AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

**Clem Z.** · October 31, 2006, 08:53 PM

i just bought a 1218 yesterday and it looks

like the on the right from the top,metal insert, but it is short like the one on the left. it was made in the USA.

**Joe L.** · November 1, 2006, 01:03 AM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Pat-----

To me, the stranger looking of the 2 filters is the long one on the right. I have not seen one like it. This includes its length, the lock seam at the top, and the silk screening on the side. Note also that there is no GM "long number" anywhere to be seen on it.

The filter on the left looks more-or-less like the PF-1218 that I know. The one difference is the configuration of the flange plate on the top. I have not seen one like that previously. Otherwise, though, it looks as I would expect.

I have several PF-1218's that date right back to the time they were first released. These filters are exactly 5-1/4" long from the top of the gasket surface to the very bottom center of the canister section. That's exactly 1/4" shorter than the PF-35 that the PF-1218 replaced. The last PF-1218 I purchased (not for actual use but for "research") was exactly the same length as the first one I purchased. So, I really don't know what this is all about as far as these filters getting "shorter". When filters change in that sort of way, GM usually, if not always, assigns a new AC-Delco number and/or a new GM long number.

As far as variations in various AC Filters, especially with respect to internals, you are going to start seeing a lot of it. DELPHI is getting completely out of the oil filter business, if they are not already out. That means that the old AC filter manufacturing operations in Flint, MI and elsewhere won't be supplying the filters that come in AC-Delco boxes. Presumably, the filters will be manufactured to GM specifications by whatever company makes them, but newer technology will, undoubtedly, be "creeping in" to the design of the filters. Based upon what I know about them to date, I don't see a fundamental problem with the "E-core" filter design. In fact, it might be an improvement.

Nevertheless, when you purchase an AC-Delco oil filter, I would expect that you'll still be getting a quality product. I mean, GM uses AC-Delco filters on PRODUCTION vehicles. So, the filters have to be PRODUCTION-validated. That, by itself, provides a lot of assurance of quality. Of course, some of the older filter models (like the PF-1218) are not currently used in PRODUCTION vehicles. However, I still expect that they'll be manufactured to the same standards as PRODUCTION filter models.

**Pat K.** · November 1, 2006, 08:09 AM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Joe,

Thanks for the response.

FYI - I did a quick measure of the filters as I was heading out this morning. The one on the left is 4-1/2" and the one on the right is 5-1/4". The one on the right is the one I remember using for the last couple of years in terms of length and base plate.

Not sure what's going on with these filters but the fact that I found a post attributing an engine failure to a 1218 with the Ecore design gives me pause.

Are there any other manufacturer's to consider?

Pat

**Christopher R.** · November 1, 2006, 09:08 AM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

"Are there any other manufacturer's to consider?"

Baldwin B1428. Buy it at your friendly local truck parts place (FLTPP - new acronym).

**Clem Z.** · November 1, 2006, 10:48 AM

could these be knock offs of a GM product ? *NM*

**Clem Z.** · November 1, 2006, 10:56 AM

joe the one i just bought is 4-5/8" tall with

a metal insert where the oil inlet/outlet holes are.it is stamped "made in the USA" with a full GM number. i think the ones shown could be counterfits. mine come from a AC delco wharehouse JMHO

**Pat K.** · November 1, 2006, 11:03 AM

Re: joe the one i just bought is 4-5/8" tall with

You may be right. I purchased this filter from Advance Auto Parts, but I have read on some boards that bogus 1218's do show up at the major chain stores. I'll check for the "made in USA" stamping when I get home, plus check out some of other chains in the area.

**Pat K.** · November 1, 2006, 11:05 AM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Chris,

Did some research on the Balwin filters and they seem well designed. I couldn't find anything negative on the web, only positive comments. Have you been using these for awhile?

Pat

**Joe L.** · November 1, 2006, 05:45 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Pat-----

Yes, I just confirmed today that the PF-1218 did change in length. I compared one of my old PF-1218's to one I purchased today. It is shorter by the amount you mentioned. The flange plate on this filter looks much "lighter duty" than the old filter, too, but it's not exactly like the one on the short PF-1218 that you show.

It's amazing to me that GM would allow the filter to be changed like this without changing the Delco part number and, especially, without changing the GM "long number".

The construction on the PF-1218 I got today is not the same as that used on Purolator or Fram, so I don't think that they are the source of the GM filters. In fact, at least from external appearances, the Purolator and Fram look like better filters than the AC-Delco.

I looked at a whole range of different AC-Delco filter models on the shelf. The construction of each of them was different. That leads me to believe that AC-Delco is contracting with different suppliers to produce the various filter models. In the old days, while each of the filter models was obviously different, the BASIC construction was the same. That's because they were all manufactured in AC plants.

The Purolator and Fram did have the original style steel core, so they might be a better bet now. I'd look for a Wix, though. Assuming that they haven't "downgraded" their filters, too, they were the one that always made filters similar to the old AC. However, Dana Corporation (parent company of Wix filters) is in Chapter 11. So, who knows what the "fallout" from that will be.

**Pat K.** · November 1, 2006, 08:23 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Joe,

I looked at several models of AC Delco filters too, and they were different. The construction of the PF1218 from the samples I looked at it seemed the cheapest.

On one of the old PF1218's I have it lists filters it replaces. One of them is the Fram HP4 (high-performance), so I picked one up and it seemed of better quality on the outside. But, after doing some research on the web, many people consider the Fram's to be garbage including the HP4. It's getting difficult to weed out the good from the bad.

In this thread Chris suggested the Baldwin B1428. After searching some of the boards and Baldwin's website this appears to be a quality filter. Do you have any knowledge of these filters?

Thanks for researching.

Pat

**Joe L.** · November 1, 2006, 11:33 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Pat------

I don't know anything about the Baldwin brand.

**Christopher R.** · November 2, 2006, 01:21 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Only know what I read on the web. They appear substantial.

**Pat K.** · November 2, 2006, 05:23 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Joe,

A quick follow-up. Researched the Wix brand today and based on their web site and comments from actual users this brand appears to be a very good filter. The Napa Gold is made by Wix, but just rebranded. I called Wix just to confirm it.

I believe the Baldwin is a good brand too, but since Napa is closer to where I live I went with the Napa Gold.

Let's hope the chapter 11 doesn't ruin this brand.

Pat

**Randy S.** · November 2, 2006, 09:59 PM

Re: AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

Pat,

I too bought the Napa Gold after purchasing an AC PF1218.

My only complaint on the Napa Gold is why paint an oil filter black as it makes it difficult to check for oil leaks. I sent Napa an email suggesting they paint it gold but what do I know I am only the customer!

Randy

AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

AC Delco PF1218 Oil Filter

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