Best oil filter for 2010 Prius

I looked at used oil analysis. The Fram filters had the worst readings

I have an actual oil filter cutter: it looks like a giant copper pipe cutter, and works the same way. It's an easy way to cut the metal canister off the oil filter

The Fram filters are clearly an inferior product in the way they are constructed. The Toyota dealership oil filters, the ones stamped "Made in Thailand," have a very interesting construction method: the element looks like what you would find in an aircraft filter





I have always had the best used oil analysis lab results with Toyota filters, regardless of type of oil used. Their cost is reasonable, and they appear to hold up even at 10,000 mile oil change intervals

You can also send the entire oil filter off to be analyzed at the same lab that does the fluid analysis. This costs quite a bit more, but will inform you if excessive sludge or wear metals are caught in the element: nothing unexpected even at 10,000 mile intervals

The entire purpose of an oil with a good additive package is to minimize acid buildup in the oil to the greatest possible extent. The best oils will chemically test BETTER than crap virgin oils, even after 5,000 miles. That's scary, isn't it?

The entire point of the oil filter is to capture the normal crap that the oil additive package keeps in suspension. Unless you run a bypass oil filter in addition to the main filter element, at a certain point the oil is too loaded up with trash to be effective

The only way to know for sure if your particular oil selection is working is to perform a used oil analysis. This is also important to establish baseline "health" snapshots of the motor itself.

Wouldn't be the first time I picked up a very slow coolant leak from a bad gasket, long before it became a serious issue. No matter what oil you use, if you have a coolant leak the motor will sludge up pretty badly

 

^Their site must have been tinkered with since as it's resulting in javascript errors when attempting to add to cart. :|

 

Actually, perhaps the best deal (ever?) is from here: Genuine Toyota Cartridge Oil Filter FREE SHIPPING! 04152-YZZA1-CASE10

A case of 10 for $46 plus tax (if applicable). Shipping appears to be free! Since it's based in TX, they add $3.80 to my total making it $49.80 for a pack of 10. A steal...only problem is I haven't done business with them before (but did get the store link from another thread in this forum).

 

How abuot the NAPA {Gold}............ Have you use this one?

 

I've used the conventional metal can style Napa Gold in other vehicles. When you take them apart, they appear to hold up well. Since I don't own any vehicles with a cartridge style oil filter system, I can't comment on those applications

At least with a cartridge style oil filter system, the quality of the element is readily apparent

 

I don't know how you'd hook up a By-Pass oil filter to a Prius, as the Dual filter units would be impossible to use. Have you ever considered doing that ? Have you asked Toyota their view of such an installation on a Prius ?

 

Still I think those filters are so cheap. I am thinking about buying one of those magnet rings to put around the filter casing to trap the debris.

Anyone bought one of those?

 

That has already been done, and posted on this forum

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/23222-bypass-filter-install-3.html

The Prius is really easy on oil, but I have considered a bypass kit for my FJ. For some reason, the FJ motor tends to spike nitration and you have to keep an eye on that

I have used bypass oil filters on other equipment that I care about. I believe in them

Toyota gets their panties in a knot over blocking the grille at -40, so why would I care how they react to a bypass filter kit?

You think they are cheap, as in cost, or cheap, as in quality of construction

I have taken apart the Toyota oil filters and they are very well made. Using the proper oil a 10,000 mile interval is reasonable

Those magnet rings have a spotty record. I'd sooner use a magnetic drain plug, which is actually standard equipment on some vehicles sold here

I'm familiar with these

Magnom - The Magnetic Filter: magnetic filters, magnetic suction strainers, suction strainer & magnetic hydraulic filter

used for industrial applications, especially hydraulic systems, and they work well