Oil Filter -- Honda vs Mobil 1

[737 Jock]

Both of these filters were removed from my RDX after about 5500 miles service. Below on the left is the OEM Honda, and on the right is the Mobil 1. The Honda filter is made under contract by Fram Filter Corporation. The Mobil 1 is made by Champion Filter. You can see that both have sturdy metal cannisters. The anti-drainback valves (orange rings) are both quality silicon rubber. The gasket seals (black rings) are both quality nitrile rubber. Below is the anti-drainback valve in position. The screwdriver shows how the pressurized oil enters through the outer ring of holes. With the engine off (no oil pressure), the rubber valve covers the holes preventing drainback. This is not very important in the RDX, as the filter is positioned facing straight up to prevent drainback. The Honda gasket is a "P" shaped seal fitted under a flange (partially removed below). The flange prevents the gasket from coming loose, which in earlier versions caused a little trouble>>> The Mobil 1 gasket is crimped in place to secure it. See the crimping in the filter base on the Mobil 1 parts picture above. The Honda filter assembly is in three pieces: the paper element, metal center tube, and spring bypass valve (below on left). The bypass valve is sitting in position on top of the tube. The Mobil 1 filter is a single unit with an integral metal center tube and built in spring bypass valve (below on the right). The bypass valve is the black dot on top of the filter. Sturdy metal center tubes are critically important to resist crushing, and both filters have them. Bypass valves are critically important to maintain uninterrupted start-up and high RPM oil flow, and both filters have the high quality spring type. Examine the filter assemblies above and below (Honda left, Mobil 1 right). Notice that the Honda uses felt rings glued to the paper filter ends to hold it together (above). See also how the Honda's metal end caps barely cover the felt rings (below). Now look at the Mobil 1 and see how the integral metal end caps completely cover and contain the filter element. This is sturdier construction. Last, and most important is the element itself. The Honda (below left) is paper and can be easily deformed by hand, or under the relentless pressure of the oil pump (up to 70 psi). Note how the Honda filter has deteriorated after 5500 miles of service. Now look at the Mobil 1. It is made of sturdy fiber matrix and would require pliers to deform it. After 5500 miles of service it looked nearly new. High volume oil flows from the pump directly into the filter on the bottom on the engine. It enters the filter through the outer holes pictured above, flows up the sides and then through the element and/or through the bypass valve and exits the filter through the center tube. High pressure now forces it throughout the engine. At highway speed the oil pump cycles ALL 5 quarts through the engine 3 times in one minute. If your oil filter leaks or fails, the pump will dump oil overboard faster than you can recognize the problem, and stop the engine. The difference between a cheap filter and a quality filter is about 6 bucks, or one less Mocha-Venti-Chino-Latte every six months. So what about the Honda? It is sufficient provided you change the oil on schedule and always use a new one. The Mobil 1 is about the same price and you can see the difference for yourself.

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[JMJ3rd]

I guess I'll be taking a different filter for my oil changes from now on.

Thanks!

[russianDude]

Does it mean that Mobil 1 is good to last two oil changes? I think manual says to change oil filter every other oil change. If this is the case, it might be better to use Mobil 1 filter.

[jimmyR]

737 Jock, what is the Mobil 1 part number? Who handles them in the US?

[mau108]

737, can you please analyze Wix filter for the RDX as well. It is what I use and form reviews on BITOG its quite good design.

Thanks

[737 Jock]

Originally Posted by jimmyR

737 Jock, what is the Mobil 1 part number? Who handles them in the US?

M1-110

Advance Auto, AutoZone, Pep Boys, Auto Barn, AutoPartsWarehouse

typically $9.99

[737 Jock]

Originally Posted by mau108

737, can you please analyze Wix filter for the RDX as well. It is what I use and form reviews on BITOG its quite good design.

Thanks

When it comes off the car, cut it around the base with a Dremel tool, and post some pictures. We'll check it out.

[scudzuki]

Regardless of what the service notes recommend, I'll change my filter with every oil change. The extra $10 every 6000 miles or so is hardly a deterrent and the filter access on this vehicle is the easiest I've ever seen. Nicely done.

