However, I have been able to discern that it's made on the same line as the K&N filter, but will a media that is slightly better at filtration. Based on testing by others I still think this is a really good filter. The AMSOIL SDF-20 filter is well constructed and lab tests show that it's an excellent filter. At 6350 miles this filter was able to generate the above lab test report and show that 10w40 oil in an H22A4 causes no problems. On the other hand, it's big brother the SDF-44 did not filter oil well at 13,000 miles. Proving that an oversized filter is not always a good thing when it comes to filtration. The K&N HP-1004 is a great filter.
This filter is meant to maintain higher flow while still actively filtering, as opposed to by-passing. Lab tests using Mobil 1 at 7500 miles indicates that this filter works as well as the AMSOIL SDF-20. The FRAM x2 (and only the FRAM x2 Series) is probably the most heavily constructed filter I've seen so far. Though all of the Japanese made filters were of exceptional quality, the Fram x2 was as good in every way. Of note with the construction were the following features: metal screen backing the media, heavy metal end caps (oil filter yamaha have cardboard), and 2 layer filter medium. Lab testing indicates this filter is fine at 5000 miles use with Mobil 1.
While both the STP and the Bosch filters were at one point good filters, they are now manufactured off shore of sub-standard parts.
With most filters there is an obvious and discrete by-pass valve, but with these filters the can spring and the by-pass valve are the same. The real issue is that in order for the filter to properly by-pass the entire advance auto part oil filter assembly would have to move down during use. This means that the by-pass will effectively never work.
In the course of testing, we tried a Purolator PureOne oversized statement number; it leaked pretty bad. Upon inspection, the gasket was found to be MUCH too large, large enough that the oversized M1-105 filter (and M1-104, OEM size) gasket actually fit inside it. Check the filter immediately upon starting the motor and look for leaks. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on it, and monitor oil pressure if possible. Also keep in mind the difference in bypass spring pressures as this may dramatically affect the way your vehicle's oiling system operates.
But when I finally got smart and pulled out the dremel tool with the cutting wheel, that did the trick. Forget using a hack-saw if you decide to do something like this. What I did was cut the case just above the seam that is located by the base-plate (I'm calling the base-plate the end that screws onto the engine - it's the heaviest plate of the toyota avalon oil filter). This analysis covers some basic key-measures of these oil filters. Unfortunately I cannot test the paper elements themselves to determine their actual filtering measurements and this is a very important key-measure.
I'm maintaining 5 cars right now (2 for me, wife's, daughter's, and son's). I don't know anymore about small engine oil filters, though, than you'll know after reading this report and others you might find on the internet.
I've found Toyotas to be most excellent automobiles, really durable and well made (but you know that already) and I've owned 4 of them with 3 of those being Corollas. I think Corolla is the highest value vehicle made today, just my opinion, its a great around town car that has the capability of making fairly pleasant interstate trips and it doesn't beat you up to bad in the process. I've bought stp oil filters for this report that I thought were good quality and that an average guy might use. Over the years, I've bought about every oil filter brand out there. I've never really known what was inside oil filters either, or much about how they worked. I imagine there are engineers out there that spend an entire career designing oil filters. I know a whole lot more today than I did, so its been worth the effort. I can see there is a lot of science, both design, material and production, in oil filters. Certainly more than I ever thought there was.
This filter is meant to maintain higher flow while still actively filtering, as opposed to by-passing. Lab tests using Mobil 1 at 7500 miles indicates that this filter works as well as the AMSOIL SDF-20. The FRAM x2 (and only the FRAM x2 Series) is probably the most heavily constructed filter I've seen so far. Though all of the Japanese made filters were of exceptional quality, the Fram x2 was as good in every way. Of note with the construction were the following features: metal screen backing the media, heavy metal end caps (oil filter yamaha have cardboard), and 2 layer filter medium. Lab testing indicates this filter is fine at 5000 miles use with Mobil 1.
While both the STP and the Bosch filters were at one point good filters, they are now manufactured off shore of sub-standard parts.
With most filters there is an obvious and discrete by-pass valve, but with these filters the can spring and the by-pass valve are the same. The real issue is that in order for the filter to properly by-pass the entire advance auto part oil filter assembly would have to move down during use. This means that the by-pass will effectively never work.
In the course of testing, we tried a Purolator PureOne oversized statement number; it leaked pretty bad. Upon inspection, the gasket was found to be MUCH too large, large enough that the oversized M1-105 filter (and M1-104, OEM size) gasket actually fit inside it. Check the filter immediately upon starting the motor and look for leaks. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on it, and monitor oil pressure if possible. Also keep in mind the difference in bypass spring pressures as this may dramatically affect the way your vehicle's oiling system operates.
But when I finally got smart and pulled out the dremel tool with the cutting wheel, that did the trick. Forget using a hack-saw if you decide to do something like this. What I did was cut the case just above the seam that is located by the base-plate (I'm calling the base-plate the end that screws onto the engine - it's the heaviest plate of the toyota avalon oil filter). This analysis covers some basic key-measures of these oil filters. Unfortunately I cannot test the paper elements themselves to determine their actual filtering measurements and this is a very important key-measure.
I'm maintaining 5 cars right now (2 for me, wife's, daughter's, and son's). I don't know anymore about small engine oil filters, though, than you'll know after reading this report and others you might find on the internet.
I've found Toyotas to be most excellent automobiles, really durable and well made (but you know that already) and I've owned 4 of them with 3 of those being Corollas. I think Corolla is the highest value vehicle made today, just my opinion, its a great around town car that has the capability of making fairly pleasant interstate trips and it doesn't beat you up to bad in the process. I've bought stp oil filters for this report that I thought were good quality and that an average guy might use. Over the years, I've bought about every oil filter brand out there. I've never really known what was inside oil filters either, or much about how they worked. I imagine there are engineers out there that spend an entire career designing oil filters. I know a whole lot more today than I did, so its been worth the effort. I can see there is a lot of science, both design, material and production, in oil filters. Certainly more than I ever thought there was.
