see that being a problem because my race runs much high pressure than my truck and it runs a fram.I think the power of suggestion goes a long way. :P

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

Fram??? :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

[quote author=TE-44 link=board=4;threadid=23845;start=30#msg224810 date=1071631247]
I use the Fram 3976A for over 50,000 miles with no filter problems.I like fram they stand behind their product,I remember reading some time ago that the fram could not stand the high oil pressure of the cummins,but I can't see that being a problem because my race runs much high pressure than my truck and it runs a fram.I think the power of suggestion goes a long way. :P
[/quote]
You might want to check the TSB's ref. that.

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

[quote author=TE-44 link=board=4;threadid=23845;start=30#msg224810 date=1071631247]
I use the Fram 3976A for over 50,000 miles with no filter problems.I like fram they stand behind their product,I remember reading some time ago that the fram could not stand the high oil pressure of the cummins,but I can't see that being a problem because my race runs much high pressure than my truck and it runs a fram.I think the power of suggestion goes a long way. :P
[/quote]

I have 6 of those things you can have! They are junk and fall apart taking the engine with them. I bought them because they were clearing them out of the parts store, a week before I read the TSB.

Seems the parts people knew they were bad, thats why they were sitting in the el cheapo bin I found them in. I guarantee they didn't sell them for a buck a piece for nothing ;)

No way will I use them on my engine, maybe the wifey would like to hang them on the Xmas tree ;D

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and believe it when people tell you there is a problem.

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

That TSB was written by dodge the same people who due not stand behind their products,because if they did this site would only have a high performance section and no need for the other topics.Before I stop using fram someone will have to show me how many motors failed because of them and not hear say failures.

Re:Split topic: Oil Filters
 

I guess ya cant say that you havent been warned....good luck to you...