Wix Filters Having Issues?

I have been running WIX filters in all my engines and recently had issues which is looking like it might be the anti drain back portion of the filter not functioning. My 304 since last oil change(50 miles ago) has lifter rattle on startup after sitting for more than 8hrs. This is the first it has ever had that with the 51258 filter and T4 15w40 Rotella and additive.

I got with WIX technical support asking about the 51258 filter for my 304-v8 which does have the anti drain back. After a few back/forth emails I was informed that was the only filter with the anti drainback that is mounted horizontally like it is in the 304. So I downloaded the entire catalog and built a spreadsheet to match specs on the 51258. The only other filter that matched size specs etc was the 51831 and was told that would not work in a horizontal application. So after that I started looking at other brands.

AMC forum guys seem to like the Baldwin B9 filter and it has good reviews so I ordered a few and going to give that a try.

Anybody here ever had suspicion that their anti drainback was not working causing clatter on startup that I hate with the expense of the rebuild. Thanks.

 

I wouldn't *not* recommend Baldwin filters, they've been a quality manufacturer fora number of years. Same goes for Donaldson.

*I* haven't had any issues with Wix/NAPA filters personally, but I've heard enough anecdotally from folks I generally trust, that I am questioning if their quality has gone in the toilet in the last couple years.

 

i have, the trucks at work have been starting hard after the last round of filters. the fuel drains back and they need priming if they sit over the weekend .

 

Any thoughts on a K&N 2003 filter?

 

I don't believe K&N are good filters, or worth the money. Other people disagree.

 

I had a wix gasket fail on me recently, it seemed to have a defect in it, like a low spot that would slowly drip. I've always run wix, but recently moved to fleetguard.

 

We had a bad batch of them at work recently o ring leaks ,seam on canister splitting open. The worst was the filter media disintegrated and plugged the oil passages.

 

I am hopeful the Baldwins will work out. I have run Donaldson filters in the past, may give that a try as time goes on. Sounds like WIX quality is not there any more. I have never cared for K&N air/oil filters, but that is just my opinion from looking at the specs on them for any of my vehicles.

 

I have ran Baldwin filters exclusively for about 45 years, so far, so good!

 

wix was purchased by Mann Hummel..
they cant get there **** together and have horrible fill rates to their customers

that being said, if you can get their product its as good as it ever was..
ZERO hesitation 51085 is the correct part number

 

BTW.. NAPA no longer carries WIX as their private label filter line... so buyer beware

(there may be some SKU that they still buy)

 

Are you saying Napa gold filters are no longer made by Wix?

 

Must not be, used one on my recent oil change and noticed it has drain back issues. Takes a few seconds of cranking for pressure to come up. That thing getting spun off this coming weekend .

 

D'oh! They are having a filter sale right now and I bought 3 this past weekend!

 

napa switched over 1/2 of their purchasing from wix to "other" manufacturer due to wix's shipping performance issues...

so what you are getting in the napa gold box is no longer guaranteed to be WIX.. correct

 

To date, Mann-Hummel is still making Napa Gold & Platinum filters. I was definitely having drain back issues with the Napa Gold 51258, not sure what the 51085 fits but not an AMC 304.

Since I put the Baldwin Oil Filter on, the clatter at startup is very minimal after a 2 week sitting. I am going to continue to "windmill" the engine for 10-15 seconds then let it start. I have some suspicions on the "new" lifters and may pull the intake and put a new set of lifters in just in case they might be the problem.

Engine currently running 48 psi oil pressure at idle(cold/warm) and after 2-3 hours run time it will maintain 20 psi at idle (600rpm).

In my opinion, I am going to stay with the Baldwin filter as it did make a difference and guys I know are also running Baldwin and seem to like them.

 

AC Delco here & many , many years . Never had that problem, but I liked WIX for my fuel filter

 

To each his own, but AC delco filters are nothing more than re-packaged FRAM filters which are constantly being show their filtration/micron ratings are not good at all. The AC-Delco cartridge are by Hengst.

 

I believe Project Farm has done filter testing as have others. Bob the oil guy and Lake Speed the oil geek are others to check.
It is getting harder to keep up with the cheapening of commonly used parts.

 

AC delco is made by champ labs..
they are nothing more than a marketing company...
only GM genuine parts are "real" delco..

fram might be owned by first brands who owns champ... end of the day all this **** is reboxed time and time again

just don't by discount, and don't buy from retailers.. they are notorious for repackaging and line buying..

go to the parts store with a cigarettes on the counter and locally owned (FLAPS) they will have the best quality option for you other than NOS