Good Oil Filter?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
Rep Power: 0 
Good Oil Filter?
it is suspected that Honda's OEM oil filter is a Fram. According to some reviews, Frams are subpar filters.
Who else makes filters that'll fit our cars? Bosch?
Who else makes filters that'll fit our cars? Bosch?
Premium Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 0
From: Alabama, US
Rep Power: 0 There are all sorts of brand name and noname filters that fit our cars. Just pick the one you like. There's not a darn thing wrong with the Honda label filters. You think Honda wants all their cars going bad because they certified a bad filter?
Registered!!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,862
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, North Carolina, US
Rep Power: 0 << There are all sorts of brand name and noname filters that fit our cars. Just pick the one you like. There's not a darn thing wrong with the Honda label filters. You think Honda wants all their cars going bad because they certified a bad filter? >>
I think that is about all that needs to be said....I wouldn't spend the money on anything else. Honda is known for quality and they most certainly wouldn't put a subpar oil filter on their engines.
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 0 There's a cross section of the Honda OEM filter at:
http://handa-accessories.com/filterlrg.jpg
The filter is paper. From what I've read in this NG, aren't
paper filters supposed to be pieces of crap? Is Honda
using a low quality piece of crap filter?
DIY King
iTrader: (61)
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 0
From: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, US
Rep Power: 419 Thank you for the link. I missed this thread when it was first posted. I've been buying the Honda filters made in Canada.
I found an AutoZone that's close by and from now on I will only buy STP or Bosch filters.
I found an AutoZone that's close by and from now on I will only buy STP or Bosch filters.
Extreme Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas, US
Rep Power: 0 Go with Bosch, they make good filters. I have one on my car right now with new Mobil 1 Syn and my car runs alot smoother, probably just the syn though. The Bosch filter that fits our civics is 3323 last time I recalled.
DIY King
iTrader: (61)
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 0
From: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, US
Rep Power: 419
Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: GoOkStA
man, it dont matter wut oil filter u have, they all the same, just wut name brand u want?[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: GoOkStA
man, it dont matter wut oil filter u have, they all the same, just wut name brand u want?[hr]
Premium Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 0
From: Alabama, US
Rep Power: 0 Something the NTPOG filter evaluatiion doesn't consider is the pore size of the filter media. Smaller pore size with a too small filter media area can lead to higher pressures which will either force "dirt" through the filter, or the pressure can open the bypass, and allow dirt to get past the filter. Either way, the result is unfiltered particles circulating through the engine.
In order to use a finer filtration (smaller pores) without higher pressures, most filter makers will increase the area of the media, thus reducing the pressure from the smaller pore sizes. It all ends up being a balance between filtration efficiencey re; particle size retained, and the amount of filtration area,, determined partly by the overall size of the filter.
When the author mentions stiffer bypass valves, this may very well be an indication that those particular filters may operate at higher pressures. Thus they make their bypass open at higher pressures. Higher pressures may lead to particles being forced through the filter, and more resistance to oil flow in general.
So when considering what is the best filter, all other things (quality, construction, materials) being equal, the filter area plus the filter pore size must be part of the selection process.
I believe that the NPTOG article is accurate and useful as far as it goes. It just doesn't go far enough. Once the best quality filters are selected, then there are areas not covered by the article that must be considered.
In order to use a finer filtration (smaller pores) without higher pressures, most filter makers will increase the area of the media, thus reducing the pressure from the smaller pore sizes. It all ends up being a balance between filtration efficiencey re; particle size retained, and the amount of filtration area,, determined partly by the overall size of the filter.
When the author mentions stiffer bypass valves, this may very well be an indication that those particular filters may operate at higher pressures. Thus they make their bypass open at higher pressures. Higher pressures may lead to particles being forced through the filter, and more resistance to oil flow in general.
So when considering what is the best filter, all other things (quality, construction, materials) being equal, the filter area plus the filter pore size must be part of the selection process.
I believe that the NPTOG article is accurate and useful as far as it goes. It just doesn't go far enough. Once the best quality filters are selected, then there are areas not covered by the article that must be considered.
Premium Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 0
From: Alabama, US
Rep Power: 0 If you are real serious about oil change intervals, filters, etc and wish to do some testing, oil samples can be sent to Blackstone labs for oil quality and engine wear analysis.
Blackstone Laboratory
Blackstone Laboratory
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
RIPSAW
Fuel, Oil, Cleaners & Other Maintenance
7
Nov 6, 2015 04:36 AM
superstanko
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
3
Apr 28, 2015 04:38 AM
Unleaded
General Honda Civic Forum Archive.
9
Jun 26, 2007 09:25 PM
