Group 7 Oil Filters - Any good?
Discussion
Hi just seen this brand of filter for an Esprit in a budget chain store here in NZ. The one I was looking at is a V4670 for pre 91 cars. Has anyone used one? They are made in U.S.A. Am a little unsure as to stay clear or not. Am not putting USA stuff down, its just that I don't want to waste my time if its a big no no.
Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers
Kylie
Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers
Kylie
Kylie,
This is a point of much debate, dispute and urban legend. Filter companies spend vast amounts of marketing funds to tell you that theirs is better. And, while there is probably some empirical evidence showing one filter 'works' better than another, the fact is, in a practical sense, an oil filter does very little to protect an engine. If it filtered too well, it's flow characteristics would be insufficient to properly cool and lubricate the engine. And, if they really were that good at keeping the oil clean, your oil change intervals would be extended, yet none of the manufacturers make any such claim.
This is why you have to change the oil so frequently and why it comes out so dirty despite having a filter. It is the oil change which removes 99% of the dirt in your oil. Almost any filter will remove most of the large particulates and that's all you really want. So long as it has an anti-backflow valve (which you can see by looking down the center hole of the filter), you should be fine, and the majority of filters out there today have this valve.
All the worry about which filter to use is really moot if you either a.) Change your oil frequently as per service recommendations (and remember this is a time/mileage service interval) or b.) Don't change your oil as frequently as you should (no filter is gonna protect the car from this abuse).
Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:26
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:27
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:27
This is a point of much debate, dispute and urban legend. Filter companies spend vast amounts of marketing funds to tell you that theirs is better. And, while there is probably some empirical evidence showing one filter 'works' better than another, the fact is, in a practical sense, an oil filter does very little to protect an engine. If it filtered too well, it's flow characteristics would be insufficient to properly cool and lubricate the engine. And, if they really were that good at keeping the oil clean, your oil change intervals would be extended, yet none of the manufacturers make any such claim.
This is why you have to change the oil so frequently and why it comes out so dirty despite having a filter. It is the oil change which removes 99% of the dirt in your oil. Almost any filter will remove most of the large particulates and that's all you really want. So long as it has an anti-backflow valve (which you can see by looking down the center hole of the filter), you should be fine, and the majority of filters out there today have this valve.
All the worry about which filter to use is really moot if you either a.) Change your oil frequently as per service recommendations (and remember this is a time/mileage service interval) or b.) Don't change your oil as frequently as you should (no filter is gonna protect the car from this abuse).
Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:26
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:27
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 24th May 06:27
Thanks Jim as per usual your replies are always great.
I forgot to add the product is made by Purolator Products. They have a detailed website www.pureoil.com/ Which seemed quite helpful.
I forgot to add the product is made by Purolator Products. They have a detailed website www.pureoil.com/ Which seemed quite helpful.
kylie said: Thanks Jim as per usual your replies are always great.
I forgot to add the product is made by Purolator Products. They have a detailed website www.pureoil.com/ Which seemed quite helpful.
Kylie,
Purolator is one of the top brands here in the States and has been in the biz for at least 60 years. I can't imagine you'd have a problem using one of their products. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Hi just an update, I found out more info which does kinda make sense? "Made by Purolater" and "Made to Purolater Specifications" are two
completely different products.
"Made by Purolater" doesn't necessarily translate to, "Purolater filter
re-badged."
The Group 7 brand was introduced in the USA some 40 years ago, and they sold at about half the price of the top-line Purolater. That, in itself,
should tell you something.
But, the fact of the matter is that Group 7 contracted to Purolater to build their filters because Purolater had the machinery to manufacture filters, and the production time available.
The Group 7 is made with Group 7 stuff - not Purolater materials and specifications, and everything about it is cheaper in order to position it in the "value priced" category.
So I guess this is a one off occasian products being made sub-standard under the same roof.
My man cross-referenced this on his hotrod forums.
I guess this is open to debate but have gone with something else now.
Cheers
KS
completely different products.
"Made by Purolater" doesn't necessarily translate to, "Purolater filter
re-badged."
The Group 7 brand was introduced in the USA some 40 years ago, and they sold at about half the price of the top-line Purolater. That, in itself,
should tell you something.
But, the fact of the matter is that Group 7 contracted to Purolater to build their filters because Purolater had the machinery to manufacture filters, and the production time available.
The Group 7 is made with Group 7 stuff - not Purolater materials and specifications, and everything about it is cheaper in order to position it in the "value priced" category.
So I guess this is a one off occasian products being made sub-standard under the same roof.
My man cross-referenced this on his hotrod forums.
I guess this is open to debate but have gone with something else now.
Cheers
KS
Kylie,
It's dealer's choice, just make sure you do your oil/filter changes on schedule and you'll be fine. Many of us here use a smaller filter than the original to gain better access to the distributor for timing purposes, the flow rate is not lessened and the smaller filter will still get the 'chunks' out of the oil. Again, makes little difference so long as you maintain the proper oil change schedule. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
It's dealer's choice, just make sure you do your oil/filter changes on schedule and you'll be fine. Many of us here use a smaller filter than the original to gain better access to the distributor for timing purposes, the flow rate is not lessened and the smaller filter will still get the 'chunks' out of the oil. Again, makes little difference so long as you maintain the proper oil change schedule. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
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