Oil Filter

[paul19]

I recently changed the oil filter, air filter, and oil in the car for the first time and when i was thinking about it i wondered what the oil filter does. Does the oil just circulate through the car then just go through the oil filter to filter out all the bad stuff then back into the pan? Also does it matter what brand of oil filter you use, are some better then others or are they pretty much the same?

[SaabJohan]

There is a difference between oilfilters.

The oil usually goes through the oilpump first from the sump (or from the tank in the case of a dry sump system), then the filter and is then feed to the engine.

[MagicRat]

Some filters are better than others. Excluding the mystery no-name filters, the difference is the filter media, that is, the maximum size of particle they will allow to pass.
Generally the private label brands such as pep boys, etc, are made to lower specs than the dealer brands (AC Delco, Motorcraft) and the good aftermarket brands (Fram)
Also, better filters have anti-drain back valves. These valves ensure the filter stays full when the engine is switched off, to minimize oil starvation upon initial start-up.

[SaabJohan]

Some filters also have a very poor flow which can result in a flow and oil pressure drop.

[mx6rrr]

First of all is the K&N filter worth the money??
And I had my oil changed 2 times at walmart just cause I was lazy and didnt have time...and I noticed that they didnt change the filter!!!!!!!! WARNING!!!!

[timberdoodle]

Originally Posted by mx6rrr

First of all is the K&N filter worth the money??
And I had my oil changed 2 times at walmart just cause I was lazy and didnt have time...and I noticed that they didnt change the filter!!!!!!!! WARNING!!!!

you can get your oil changed at walmart??!!

[mx6rrr]

lol yeah, we have a supercenter here and i get the valvoline oil and filter and oil additive for like 13 bucks...and about 10 mins....

[SaabJohan]

Oil and filter is what you should change. It is also important that you get a high quality oil which the correct viscosity and quality class.

Oil addetives are crap which in best case doesn't damage your engine.

With 13 bucks for an oilchange you have probably bought the cheapest stuff there is. A high quality oil can cost 13 bucks per liter, or even more.

[ghostguy6]

I used to work for one of those quick change lube shops and let me say you are far better to get a good quality filter and change your own oil! Dont use fram filters the paper and pleating on the inside is actually a good quality, but the threads and gasket at a poor design, the threads are loose and often cause thread damage to the spindle and the gaskets often stretch to the point that they leak. best bet is to use the purolator filters. Fram, pensoil, quaker state and several others are all made by the same company so you have to be careful what you buy, in alot af cause you are paying extra for a fancy paint job.