Oil Filters

[jereece]

I just made my first post and remembered one other question I had. Again I have a 98 Camry LE 4-cyl.

Is there a problem with using major brand oil filters on my Camry. When I purchased it, the dealer recommended using only Toyota filters becasue they had a bypass valve. I have used both Toyota and other brands like Purolator, Fram, etc. and they seem to do fine. This thought has always been in the back of my mind, but I am sure someone on this forum can set me straight.

Thanks again for the help.

Jim

[gelcol]

its better toyota know how. expensive but will last yur injen. after mkt filters may or not have filter to trap small particles.

[ycl1688]

I would go with fram or other brand name filters.
Toyota dealer try to sell you their products
so they scare you. It is your call. I have
been using fram for my 91,no problem.

[teh_brute]

this is the main thing that infuriates me: mechanics try to make more money within their communtity throughout parts distributors. for example when my mom (she refuses to let myself or my brother do any work on her car) takes her Land Rover into the mechanic for an oil change, they just do bull crap charges like how she needed a new radiator... it is totally unneccesary and i have actually seen a soccer mom duped to thinking she needs a new reverse transmission (the mechanic told her she had two transmissions; one for drive, one for reverse) and that of course costs an arm and a leg cuz of mechanics' outlandish labor charges.... anywho, enough of my preaching... you are fine with Fram, Purolator, etc. when you pay the extra money for the Toyota filter you are not paying more for more filtering, you are merely paying more for the toyota name. i would not be the least bit surprised if i learned that all toyota filters were just fram filters with a toyota brand sticker wrapped around it...heh....i hope that helped...

[ycl1688]

you are absolutely right.
like the saying goes does not matter what color
of the cat as long as it catches mice, is a good cat

[jereece]

Thanks guys. That's pretty much how I feel. I currently use Purolator oil filters. I read an article a couple of weeks ago where a guy bought all the major brands of oil filters, then cut them in half to study how they are made. Of the inexpensive oil filters, he was most impressed with Purolator. Plus I have been getting them on sale at Pep Boys for as cheap as $1.50 after rebate.

Thanks for the quick posts. I really like this forum.

Jim

[Brian R.]

That article really crapped on Fram. I think "anything except Fram" was a quote.

[calvic]

thats true Brian, poor and lesser amount of filtering media,poor
glue joints. Best thing about Frams are the paint job.

Frams =

jj

[300+]

And the nice grip.

[Cammy_01]

I buy the cheapest filter I can find.. they all meet the manufacturer's spec. the Camry filters are so small they are not fit to filter a lawn mower.. the important thing is to keep the oil changed 2000 - 3000 miles or when it starts to turn a dirty color so that no sludge forms and minimal filtration is necessary. Even the cheap filters will catch any metals that are floating around in the oil from normal wear. I even use the cheap filters on my hi performance engines.. never an issue. If any dealer ever tells you an aftermarket maintenence part will void your warrantte and that you must use the manufacurer made unit they must legally provide you the replacement parts for free.

[Brian R.]

"I buy the cheapest filter I can find.. they all meet the manufacturer's spec."

All that "meet the manufacturer's spec" means is that they fit the threads that hold it on and have the correct diameter seal. There is no specification for filtering quality, filter media capacity, or durability.

Read the study were talking about:
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

[Bossman]

Jim,
I'm sure you already know this but for those who don't, it's a good idea to pour some oil into your new filter before installing it during your oil change. Just enough to get the fibers wet......this supposedly will prevent the oil from "hitting a dry brick wall" upon initial start up. Some advocate filling the filter all the way up with oil and then install it but logistically this may not be plausible. I didn't mean to bore you with this but even I didn't know about this little trick till I heard it on one of those Sunday morning "automotive guru" radio talk shows.

[Brian R.]

That is even better when you have a vertically-mounted oil filter and can fill it up and keep it that way...

That was a huge issue when everyone was using a high-vis motor oil like 10W40 and such. It becomes less and less important when you go to less viscous oils.