AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

[Jeff A.]

Hello all,
I've noticed two types of pf-141 filters that are periodically available on eBay, both of which are advertised as NOS. On one, the filter element is encased in a white perforated metal sleeve with the AC logo and pf-141 printed in red. On the other, the filter pleats are exposed. My guess is that the encased ones are originals (they look '50s retro) and the others are service replacements. Can anyone shed some light on the differences?
Thanks!
Jeff

[Stuart F.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Not real sure on the number, but basically what you are describing is a spin on filter vs. a fiter cartridge. Believe most of our C-2's use a cartridge type element that fits into a housing. The outer shell of a spin on is the housing.

Stu Fox

[Michael G.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

I've seen those Jeff. Believe the "pleted" filter is an original style as is the perforated filter. The 141 style canister filter has been around since 1958 preceeded by the 131. The pleted filter may have preceeded the perforated .

[Chris W.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Hello all,
I've noticed two types of pf-141 filters that are periodically available on eBay, both of which are advertised as NOS. On one, the filter element is encased in a white perforated metal sleeve with the AC logo and pf-141 printed in red. On the other, the filter pleats are exposed. My guess is that the encased ones are originals (they look '50s retro) and the others are service replacements. Can anyone shed some light on the differences?
Thanks!
Jeff

I have also seen both styles of the PF-141 Filter element. In any case, I do not think I would want to use a filter that has been on the shelf for a whole bunch of years. I am not sure, but I would be concerned with them drying out and decaying. that is the last thing I would want to have happen to a filter. For a dsplay, that is fine. Several manufactures still currently make filter elements for the canaster type oil filters.

Chris

[Michael G.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Chris,

Wix makes a very much improved high tech 141 style filter. Typically not found on the shelf at your local automotive parts shop.....one has to ask to have one ordered provided they have access to the filter.

[Chris W.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Chris,

Wix makes a very much improved high tech 141 style filter. Typically not found on the shelf at your local automotive parts shop.....one has to ask to have one ordered provided they have access to the filter.

Thanks, I will look into that. I have to change oil in my '65 and I need to get some more new filters.

Chris

[Duke W.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Instead of buying "NOS" or whatever on fraud-bay, why not buy the highest quality contemporary filter cartridges - used by on and off highway fleet operators around the world. Go to www.baldwinfilter.com and cross reference the PF141. The judges can't look inside the filter cannister, can they?

There is still a lot of old equipment around that use that cartridge and run 8/5 to 24/7 in some of the filthiest environments you can imagine - like mines.

You can buy Baldwin filters at any parts house that caters to the medium/heavy duty truck and equipment trade. They also make superb air filters.

Wix oil and air filters are okay.

Duke

[Larry M.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Thanks, I will look into that. I have to change oil in my '65 and I need to get some more new filters.

Chris

NAPA sells the WIX oil filter under their NAPA GOLD label. The PF-141 equivalent is NAPA #1143. Excellent filter, and USA made (rare today).

I have used these filters for a number of years without issues. I started when the AC Delco #141 filter construction changed to the cardboard/fiber top and bottom ends. Probably works okay, but just looked very cheap.

Larry

[Kenneth H.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Jeff, that was quite an interesting filter that you showed Dobbie and I on Friday. Why don't you post a picture of it for all to see and comment on? It sure looked '50s era to me.

Thanks.

[Wayne M.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Any comments on Fram CH 200 PL ( Allied Signal); filter made in Mexico, but seems solid with no external cardboard; plastic seal on both ends.

I pick one up whenever I see them, but that's not very often.

[Duke W.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

I avoid any and all Fram products - based on some well know Internet dissections/analysis, comments from a former Allied-Signal engineer on the quality of Fram products, and my own analysis of Cosworth Vega air filters from Fram, AC, and Baldwin.

Baldwin is my first choice for all filter products and Wix if Baldwin doesn't make what I'm looking for.

Duke

[Jeff A.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

P18 is Baldwin's replacement for the PF-141 (thanks for the recommendation, Duke!).
Attached is a photo (at Ken's suggestion) of the metal canister version of the PF-141. I bought a few out of curiosity, but after reading your responses, I'm convinced that there's no point in chancing failure on a newly rebuilt engine. You may see them for sale at Carlisle .
Thanks all!
Jeff

[Duke W.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

P18 is Baldwin's replacement for the PF-141 Jeff

The P18-HD is also listed as "Heavy-Duty Racing Lube or Hydraulic Element", but I think the P18 is more than adequate for typical vintage Corvette engine service and superior to most filters on the market including "NOS" and current "Delco" PF141 replacements and certainly better than Fram.

When you hold a Baldwin product in your hand and compare it side by side with most other brands' equivalent part, there is little doubt as to which is better constructed.

When I did the above with Cosworth Vega air filters with the local CVOA members ten years ago, all agreed that the Baldwin appeared to be much more substantial, and it also fit the air filter housing like a glove, which was not the case with the AC and Fram equivalents. So much for AC "original equipment parts"...

The CV filter is common with a lot of old Clark forklifts and various refrigeration units - like what are used on refigeration trailers. Baldwin sells lot of those PA640s and they were about five bucks each when bought by the case of six. Unfortunately they don't make a '63-'65 327 A163C equivalent filter element, which was also used on a Cadillac at some point.

Duke

[Jeff A.]

Re: AC pf-141 oil filters - what's the difference?

Duke,
I saw the P18-HD on the Baldwin website and was going to inquire as to whether they would be applicable, but you beat me to it. Thanks for the dissertation, as always!
Jeff