Kohler oil filter questions

[Karl_Brandt]

After I cross-referenced my Kohler filter with a less expensive Fram filter I observed that the Kohler filter has a spring just inside the outlet that is not used in the Fram. When I dissected the Kohler filter it appears that the filter element is bypassed if it becomes clogged but the Fram does not. Am I right? Is it safe to use the cheaper Fram filter if I change it faithfully every 50 hours of operation?

The above message was posted by a friend of mine on another forum, and I thought I'd post it here to get some additional info.

One other question, who makes Kohler oil filters?

Thanks,
Bill

[Fred]

Bill, I know o.e. filts are expensive but so is a new eng! My friend serviced a Kohler once with a Fram filt on it and the internal part of the filt was collapsed! I wouldn't want all that stuff in oil passages of my eng! I reccomend you use O.E. filter. Regards dlc

[Fred]

Bill,
It has been a common perception in the automotive field that Fram filters have not been as good as they once were. Since there are various ways to construct a filter to accomplish the same result, I can't directly address your question regarding the Kohler and Fram filters without an engineering analysis of both; but it is likely that the Fram also has a (different) bypass valve. Someone else with a lot of time has done some of this work which you may find of interest.
See: http://members.xoom.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html (Sorry, I still mess it up when trying to post a link.)
I do not know who makes Kohler's filters. If my engine distributor does, I will post it.
Fred
(I don't know about your friend, but you've certainly been busy posting this question around. I hope you get the answers you want.)

[dlcentral]

Oh Fred, you make me feel like a criminal with that last comment about my postings!

I use Fram and Purolator filters in my car and would not hesitate to use one for a lawn/garden tractor engine, be it Kohler or B&S, etc. I can't imagine a major brand name putting out junk, if nothing else out of fear as to what would become of their reputation and subsequent sales.

As for my garden tractor, well, I am one of those who hasn't wore out the ol' ALL CAST IRON Kohler Magnum engine and so I don't see any "cheap" oil filters coming my way anytime soon!

Bill

[Fred]

I meant what I said about hoping that you get the information that you're looking for, since you went to the trouble of posting it to several boards that I saw.
As regards Fram, I also meant it, as I've heard a lot of negative opinion of their product from knowledgable automotive people. The fellow who did the (admittedly) semi-scientific study also reached the same conclusions.
I and many people I know simply will not use Fram anymore.
Just my two cents' worth, sir. Opinions are like you-know-what, everybody has one; but I really wasn't trying to be one.
Fred

[Guest]

Hi Bill, All oil filters and oil have to meet certain spec. to be used on cars. A company just can't go out and take a chance on selling a product like an oil filter which next to the oil and oil pump are the heart of any engine but the good ole 4 cycle engines with the spash lubrication systems. But I know of a person that owns a Pennzoil Quick OIL change bussiness that quit using the fram bland oil filters has he was starting to have to many bad filters. Chuck had problems with these filters for about a 6 months before his insurance company said no more rebuilds. The filters were blowing the gasgets out either upon startup or going down the expressway. Now this is not to say that other bland filters don't also have their problems as another company called puralator also has given him some problems but quite abit less. Besides you really do get what you pay for just go to your local auto parts store and look at a cut away of 2 different blands and you can see the difference in how they are made. Yes to my knowlege all filters today have to have a bypass valve other wise the oil pressure upon filter pluging up will decrease. "BUT" I still see some that somehow don't have the bypass and I really wonder if they are not a generic filter with the good name on them being made in another country. If I were you I would do some investigative work just for your own piece of mind to see who makes the best filter for your tractor and what bland your dealer recommends useing. This is not pick on Fram day as all blands as far as I'am concerned are "suspect" to me untill I am satisfied that I am going to get the best for my money. I was going to keep it short but that never seems to happen. Best of Luck to YOU and please let us know what you either decide or find out. Now if anyone whats to make it pick on jack day go for as its the only way to learn. Thankyou-->jackl>happyjack<