Warning and Info about oil/filters

[flat_black]

So, on my way home yesterday, I stop by the Mazda dealership and chat with a few friends thereabouts. Just for the hell of it, while I'm there, I picked up a Mazda oil filter, and stopped by WalMart and picked up a 5 quart bottle of 10W30 Mobil 1. I usually use 5W30, but it's summer, and up here, the car sounds like s*** if I run it in high heat for ANY length of time, especially since I'm commuting back and forth to work.

Here is my warning to you: Don't use Fram filters. I got one of the Fram Heavy Duty Double Guard filters, and used that this time. I drained the oil out of my car, then went to pull the filter off. First off, it was tight as hell... I could forgive that, that just means the gasket works good, I guess. So, I pull it free, and shield my face, expecting a torrent of oil, as usual. Nothing. Huh. With that, I take it down, and take a look at it. It's bone dry... Not just 'all the oil spilled out' dry, more like 'no oil ever touched this filter' dry. I discarded the filter, and went on with the installation as per the norm, oiling the gasket, putting everything in place, getting the oil in, and the car makes a it's usual clattery, nasty noise for a few seconds, then it smooths out, and now I can't hear the valves, everything sounds four hundred percent better. I'm installing my oil pressure gauge soon, but really wish I had had it with the Fram on, just to verify my guess.

So, run 10W30 if you constantly have temps above 50 degrees, is my suggestion... It got rid of my engine clatter a lot. Run 5W30 in the winter for smoother operation and starting. Old news to most people, but those who hate the noise, and aren't sure now know. And knowing is half the battle!

Good luck with your expiditions, and enjoy.

 

[20ESGUY]

thats because no1 the majority of fram filters do not have an anti-drainback valve and no2 they have only about 1/2 the pleat material as other name-brand filters. in a mazda, as with most imports, you need the drainback valve to keep the oil from actually draining out of the filter when the engine is shutoff with no oil pressure. when i worked for autozone a couple of us got bored one day and cut a bunch open...found some intresting stuff.

 

[mazdadan]

Yeah, personally I've always preferred the Purolator filters. Cheaper than FRAM and never given me any trouble.

 

[flat_black]

Thanks for the info. =) I'm glad you clarified that for me. The Fram, however, seemed to only be soaked with clean oil on the inside, and the outside of the filter was likewise after pulling it appart. I cut it in half with a Skil saw (Talk about good stress releif!), and found that it didn't have more than a few grains of carbon deposits from the engine, whereas the Mobil 1 I had before was COVERED in sediment when I cut it open. I just bought up a case of 12 of the Mazda filters, as I own this car, and my room mate owns a Miata, so we'll go through them in due time. The RX-7 is very fickle about oil filters, too, and the Penzoil filter it had on it when I got the car just wouldn't do... Mazda it is now. =) I'm sticking with OE from here out, I think, for the sake of my car.