[Ol'Jim]

Just to update this crazy issue with GM oil filters. It looks like through all the variations in GM Part Numbers, not only did they go from the original steel core tube to the cheaper plastic frame on the PF63E, but even worse, the filter bypass pressure was changed a few times. And the actual GM Part Number also changed, even when the filter identification / model stayed the same. At one point the bypass pressure was dropped so low that the filter was being bypassed continuously on some engines / vehicles. So they went back to the original PF63 ID, but kept the cheap plastic inner core frame, and the lower bypass pressure. (The true 8-digit GM P/N on that really crappy one was 12707246. Do NOT use that worthless item!). Then they recently updated the filter back to the original higher pressure bypass spring, even though they kept the same designation of PF63 (no "E" suffix). This current version does work well, and the GM P/N is 12731742. So if you have a 3.6L V-6 as in the Traverse, this is the P/N you want to use, if you choose to stay with a GM AC/Delco filter. It is made in the USA, and has the P/N, date code, and Product of USA stamped on the bottom of the filter.
The oil in my girlfriend's Traverse has always stayed remarkably clean, at 3,000 miles it is still almost the same clear color as the Valvoline I poured into it. Except when I unwittingly used one of the crappy, low-pressure versions of the PF63. I changed at the same interval, around 3500 miles, and that oil came out black, filthy. I thought th engine had developed issues with ring seal or worse. That is when I began doing research on these filters and found out about the BAD P/N 12707246. When I found the new GOOD P/N at Walmart, (12731742), I bought one and the oil stayed clean after that. So check the true 8-digit GM PART NUMBER on the filter, not just the Designated ID (PF Number). Or, you can just use the Excellent Wix WL10255 (or the better version, WL10255XP). Note: AC / Delco also sells premium line of oil filters, which bear the "Ultraguard Gold" label, and model UPF63R. Not always easy to find though. Haven't tried that one yet, but on my Duramax truck I use the original OEM AC-Delco PF2232, because it is longer than the Wix equivalent, appears to be made as well, and my truck has 149K miles on it now and has great oil pressure. I did buy one of the Ultraguard Gold UPF2232R filters to try on it next oil change. Diesels turn the oil black and dirty looking in about 100 miles, so it is hard to tell if there is a bypass issue, but none that I have found or heard about on that PF2232 filter.