Joe

[russianDude]

what do you guys use to remove/install oil filter? Did you buy oil filter wrench driver from your dealer? Does it fit M-110 filter as well?

[BleuM&M]

Outstanding report Mr. Jock! I've also noticed that when using a M1 filter, the oil appears to stay cleaner for longer than a stock filter.

[JMJ3rd]

Anyone use Amsoil oil filters. They are supposed to be coming out with a reuseable dry air filter too.

[googlefish]

Are these Mobil 1 Oil Filters available in Canada?

[spykeekuya]

Originally Posted by russianDude

what do you guys use to remove/install oil filter? Did you buy oil filter wrench driver from your dealer? Does it fit M-110 filter as well?

Just open a m1-110 out of the box at the store and check to see which filter driver fit it snugly- they could care less.

[Pote757]

This interesting comparison of DIY oil filters has been on the internet for a long time. For all the Frams sold, it's a wonder that there are not more failures.
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

Check the part about the mobil 1 crimp failures as a possible weakness.

[russianDude]

I agree that Mobil 1 is better than Honda, but Mobil1 filter is almost twice as expensive as Honda oil filter (I got some on ebay for $5.15 each). Given short oil change interval of 4-5K miles, it is not necessary to buy more expensive oil filter. I'd say $5 purolator or Honda is sufficient. One thing when you go 10K miles, then you need mobil1 oil filter

[Azzie]

737 Jock, what about K&N HP-1010 ? It's approx $10 at amazon.com, but is it 3 times better?

[mav238]

Originally Posted by russianDude

I agree that Mobil 1 is better than Honda, but Mobil1 filter is almost twice as expensive as Honda oil filter (I got some on ebay for $5.15 each). Given short oil change interval of 4-5K miles, it is not necessary to buy more expensive oil filter. I'd say $5 purolator or Honda is sufficient. One thing when you go 10K miles, then you need mobil1 oil filter

Exactly... if it's good enough for Honda, then it should be fine to use in accordance with the recommended oil change interval. Use what is recommended...

Like gasoline, use 91 not 87 or 89 octane.
Oil, use synthetic oil that is recommended for use in the RDX, and it should be fine... you could use Motul or Blue Purple, but I doubt it would make a detectable significant difference if you stick to the MID change intervals.

[ChrisQ1980]

Originally Posted by JMJ3rd

Anyone use Amsoil oil filters. They are supposed to be coming out with a reuseable dry air filter too.

I don't have an RDX, but I'm currently using Amsoil SSO 0w30 oil in my TL-S with the EA020 Amsoil 25k filter. I'm at 3k right now, and plan on changing the oil and filter at 10k of use. So far the oil is almost as clean as the day I put it in. My driving is pretty agressive 80% highway and 20% city.

I have only used a Mobil 1 filter once on my TL, and it showed no problems. I noticed with Honda motor oil, and filter after 3k the oil was pretty dirty. I used nothing but Honda oil, and filters on my previous 94 Integra LS automatic and it had no issues, and the oil stayed relativly clean for the 3k interval.

With todays engines, and advanced oil and filters it pays to use the quality stuff. Especially if you own, and plan on keeping your car for some time. Lease, and 4 year trade in's would be fine with dealership oil changes according to the service manual.

Nice write up, and comparison

[mau108]

Running Wix oil filters in my RDX now, they are of good quality (much better then oem) and priced ok too (I get em for 6.79 a filter from my local amsoil dealer) also use Amsoil ASL 5w30 in my prelude but use Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 in the RDX

RDX: PP 5w30 & Wix Filter
Prelude: Amsoil ASL 5w30 & Honda s2000 filter

So far no problems, once im out of the s2k filters i will try out amsoil eao's and push my oci to 10k (right now its at 8k) and this is KM's not miles.

[ChrisQ1980]

Originally Posted by mau108

Running Wix oil filters in my RDX now, they are of good quality (much better then oem) and priced ok too (I get em for 6.79 a filter from my local amsoil dealer) also use Amsoil ASL 5w30 in my prelude but use Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 in the RDX

RDX: PP 5w30 & Wix Filter
Prelude: Amsoil ASL 5w30 & Honda s2000 filter

So far no problems, once im out of the s2k filters i will try out amsoil eao's and push my oci to 10k (right now its at 8k) and this is KM's not miles.

