recommended oil filter?

[Grandpa]

I guess because you feel you have to defer to me, dumb old cheap poor Grandpa .

I just noticed that you went back and edited the reference to me from your first post, so someone reading this thread for the first time wouldn't see the initial provocation. Nice work. Are you off your medication again?

I do excellent work, Boondocks. And yes, I'm off my medication again, which is why I find you to be such a PITA. :-D

Your fellow PITA, stupid, cheap, poor, Grandpa :-D I'm out.

 

[Boondocks]

I usually fail to plan ahead, and so I usually go with a Fram from Advance Auto or a Purolator from Pep Boys.

Granted, Fram filters are pretty close to junk, but how much filtering do you think is really needed on a vehicle that gets fresh oil and a new filter every 2,000 mile? Plus, it's a cartridge filter, so you don't have the extreme flimsiness of Fram's spin-on filters to deal with.

I do absolutely refuse to EVER use a Fram spin-on filter on my cars or other bike.

Of course, my engine may blow itself up tomorrow, choked to death on bits of the grocery bags, bar napkins and discarded Chinese newspapers Fram uses to make the filter material.

That's the risk I take for not planning ahead or making the trip to the cycle shop... where all they have is an orange wall of Frams.

The Pep Boys Purolators do seem to be good quality, and I've lately taken to using the filters from NAPA, which are likewise very nice as far as I can tell. Actually, I can't tell the least bit of difference between the Fram CH6000 filter and the NAPA/Wix 4931, other than the slightly nicer o-ring.

My other bike is a VX800 that uses a spin-on filter, and there are very noticeable differences between Fram (very flimsy and thin, poorly made threads and crimps, very lightweight) and the Purolator and Napa products.

It's worked fine so far.

Whenever I order parts, I grab a batch of Suzuki o-rings, so I don't generally use the Fram o-rings. I haven't had a problem when I have used the Fram o-rings, though.

YMMV... do whatever lets you sleep at night.

Brian, I believe that the O-ring in the Fram filters is made for the shaft drive GS models, which use a different filter cover and O-ring compared to the chain drive models. That's why you and Grandpa would have no trouble with the O-ring, but this isn't true for bikes like mine. The filter is the same for both shaft and chain, but somehow Fram has never gotten the message that the O-rings are different. If they did, they have done nothing about it.

Speaking of budget filters, a couple of years ago I used one I had in my parts box that looked OK visually. The next time I changed oil, I thought that something looked strange when I removed the filter. The metal cap with the rubber bushing on the engine side had come loose and was still in the engine. The spring on the cover was probably holding it together. So much for cheap filters.:-s

 

[Don Williams]

I'm using a wix filter, never had problem they cost though. I think I'm going to try per-form.

 

[wrsimmons21]

Just so you guys know, Wix and Fram are the exact same filter made by Fleetguard. I know because I took a tour of the plant last Thursday. All they do, is when they want the line to be making wix or fram, is to hit a switch on the painter in the painbooth and it paints them different colors. You are getting the exact same filter, same paper and housing. I've seen the paper they use. Purolator is actually pretty good stuff for the price. I've ran fram on my car for 100,000 miles and I don't burn oil and never have had any problems related to a bad oil filter. I'm humored to see some people say they like wix but not fram, they must just like the color of the wix case better :-D. I guess there's some who won't believe me but they have a big plant here in Cookeville, TN.

 

[Nessism]

Are you talking about car filters or motorcycle filters? Assuming car filters, there is no assurance that the motorcycle filters are made in the same factory, or even the same country for that matter. Not trying to be disagreeable just pointing out that many times the OEM channels mix for some part numbers but not for others.

 

[wrsimmons21]

Yeah I was talking about car filters only. I guess I assumed it was the same for motorcycle filters and i'm not real sure why I did assume that. I didn't see any motorcycle filters being made in the factory so you are probably exactly correct. No disrespect taken, you make a good point.

 

[bwringer]

Brian, I believe that the O-ring in the Fram filters is made for the shaft drive GS models, which use a different filter cover and O-ring compared to the chain drive models. That's why you and Grandpa would have no trouble with the O-ring, but this isn't true for bikes like mine. The filter is the same for both shaft and chain, but somehow Fram has never gotten the message that the O-rings are different. If they did, they have done nothing about it.

Hm, I never heard of that. Live and learn, I guess!

