Below is a letter from GM engineering about how aftermarket oil filters are causing major engine damage on certain vehicles. We at Lighthouse Automotive have actually taken apart a GM filter, and an aftermarket filter, and there is twice as much filtering media in the GM filter. Genuine GM parts are definitely the best parts available for all GM vehicles.
GM Brand Quality Managers have reviewed warranty claims where aftermarket filters have failed on GM customer engines. These failures have been due to:
–Oil filter gasket leaks
–Holes in the filter media
–Media that is not sealing properly
–Anti-drain back valves that fail to seal properly
As a result of holes in the filter media or media that fails to seal properly, unfiltered oil is allowed back into the engine which could lead to premature failure of an engine. In the event an anti-drain back valve separates from the oil filter and is pumped into the engine, this could lead to oil flow being blocked from the crankshaft, resulting in an engine failure. These types of engine failures could have been avoided by using ACDelco oil filters which are designed to meet GM specifications for durability, filter capacity, filter efficiency and flow management.
An ACDelco oil filter will efficiently filter particles down below 10 microns, one-third the width of a human hair. ACDelco oil filters meet or exceed the most stringent specifications set by GM Powertrain engineers. In addition to a competitive limited warranty, ACDelco oil filters help protect the engine in many ways, including:
–Tight seals prevent unfiltered oil from entering your engine.
–Consistent, dependable oil filtration throughout oil change interval.
–Anti-drain back valves that retain oil in the filter, help reduce prime-times to quickly lubricate the engine during start-up.
–By-pass valves which help keep the engine from becoming oil-starved.
Brad Brunken
Product Development Manager
Quick Service and Engine Management
GM Customer Care & Aftersales