AC Delco Oil Filter Question

[Baldie88]

Without getting into the seemingly endless discussion concerning oil filters (there's still a couple of threads active) I have a question about the AC Delco ones. My 88 uses PF 25 and when I went to Auto Zone to buy a replacement I couldn't find any. Asked the counter person and was told they were discontinued and the replacement was PF 454. He said the only difference was that the replacement was a little shorter. When I got home I matched the two together and the new one is almost 1" shorter than the old one. My question then is will the new filter still perform the same as the old one? I'm thinking that with less filtering material it may not work as well. After quitting my 25 years with Fram (after reading about them on CAC) and switching to AC Delco, do I now do another switch again?

Appreciate your suggestions.

Baldie 88

 

[The Car Whisperer]

Try to find the AC Delco PF-35 filter instead. It's a longer version of the PF-25 and is an exact fit. This is the filter that is used on the small block trucks. It works perfectly, Ive been using them for years on all my Chevrolet products.

 

[Michel73]

CW is right about the PF-35 being the same just longer than the PF-25. What is the deal about Fram Filters being so bad? I have not found that yet but it's the second time I've heard about it in two days :confused


Michel

 

[The Car Whisperer]

I have heard about FRAM filters exploding under pressure, but I have never had this experience. I have used plenty of them on my non-GM cars and have never had a problem with them. There is a web site that has done extensive comparisons of filters from different manufacturers and on that site I was surprised to find out that many of the brand names are made by only a few factories. That web site was referenced in the past in this forum but I do not have the address anymore. I have even compared them myself, look at the mounting plate on some different filters next time you go to your local parts store. The mounting plates have stamped markings on them to identify the manufacturer. I have found different brands with the same markings.

 

[Edmond]

How much are those PF-35's going for?

It's strange that they would go to a smaller filter because I'm assuming that would mean less material inside to filter out the bad stuff.

 

[The Car Whisperer]

The last time I bought the PF-35 filters they were the same price as the PF-25. I got them at my local Wal-Mart. I haven't seen them there for a while though. I bought a bunch of them for $2.95 each. I would definitely go with the bigger filter, more filter area is a good thing, this will help to keep the oil system from going into bypass mode as the filter area of the smaller filter would probably begin to clog up sooner than the larger one. If you do go with the PF-35 remember to add about 1/2 qt of extra oil due to the larger filter capacity. I usually fill up the filter before I put it on the engine.

 

[phxraptor]

I have heard about FRAM filters exploding under pressure, but I have never had this experience. I have used plenty of them on my non-GM cars and have never had a problem with them. There is a web site that has done extensive comparisons of filters from different manufacturers and on that site I was surprised to find out that many of the brand names are made by only a few factories. That web site was referenced in the past in this forum but I do not have the address anymore. I have even compared them myself, look at the mounting plate on some different filters next time you go to your local parts store. The mounting plates have stamped markings on them to identify the manufacturer. I have found different brands with the same markings.

The glue that holds the filter element togather inside the filter lets go and the paper goes into the oiling system and plugs up the passages,then BAM a blown engine. I understand Fram has paid out ALOT of money for blown engines and has lawsuits pending from what I heard.

 

[redvett]

AcOil Filter Question

Do not use a PF-35 on a car that has the water to oil cooler. The adapter makes the filter drop down to low and you could hit something and rip it open. The newer filters are smaller but better filteration due to the microns.

 

[Baldie88]

When I checked at Auto Zone on the filters, I was told that both the PF 25 and PF 35 had been discontinued in favor of the PF 454. So if you know where there are some PF 35s I guess you should pick them up. I guess my concern is that there is less filtering medium with these shorter ones. I guess I'll have to look for another brand. I was a Fram person till I read all the bad info. about them here.

 

[The Car Whisperer]

Do not use a PF-35 on a car that has the water to oil cooler. The adapter makes the filter drop down to low and you could hit something and rip it open. The newer filters are smaller but better filteration due to the microns.

I have the KC4 water to oil cooler on mine and I use the PF-35 filters, have used them for years. They do not stick down below the frame or the oil pan, don't see any problem with hitting anything. I just went out in my garage to take a look, the frame and exhaust system are down well below the filter, I don't see how there could be a risk of puncturing the filter unless you do some other serious damage before hitting it.

 

[Edmond]

I guess the only solution to this problem is to make the switch to Mobil 1.:L

 

[Yarls24]

I just changed my oil last week. I used the PF454, I too was a little hesitant to use this one. It works just fine, no problems. Oil pressure is just as good as the Mobil 1 that I used the last time.

 

[68Roadster]

Baldie,

I have one PF25 remaining from the days when I had an 88 that I'll send ya N/C if ya want it.......not doing me any good......

 

[Itshakes]

Fram filters

I was told that Fram filters are made in China?????
No wonder there are bad reports!
I suppose a lot of parts we use are made there.
We should all start to read the labels.

 

[GerryLP]

The PF454's are perhaps a change that Ac Delco made to accommodate use of headers. The old filter was difficult to replace when using headers.

I use now the PF454, and I have had no problems. Even though I do not use aftermarket headers in the L81, the filter works well still.

 

[leadfoot4]

Try a Baldwin B6.......