Or maybe the chain drive bikes are supposed to leak a bit to keep the chain lubed... :-D

 

[bgmart450]

Brian, I believe that the O-ring in the Fram filters is made for the shaft drive GS models, which use a different filter cover and O-ring compared to the chain drive models. That's why you and Grandpa would have no trouble with the O-ring, but this isn't true for bikes like mine. The filter is the same for both shaft and chain, but somehow Fram has never gotten the message that the O-rings are different. If they did, they have done nothing about it.

Speaking of budget filters, a couple of years ago I used one I had in my parts box that looked OK visually. The next time I changed oil, I thought that something looked strange when I removed the filter. The metal cap with the rubber bushing on the engine side had come loose and was still in the engine. The spring on the cover was probably holding it together. So much for cheap filters.:-s

I have used the fram gaskets even with other filters without a single issue that I didn't create (pinched one once ) All my leaks come from other sources :-D

 

[tconroy]

Yes, Boondocks, I'm cheap, and proud of it. I'm also not as smart as you, which explains why I'm so dumb that I buy cheap oil filters which have worked just fine in my long experience with GS shafties.

Dumb Cheap Poor Grandpa, deferring to a much higher power called Boondocks.

I just bought a fram ch 6000 for 4 bucks.I guess Im stupid too Grandpa!!!!!

 

[Guest]

I saw the Grandpa and Boondocks deal coming:|

 

[tconroy]

I saw the Grandpa and Boondocks deal coming:|

I have a shafite and the o ring fits fine.Never tried another brand either.I guess I could but why? i have never had a leak yet.

 

[Boondocks]

There seems to be some misunderstanding. I am not anti-Fram oil filters, except that I had a bad experience with the included O-ring which was the wrong one for my bike and would leak if it was attemped to use it. Those that use Fram with no problems have no argument from me. They are not usually considered "cheap" (in price) filters, but if one can get a good deal on them that's great.

My problem with the Fram oil filter for my motorcycle is illustrated by the following image. The O-ring at top is the correct one for my bike and others using the same filter. The O-ring at the bottom is the wrong type and the only one that was in the Fram filter package for my bike. The O-ring on the bottom will work on other GS models, including shafties. Note that it is a completely different design and that the cross-section is thinner. Both of these O-rings are included in the Hiflofiltro filter package.

tconroy, as a point of clarification, I didn't say that Grandpa was stupid, he did. He made a reference to me in his first post and then edited it out. He still has hard feelings because I didn't agree with him in another thread. His specialty is trying to be sarcastic by demeaning himself and heaping grandiose praise on someone in an attempt to annoy them. When he puts himself down, I just agree with him.:-D

 

[tomcat24551]

I can't believe what I'm reading! Why are you guys screwing around with all this aftermarket stuff when you could pay less for the OEM Suzuki product--and stop worrying?

I added 2 Suzuki Genuine Part Oil Filters for GS850s to a $55 order from a "discount" dealer back in July and paid $3.72 each. They don't come with "o" rings, as I recall--I've been using the same OEM o-ring on my '79 850 since the sometime in the 80's, I think, without the first leak. These are high quality o-rings and you can re-use them over and over again.

I have found that the discount dealers that advertise in the motorcycle magazines have pretty competitive prices and they can save you a lot of money, versus your average dealer. Typically, you pay no tax and only a small shipping charge. Spread over a number of items, the shipping is reasonable.

I sorry if I sounded pompous, but that's my opinion (and it ought to be yours, too!)

Tomcat

 

[tconroy]

There seems to be some misunderstanding. I am not anti-Fram oil filters, except that I had a bad experience with the included O-ring which was the wrong one for my bike and would leak if it was attemped to use it. Those that use Fram with no problems have no argument from me. They are not usually considered "cheap" (in price) filters, but if one can get a good deal on them that's great.

My problem with the Fram oil filter for my motorcycle is illustrated by the following image. The O-ring at top is the correct one for my bike and others using the same filter. The O-ring at the bottom is the wrong type and the only one that was in the Fram filter package for my bike. The O-ring on the bottom will work on other GS models, including shafties. Note that it is a completely different design and that the cross-section is thinner. Both of these O-rings are included in the Hiflofiltro filter package.

tconroy, as a point of clarification, I didn't say that Grandpa was stupid, he did. He made a reference to me in his first post and then edited it out. He still has hard feelings because I didn't agree with him in another thread. His specialty is trying to be sarcastic by demeaning himself and heaping grandiose praise on someone in an attempt to annoy them. When he puts himself down, I just agree with him.:-D

The bottom one is what I get with a fram filter,and its not grandpa thats stupid its me!!!!!LOL, just kidding bro!I have never tried another filter,Im just glad theres guys like you that do know the diference and have tried other stuff.I learn a lot from these posts and its knowledge that im looking for.I have been riding bikes all my life but I have only had my G.S. 2 years and without guys like you and this sight I wouldnt know ##@$!!!! Thanks for helping me and others out!I log on every day hoping I learn something.

