I do my own oil changes and was wondering if there is any definitive proof that one oil filter is better than another.

Is the Honda filter any better than another brand?

Is it any worse?

Does anybody have a data to share on this subject?

 

Filters differ in quality. Honda's may be made in USA, Canada, or Japan, and 'quality' varies depending on origin. Most Honda filters are Fram manufactured.

http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=31966

 

This might help:
http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/ar...ilterstudy.html

 

kster, that looks to be a "ported" or copied page... here's the original (note the author's name):

http://www.minimopar.net/oilfilterstudy.html

FWIW.

 

Thanks to all of you who supplied me with links. Now I can make an informed decision.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Prolene
[B]Filters differ in quality.

 

The big difference is that if an aftermarket filter fails (frams have in the past) and you blow up your engine you are on your own trying to get Fram to pay the rebuild bills.

If a Honda filter fails it is covered by Honda.

That is all I need to know about them.

 

Cdelena, I just took what I believe was posted by Marcucci. I'll check for that link.

Found it: "The Canadian-made filters are made by Fram for Honda, out of a Fram design. Check out the review, the Honda/Fram filter IS a Fram. You might as well buy the Fram and save money, unless you just want to support Honda (or think Fram might void the warranty). Honestly, though... buy the Fram and save a few bucks.

If you race, I'd avoid the Fram at all costs, as well as the US Honda filter. I highly doubt they would hold up to sustained high pressure." https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=31966

At least it was stated the Canadian made Honda filter was a Fram.

 

FWIW, taken from my writeup (at http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml):

A Honda filter, p/n 15400-PT7-005, stamped "MADE IN CANADA":



Full size image: http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/honda-ca3.jpg

Note that this filter uses cardboard end caps on the filter media (used as media casing). The bypass valve is a plastic plug in a metal plate.


A Fram filter, p/n PH3593A (stock replacement):



Full size image: http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/fram3593-2t.jpg

Note that this filter ALSO uses cardboard end caps on the filter media (used as media casing). The bypass valve is ALSO a plastic plug in a metal plate (different color, and upside down in this picture... I can provide a side-by-side comparison for anyone who cares). Playing with this plug I was able to get it to stick open very easily (can you say "bypass all the time?").


From the filters I've opened up, this is NOT concidence... filter design is pretty "obvious," there are very different types out there. You'd be surprised at the number that appear to be made by the same company... Honda/Fram/Isuzu, Bosch/STP/Mobil/ACDelco, Wix/NAPA, etc... FWIW, too, there are at least two Japanese suppliers that supply the OEM (factory installed part) and the OEM "replacement" that is distributed in Asia (got mine from Hong Kong). You've also got the HAMP parts, too.

For reference, here are the "other" Honda filters:

JDM Honda filter, p/n 15400-PR3-014, stamped "MADE IN JAPAN":



Full size image: http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/honda-jdm3.jpg

Stamped-steel end caps/casing for the filter media. Bypass valve is integrated into one cap.


USDM Honda filter, p/n 15400-P0H-305, stamped "MADE IN USA" and "FILTECH":



Full size image: http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/honda-us3.jpg

Same mechanical design as JDM Honda filter, different media altogether.


While the "USDM" and JDM filters look the same, the media is incredibly different. The US filter looks like a huge cotton ball that was rolled up, it's very "fibery" and looks like it would shed. For that reason I've stayed away from this filter (using Mobil 1 now). I'd also like to note that when you call hparts.com (or email) for an "oil filter" they send you the ones made in Canada. If you order the JDM p/n in the US (it's in hparts.com's computer, comes up as an oil filter) hparts.com will sub the US-made filter (?!). I haven't tried, but I'm sure if you order the US filter you get the US filter (or order Canadian you get Canadian).

With regards to the factory warranty, if you're worried about Honda warranteeing the engine, by all means, buy the Honda filter. I'm quite tired of arguing my point, but MY take on it is this: I plan to keep my S2 for a VERY long time. The 30k miles that it's under warranty will be a very short period of that. I would not even consider a filter for my car that would be the least bit questionable. For Honda to deny a warranty claim on my engine (should it fail) they would have to prove that the filter contributed to that demise, anyhow. In my eyes, the question is this: would you rather risk a problem with an inferior filter, or risk a warranty denial for a failure you are likely preventing?

I'm not a mechanical engineer (I am an engineer, though). I'm not a materials engineer. I'm not a petroleum or filtration engineer. I'm not a moron, though. Fram's reputation precedes them, MANY fleets have policies specifically against using Fram products. I am very dissappointed in Honda using Fram's technology, but I also understand they have millions of cars on the road to deal with (driven by people who could care less). There is no place in my oil system, though, for carboard being used as a filter cartridge casing.

Will a Fram fail? Likely not, especially not in normal driving. Would Honda use them if it would? Probably not. Would you use Coastal or some house-brand or generic oil? Probably not. Why? Same reason I won't use a Fram or Honda filter "Made in Canada" (no offense to you Canadians!).

 

Good POINT thats why I use K&N and MOBIL 1 for my car as well