You are going to like the Amsoil filter. They are S2K size and feel nice and heavy. It's constructed very well.

[russianDude]

Originally Posted by ChrisQ1980

I have only used a Mobil 1 filter once on my TL, and it showed no problems. I noticed with Honda motor oil, and filter after 3k the oil was pretty dirty. I used nothing but Honda oil, and filters on my previous 94 Integra LS automatic and it had no issues, and the oil stayed relativly clean for the 3k interval.

I have 2001 CLS and use Mobil 1 oil filter and Mobil 1 EP oil. I go 10K/1year between oil changes, usually its one 1 year because I only put about 7-8K miles a year. RDX is a different story, I can not use Amsoil or Mobil1 EP oils, you have to use regular Mobil1. Secondly, turbo engine does require more frequent oil changes. And third, if you want to keep your warranty, you better follow OEM intervals.

As far as filters goes, you can't tell by oil color if anything is wrong. There is no question Mobil1 oil filter is better, but my point is that its not needed when oil change intervals are 3-4K miles. It won't hurt, but not worth spending $5 extra.

[CelestialRL05]

anyone done a comparison between the Purolator PUREONE filter compared to the Mobil 1? I have read that the PureONE is also a very sturdy filter as well.

[bobin]

About Amsoil yes you can use Amsoil in the RDX. amsoil 0-30 is aproved by Honda to use in all Honda and Acura produtces and there oil filter also. EAo-13 or the next best oil filter to use is a Wix.

[Darmc96]

good info. Did not realize that the Honda filter was built by Fram. I will be using either a Mobil 1 or a K&N alternative from no on. Fram oil filters are junk.

[Darmc96]

Originally Posted by mav238

Exactly... if it's good enough for Honda, then it should be fine to use in accordance with the recommended oil change interval. Use what is recommended...

Like gasoline, use 91 not 87 or 89 octane.
Oil, use synthetic oil that is recommended for use in the RDX, and it should be fine... you could use Motul or Blue Purple, but I doubt it would make a detectable significant difference if you stick to the MID change intervals.

But for me, when I compare what my dealer is charging me for the Honda/POS Fram part at each oil change interval, why wouldn't I spend a few more dollars and get something that I know isn't going to fail under 6k miles of usage? Over the life of the car using better parts with a slightly longer change interval probably comes out to the same place as using the POS parts and shorter interval, no? I already provide my dealer with the oil since I can get Mobil 1 for $33/case at costco instead of $10/qt like my dealer probably charges..... providing a filter vs using theirs is probably not a big difference. Never has been on my past cars.

[Darmc96]

...... I found the K&N HP-1010 filter out on Amazon for $10, no shipping. Picked up 3. Assuming things are the same as when I had my first Mazda 6 which also used the same K&N part number the Mobil 1 and K&N were both great durable non-paper filters but the K&N has a higher flow capacity/rate. At any rate, I'd be willing to bet that my dealer is charging me a shade if anything less than $10 for the Honda filter at changes, can't put my hands on the bill from my first oil change. For the small, if any difference in price it is worth it to me to know I am using the best filter I can and makes me more comfortable with the 6k change intervals. The stock filter is no more than a low end Fram filter with Honda paint on the canister and probably should never be used more than 3-4k IMHO.

[john50]

Boy, 737 Jock really does good work. I'll ride his plane anytime.

[russianDude]

Does anyone have any comments on Puralator PureOne filter?
http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/...ilfilters.aspx

Its not as good as Mobil1, but some people believe its the same or better quality than Honda, and you can get it for like $5.
They claim to be 99% efficent in filtering.

[cwepruk]

It's been a while since I've strayed from OEM, but in my Mustang days, Purolator was one of the few decent brands. Most other brands are just rebadged frams.

It basically came down to OEM, Mobil1, K&N, Purolator and Wix.

[Rexorg]

I always use the recommended filter as long as the vehicle is under warranty. Why take any chances with a non-recommended filter?