 

[tconroy]

I can't believe what I'm reading! Why are you guys screwing around with all this aftermarket stuff when you could pay less for the OEM Suzuki product--and stop worrying?

I added 2 Suzuki Genuine Part Oil Filters for GS850s to a $55 order from a "discount" dealer back in July and paid $3.72 each. They don't come with "o" rings, as I recall--I've been using the same OEM o-ring on my '79 850 since the sometime in the 80's, I think, without the first leak. These are high quality o-rings and you can re-use them over and over again.

I have found that the discount dealers that advertise in the motorcycle magazines have pretty competitive prices and they can save you a lot of money, versus your average dealer. Typically, you pay no tax and only a small shipping charge. Spread over a number of items, the shipping is reasonable.

I sorry if I sounded pompous, but that's my opinion (and it ought to be yours, too!)

Tomcat

I have learned something new already!I didnt know you could reuse the o-ring!thats why i buy a fram cause it comes with a new one and I change it every time.Im going to suzuki to buy oil tommorrow and I think i will pick up a filter and give it a try!Thanks for the info

 

[Dink]

I have learned something new already!I didnt know you could reuse the o-ring!thats why i buy a fram cause it comes with a new one and I change it every time.Im going to suzuki to buy oil tommorrow and I think i will pick up a filter and give it a try!Thanks for the info

Oops have I failed to mention this before!! I buy ten filters at a time and one new o-ring.

Dink

 

[Tarbash 27]

i stopped reading this thread like 3 days ago

 

[Boondocks]

I can't believe what I'm reading! Why are you guys screwing around with all this aftermarket stuff when you could pay less for the OEM Suzuki product--and stop worrying?

I added 2 Suzuki Genuine Part Oil Filters for GS850s to a $55 order from a "discount" dealer back in July and paid $3.72 each. They don't come with "o" rings, as I recall--I've been using the same OEM o-ring on my '79 850 since the sometime in the 80's, I think, without the first leak. These are high quality o-rings and you can re-use them over and over again.

I have found that the discount dealers that advertise in the motorcycle magazines have pretty competitive prices and they can save you a lot of money, versus your average dealer. Typically, you pay no tax and only a small shipping charge. Spread over a number of items, the shipping is reasonable.

I sorry if I sounded pompous, but that's my opinion (and it ought to be yours, too!)

Tomcat

"I sorry if I sounded pompous, but that's my opinion (and it ought to be yours, too!)" Great line and I wouldn't think you to be pompous unless you believed this and it was not said tongue in cheek.

I have no argument with buying OEM oil filters at the very good price you mentioned ($3.72). However, OEM is not automatically or always superior on all parts. An OEM R/R might be an example. I have no problem at all with the quality of an OEM oil filter, but it isn't necessarily better. The Hiflofiltro oil filters are the only ones on the market that are both TUV and ISO certified (including OEM) for quality assurance. I like the fact that they come packaged with two new O-rings, whether they are absolutely necessary or not. The Hiflofiltro marketing claims:
"Test results prove 28% longer service life than O.E.M and leading competitor brands"
"Lower cost with higher quality when compared to O.E.M filter"
This doesn't mean that it is true, but I have heard of no disputes or rebuttals to these claims.

You can buy the HifloFiltro HF111 Oil Filter (my type) at California Sports Touring for $3.19 each. As always, quantity and shipping costs should be considered when making a purchase.

 

[duaneage]

I compared a FRAM filter to OEM and noticed the FRAM has less filter material. The OEM also has a metal bypass valve and the FRAM is rubber. I'm going to stick to the OEM filters I think....

 

[tomcat24551]

FROM Boondocks: "...OEM is not automatically or always superior on all parts. An OEM R/R might be an example. I have no problem at all with the quality of an OEM oil filter, but it isn't necessarily better. The Hiflofiltro oil filters are the only ones on the market that are both TUV and ISO certified (including OEM) for quality assurance. I like the fact that they come packaged with two new O-rings, whether they are absolutely necessary or not. The Hiflofiltro marketing claims...doesn't mean that it is true, but I have heard of no disputes or rebuttals to these claims...

You can buy the HifloFiltro HF111 Oil Filter (my type) at California Sports Touring for $3.19 each. As always, quantity and shipping costs should be considered when making a purchase."

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, respectfully, to the gentleman from Oregon.

Tomcat