I just changed my oil and went from an OEM oil filter to a Puralator(sp). I noticed during the change that the Volvo filter has less oil return holes than the Puralator. I could SWEAR that my engine now gets better oil flow.

Does anyone know anything about this? I am thinking that I should stay away from the OEM filter.

Ryan

My cars always seem to run a bit better (smoother at idle and
acceleration) after an oil change. Enought that I can notice
it (a 96 855 and 98 S70). I think it is the oil change you
are noticing and not a change in flow.

I'd recommend sticking with the OEM filter (or Mann). It has about
a ba-zillion real world miles of use behind it and that
makes it a proven design.

IMHO, I have stuck with Mann filters for over 176,000 miles now on my 1995 850 turbo. You can get them for $45.00 for a case of 10 from IPD. I would NOT go to anything else. Does the Purolator have the check valve in the base??? This is a good option that Volvo recommends.

The purolator does have the valve in the base. I have been running them for a while now, just because I have always used purolator, and I can find them local for a little over $4.


John

I think it does. you can check it for yourself at http://pureoil.com.
I may try IPD's 10 case MANN filters some time too. I just don't know if I'll be keeping my brick for that long (50k miles more).

fcpgroton has a case of 10 Manns for $33 ($3.95 each). Aluminum washers are $.20.

That's even better. It defintely worth a try.

First, I think there is little correlation between the number of holes on the filter and the amount of flow you get from it. And I'm not sure but I've always thought that the center hole was the outlet hole and the small ones around it were the inlets. [?]

Having that said, IMHO the OEM oil filter is one of the better filters for our cars. I have also used the puralator's Pure-1 (?) filter during an engine flush operation. Then switched back to AMSOIL filter. As I remember, in the test result chart of AMSOIL, Puralator's Pure-1 ranks third after AMSOIL and Mobil-1 filter (However, I don't remember if the chart was a flow chart or filtration chart). As the first two are over $10 (also needs to be shipped to where I am), and I can find Pure-1 under $6 locally, I would use it after I finish my supply of AMSOIL filters next oil change. I know the OEM filter is normally under $7, however my bloodsucking dealer sells it for $13.74 + tax with the washer and seal. If it was cheaper, I would use that too.
Ihsan

PS: Did you also think that more holes might be a requirement of more flow restriction that the filter element inside the can applies to the oil?