[Darmc96]

Originally Posted by cwepruk

It's been a while since I've strayed from OEM, but in my Mustang days, Purolator was one of the few decent brands. Most other brands are just rebadged frams.

It basically came down to OEM, Mobil1, K&N, Purolator and Wix.

Basically anything but Fram. Might as well be a WalMart store brand filter...

[Darmc96]

Originally Posted by Rexorg

I always use the recommended filter as long as the vehicle is under warranty. Why take any chances with a non-recommended filter?

Just becasue it is not an OEM part doesn't mean it is not reccomended and it won't have any effect on your warranty. The point is if you can do better than OEM for the same or in my dealer's case less cost and make it more comfortably to the 6k oil change interval, why wouldn't you? I wouldn't trust that factory filter beyond 3-4k. The filter media on the OP's factory filter looks horrible. To each their own but just because it isn't the Honda part doesn't mean it isn't "reccomended". Its better than OEM....

[mickey513]

I think this thread needs to be updated because the Honda oil filter used in this comparison is the Fram made one ending in "A02". There is another OEM Honda filter made by FILTECH ending in "A01" that is much better made all around. The only problem is that most Honda & Acura dealership only carry the FRAM made "A02" with the occasional shipment of "A01" filters. The last time a local Acura dealer carried the Filtech made filter, I purchased 15 at $5 a piece.

[LuvMyRDX]

Originally Posted by mickey513

I think this thread needs to be updated because the Honda oil filter used in this comparison is the Fram made one ending in "A02". There is another OEM Honda filter made by FILTECH ending in "A01" that is much better made all around. The only problem is that most Honda & Acura dealership only carry the FRAM made "A02" with the occasional shipment of "A01" filters. The last time a local Acura dealer carried the Filtech made filter, I purchased 15 at $5 a piece.

Last time I tried to get the A01 filters a couple months back, the parts guy said they were no longer being made and are only available based on the limited supply left at individual dealerships. I had him check and there was nothing available in the Denver area.

Dude could be wrong stating that the A01 is no longer being made, but I know they are very hard to come by. Good call buying 15 at a time.

[Lrpba300]

Originally Posted by LuvMyRDX

Last time I tried to get the A01 filters a couple months back, the parts guy said they were no longer being made and are only available based on the limited supply left at individual dealerships. I had him check and there was nothing available in the Denver area.

Dude could be wrong stating that the A01 is no longer being made, but I know they are very hard to come by. Good call buying 15 at a time.

Luv.. just buy the Mobil 1 filter, M1-110 at Advance auto for $9.95. They are better than stock anyway, & don't cost that much more!

[LuvMyRDX]

Originally Posted by Lrpba300

Luv.. just buy the Mobil 1 filter, M1-110 at Advance auto for $9.95. They are better than stock anyway, & don't cost that much more!

Yeah that's probably the route I am going to take from here. I think I'll try to find them in bulk somewhere since they will work on my Honda Fit as well. Got a couple more A02's left to use up in the mean-time. Thanks for the heads-up on the AutoZone price!

[mickey513]

Originally Posted by Lrpba300

Luv.. just buy the Mobil 1 filter, M1-110 at Advance auto for $9.95. They are better than stock anyway, & don't cost that much more!

$10 IMO is way too much to spend on a oil filter. There are very good alternatives to the Honda filter for $5 to $6 (Purolator PureOne or Bosch *also made by Filtech*)

[Lrpba300]

Originally Posted by mickey513

$10 IMO is way too much to spend on a oil filter. There are very good alternatives to the Honda filter for $5 to $6 (Purolator PureOne or Bosch *also made by Filtech*)

That's nice that you disagree. I just think that $3-4 more for a GOOD filter for a great car is worth it. When you buy cheaper versions of product, sometimes you pay WAY MORE in the end.

[datnvan]

what information is available on the flow and filtration abilities of the oem and m1 filters. I think this is just as important as actual build quality.

[russianDude]

Originally Posted by Lrpba300

That's nice that you disagree. I just think that $3-4 more for a GOOD filter for a great car is worth it. When you buy cheaper versions of product, sometimes you pay WAY MORE in the end.

In my autozone the bastards jack up the price to $12 for Mobil1 filter.