Amsoil oil filter and low oil pressure
 

This was posted on another forum from Amsoil. If anyone is using an Amsoil oil filter and are experiencing low oil pressure.

Some customers that have used the AMSOIL Ea15k50 oil filter, with the identified vehicles listed above, have experienced low oil pressure indicators while operating their vehicles. Typical symptoms include check engine lights and visual loss of oil pressure on the gauges. This situation does not affect all these vehicles, but some vehicles are affected more than others.
Through AMSOIL testing and research with technology partners, we have learned the problem occurs with any oil filter but is exacerbated by high-performance filters like AMSOIL Oil Filters. Our high-efficiency media filters out more particles of smaller sizes than most other filters, reducing flow and overall oil pressure. In no way will this oil-pressure reduction affect the engine; AMSOIL Oil Filters include bypass relief valves to ensure appropriate oil volume to critical components.
Because AMSOIL Oil Filters provide higher efficiency than OEM and other aftermarket filters (WIX, FRAM, Mobil), they capture more deposits, helping reduce engine wear. Unfortunately, due to the large amount of deposits being captured by the AMSOIL Ea15k50 oil filters, the filter is plugging before the end of its recommended service interval. For these vehicles, we are recommending using a WIX oil filter in place of your AMSOIL Oil Filter. WIX filters are designed with the OEM service interval in mind and are better suited for more frequent changes.
FAQ
1. I used the EA15K50 before, can I continue to use it?

a. We warrant this filter to 15,000 miles however have found it not able to reach that service interval in these trucks. In order to reduce the frequency of filter changes, we recommend the WIX 57060 changed at the OEM interval. We will continue to research this OEM issue with the goal to again supply a high efficiency filter.

2. I used the EA15K50 before, did it harm my vehicle?

a. No, the EA15K50 is a high efficiency filter that captured more deposits, helping reduce wear. It was just not capable of providing this exceptional protection to our normal 15,000-mile warrantable service interval.

3. Can I use Signature Series still with extended drains?

a. Yes, we certainly recommend our Signature Series oils paired with the WIX filter. The high cleanliness capability of our oil is certainly what these trucks need. Follow our normal warrantable service interval pertaining to our Signature Series oil and change the WIX filter at OEM interval and topping off with oil after the oil change.

4. What can I do to combat these oil deposits?

a. We recommend using our Signature Series oil and changing the WIX oil filter at OEM interval. We also recommend you combine our Engine and Transmission Flush (FLSH) at every other oil change.



Thank you,
AMSOIL Technical Services
Tech Line: 715-399-8324
Email: tech@amsoil.com

What’s the ea15k 50? I’ve been using the ea15k 12 with no issues. I’ve heard amsoil have a similar issue with one of the Toyota v6 engines in the past (I don’t remember which now) but that was with one of the 25k filters and they even took it off their site as the filter to use for such vehicle. Just checked tonight and see the ea15k 12 is still the recommended one for the 370z. I’ve been using it since I got the car and done track and street driving and oil test always came back good. I’ll continue to use this one since I just did a change and then I’ll see what a sip says on next change.

Oh and I do 10k with signature series. Not comfortable with 15k and signature series is a bit pricey to be changing as often as OEM.

This was for 5.7 and 6.4 Hemi's. But it can happen to any filter with long oil changes. Just something to keep an eye on.

Well as they say it also depends on the engine. In this case the hemi and in the case of the Toyota I referenced they are “dirty” engines so they plug the filter. Not had any issues on this car and never had any in my VW before which is actually surprising to me cause the VW oil always looked like crap and I’d think a Toyota would be cleaner but I guess looks aren’t everything. Cars old by now (2009) and as I said in the case of the Toyota they removed it as a filter to use from the application guide and I’d assume they’ve done the same for the hemi and I’ll assume they’d do so for ours if it has issues. They’re pretty good about their testing.

I would assume this may occur with RP filters as well? same style/manufacturer as we've heard many times.

I have never seen or heard of filters plugging unless the engine/oil was seriously polluted or oil never changed.

Another odd thing, why is Amsoil marketing the use of WIX? I believe WIX is owned by MANN, so has there been another industry merger/buy-out?

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Think the filter plugging is happening when they tell you that you can go 15,000 miles between oil changes.

That's a long time.

1.I too have used the Amsoil EA15K50 oil filter on many of my oil changes Bob but,I have got in the habit of changing my oil and filter every six months or before/after every track event I attend. I will do my oil/filter changes since it is part of my general maintenance schedule for my Z.You can continue to use the Amsoil EA15K50 oil filter safely I recommend not changing it every 15K miles. 2.I use the Amsoil EA15K50 oil filter and harm should not occur or the internals in the oil filter should not come apart as long as you are changing the oil filter on time. I would change it out at least every six months or use Nissan's oil change interval.I would never trust changing any oil filter every 15K miles regardless of what the manufacturer says. 3.You can use the Amsoil Signature Series and change it up to once every year I was told by the Amsoil reps at the last SEMA convention I attended if I'm not using my Z at a track event then it's changed before and after. Amsoil recommends their Signature Series because it contains the most ester properties in it compared to their OE and XL Series motor oil lines but,you can use OE,XL,or Signature Series because they all have an amount of ester in them which is what the VQ37HR requires. 4.To combat carbon build up/ deposits I recommend changing your oil on time as Nissan's recommends every 3750 miles or every six months whatever occurs first. Amsoil recommended their 5W30 Signature Series to me since it will provide the best engine protection on or off the track. The Amsoil EA15K50 or WIX oil filters will both provide excellent filtration and always change your oil filter every oil change. I did read that the Genuine Nissan oil filter does have the best design for the VQ37HR engine. 5.People looking to research what motor oil and oil filters would be best for them to use for how they use their Nissan 370Z check out www.bobistheoilguy.com you will find a lot of information there.