Cheap Oil Filters

[F6Dave]

I can no longer buy Bosch filters locally, and haven't trusted Purolator after all the complaints about torn media. So I tried one of the Super Tech filters from Walmart. I hesitated because they changed suppliers a few times and I couldn't find information about the latest version. Then there's the price: how can a $3 filter work as well as a $10 automotive or $15 Honda filter? So I had the oil analyzed before and after the switch. Which means I didn't save money after all, but I was curious and others may be as well.

I ran the tests on my F6B since it gets ridden the most. The results should apply to GL1500s since GL1800s use the same filter, have similar internals, and yield very similar oil test results. I verified that with a test of my '98 Tourer in December.

The Super Tech filter worked great. All wear metal and contaminant levels were as good or better than they had been with the Bosch filter. This was the result I was hoping for. If a $3 Walmart filter gives the same result, I see no need to spend 3 or 4 times as much.

Here are the UOA results:

[..]

 

I've been using Super Tech for years.

[sandy]

I’ve not heard of Purolator filter tearing. Which model filter is the report on. I use the Purolator Boss filter and change at the OEM mileage. Retirement has me not riding as much, so 6K takes me a couple of years. The expense is minimal over that period of time.

[old2soon]

      Same brand filter same brand oil in Phatt Ghurl.  I is as happy as She are!  RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

I thought that extra long Purolator was the chosen filter for some time.

Cannot remember the part number, but think I still have some.

[F6Dave]

I’ve not heard of Purolator filter tearing. Which model filter is the report on. I use the Purolator Boss filter and change at the OEM mileage. Retirement has me not riding as much, so 6K takes me a couple of years. The expense is minimal over that period of time.

If you do an online search on 'purolator filter tears' you'll get a lot of matches. I'm sure the issue has been resolved as it was several years ago, before the company was bought by Mann+Hummel and the product line was changed. Apparently the size most affected was the PL14610, popular with Valkyries.

From what I read no action was taken by Purolator. I found that disappointing and stopped using them.

[h13man]

I was hesitate about using the newer ST filters as they were previously made by Champion. Thanks for the test info.

[sandy]

I’ve not heard of Purolator filter tearing. Which model filter is the report on. I use the Purolator Boss filter and change at the OEM mileage. Retirement has me not riding as much, so 6K takes me a couple of years. The expense is minimal over that period of time.

If you do an online search on 'purolator filter tears' you'll get a lot of matches. I'm sure the issue has been resolved as it was several years ago, before the company was bought by Mann+Hummel and the product line was changed. Apparently the size most affected was the PL14610, popular with Valkyries.

From what I read no action was taken by Purolator. I found that disappointing and stopped using them.

I did a search and the bad filters were the L14610’s. That’s the Chinese made units. The PL and PBL filters are made in America and have a different standard.

[F6Dave]

I was hesitate about using the newer ST filters as they were previously made by Champion. Thanks for the test info.

I wasn't sure either since Walmart switched them so often. I read that originally they were made by Champion, then WM dropped the line and sold Purolator Classics in their place. After a few years the ST line returned, but made by Wix. Then Wix got sold and Champion became the supplier again.

I was sure they'd be fine since they look like a well made filter. But I was curious to see how well they'd work so I had the oil tested before and after. I figured posting the results would be sort of a 'public service' as surely other owners were curious too. Now I'm 100% comfortable using them. At $3.42 each they're a real bargain.