Switched to synth!!

kevinc · May 20, 2002

The truck turned 3000 miles over the weekend, so I took the opportunity to drop the factory stuff and install 6 qts of Amsoil synth 5W-30 and a new Purolator "Pure One" filter. Following what I've read here about the Delco PF58 versus 59, I checked the Purolator to ensure it had an anti-drainback valve.

Very little "fuzz" on the magnetic drain plug which is encouraging. I'll cut open the filter some evening and check for metal.

melbertbloosfan · May 20, 2002

I am looking to turn 3000 in the next few weeks and have a question for you. Although I will probably go with mobil, I am curious on how you check a filter for the anti-drainback feature? Or, if it is quicker, what is the Purolater part number?

Since you are using Amsoil, I know you must be a lil picky about what goes in your truck, so I will assume the purolater filter is a good one for the $. Any help would be appreciated.

kevinc · May 21, 2002

It's pretty easy to check for the anti-drainback valve...it's a rubber disc behind the 5-6 holes surrounding the threaded hole in the filter's interface plate w/ the engine. Pull a Delco PF58 and a Delco PF59 and compare...the 58 doesn't have one, the 59 does.

That said, in a design such as the LS1 the valve is probably unnecessary. The filter is mounted vertically, oriented downward, oil has nowhere to drain back to. On a horizontally-mounted filter, or God forbid a vertically mounted upward oriented filter, oil can drain back into the engine which means the filter has to be refilled at startup...meaning longer run-time without oil pressure.

For a good comparison of various oil filters check the link below...if you're running Fram filters hang onto your seat:

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/oil_filter_study/

SilveradoWV · May 21, 2002

WOW! That oil filter page is frightening!! All of the stores around here that used to carry AC has stopped, and everything else is expensive, except the store brand filters. It would be nice to know who makes which store brand filter, like those Wal-Mart (Super Tech) filters.

melbertbloosfan · May 21, 2002

KevinC, thanks for the info. I had a 4cyl camry that had a "god forbid" vertical upward filter. What a PITA to change. The frams I *used* to run in it spilled oil all over when I had to change them. That site is spooky because my Wal-Mart went exclusively Fram 'bout 6 months ago. Lucky I have an O'reilly nearby that carries that Purolater filter. Keep the $ local anyway.

SilveradoWV · May 21, 2002

My Wal-Mart went all Fram and Super Tech which I think has to be Fram because that is all they sale now. And my KMart has went all Castrol Filters and they are $$$$$$

boomer8800 · May 21, 2002

I'm still able to find the ACDelco PH-59 here at the local PEP-Boys they run about $3.95 so I pick-up a few at a time. Then I go with Mobil 1 Sync. 5-40w been using it since 1700 miles