Question regarding OEM vs Aftermarket Oil Filter

You know what opinions are like. ..., everyone has one.
Aftermarket filters won't void any warranty. There are numerous stories from shop owners who will tell you, and I have seen it firsthand, how aftermarket parts caused problems, including filters. They won't cause problems 100% of the time but the honest ones who care about quality (and not comebacks due to parts) will tell you to use OEM. Too many times I tried to go cheap and/or aftermarket I got burned. Some learn the hard way. There are limited exceptions where one can determine who the OEM manufacturer is and buy the part from them. It just won't say Freightliner or DD or Toyota on the box but the part is identical.

 

I would highly advise using OEM filters at least until your engine warranty is up. I have seen aftermarket and incorrectly installed filters cause serious engine wear/ damage not covered by warranty.

Air filters and oil filters are the biggest offenders. Occasionally fuel filters if the incorrect part is used for the application.

 

It's cheaper to run OEM filters in the long run. Save a penny lose a dollar.

 

It's all a write off, so there's that. IMO, there isn't a difference in good quality filters. I'm talking Baldwin, Fleetguard, Donaldson, or OEM. Those listed above make OEM filters. Any others, IDK.

 

I would run OEM while under warranty. Its just less headaches dealing with warranty if there's a major failure.

 

I think he is talking "fleetguard" vs "baldwin" or something like that.

I got an isx and I'd prefer fleetgaurd. During the crunch of the parts shortage, I could care less and had no anxiety of running balwin

 

My view is oems design an engine to X spec. Thus the parts they use need to meet thst spec within tight tolerances as many other parts could perform diffrently then designed otherwise. As such many OEMs will axe a company that screws with quality for the simple fact they pay well and dont want the backlash or warranty claims.

Aftermarket filters have few/no oem oversights and there can be HUGE variances in design, quality, flow rates, pressure number of holes and so on. Not to mention the companys they use may decide to cheap out on any number of parts. I think it was K&N for example (feel free to correct me) had a spat where the guys they used were selling K&N branded empty cans and destroying engines.

Dont get me wrong, a crap filter is better then no filter if for example we have another parts shortage where its crap or nothing at all. But barring that edge case. Is gambleing with a 20k+ rebuild or worse an entire engine really worth the $50 you saved? Especially if you lose?

Oh p.s also if you have your own filters then if something happens you have spares. I know there have been a few times i was sure glad to have then when my fuel gelled or in one memorable case a rock punched a hole clean through the one on my ram. Plus if they are out you have them with you already. Also heard horror storys where a shop reused filters when they ran out just to sell an oil change.

 

For the record. I always have at least fuel filters with me. Fleetgaurd. As soon as I got surplus I was giving my buddies my Baldwins. LOL.

I keep oil filters too. I've only been out here 10 years and both have been necessary.

Keep an extra belt too, or at least the old one.


Don't get me started on coolant hoses.

All this stuff is super important. When you need it.

I'm on the edge of buying a 20ton bottle jack and an impact

 

You may be an ownerop if you keep any or all of the following in your "oh ####" box.

Air filters
Fuel filters
Oil filters
Belts
Hoses
Fuses
A bundle of 50 foot lengths of various guage insultated out door wire.
A tool box
Tire changeing tools
Tire patch kits
A 1 inch air impact
Spare glad hand ends
A spare gladhand hose
A water pump
Belt pullys
Pretty much 1 of every gods #### sensor
A diesel laptops computer and OEM diagnostic program (or pirated yo ho yo ho)
Spare mirror glass
JB weld
A drill
Duct tape
Bungie cords
Drill bits
An assortment of bolts
An airabag
Spare lights both trailer, head and internal
Rope
A ladder
A rake
A broom
A gun
Pretty much every fluid
Spare lugs and nuts
Wheel seals
Wheel seal changing kit with disposable bucket
Spare U-Joints
50 foot coil of air line
Hand lotion
A first air kit with all the trimmings
3 days MREs and water
A jacket
A second jacket
Insulated overalls
A filter change kit for your APU
A battery jumper pack
Baby wipes
Rags
A head gasket kit
A turbo gasket kit
A spare ECM
A spare EGR
Tow hooks
Soare bumper mount hardware
And a can of WD-40

.....yes there is a story behind every item.