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WIX and NAPA GOLD

@Wes Harden how well does the hex boss on the bottom of the filter work (as easy as filters can bend I wondered if the hex would break loose / deform)? I may switch from Wix to K&N on my Dodge, the a/c lines are super close so the hex would be really convenient.
 
I can save from personal experience the hex on the bottom kind of sucks. It's only tacked on and it's sort of tapered, so even a 6-point socket slides off easily. I have popped one of the hexs off a filter before as well, trying to remove it.
 
The ps series doesn't use the hex. This is a lower price point.
I have used the hp series that does have the hex. I haven't installed with the hex, I did use it once to remove. My belief is the hex is there for safety wire securing.
 
@Blue85 Its a 37 Chevy Master Deluxe street rod. One of my older clients car. Vintage sbc and th350. It's got a set of the cast iron gm angle plug heads on it. Fun cruiser.
 
Kicking this back to the top for S&G

Been watching a lot of Lake Speed JRs channel on YouTube. Very interesting

Also watched about 15 different videos about the filters. Really surprised by what I saw, particularly on the store brand and premium brands

No Baldwin filters in any of those tests
 
Just got a Wix that was made in USA the other day when I changed the oil on the duramax in prep to haul down to Moab.
 
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I talked with my local Freightliner parts rep the other day. He is an honest guy whom I met before he went to peddlin' parts.
Well I showed him a Baldwin air filter that let dust get past, because I know that he is in touch with the area representative.

Well, after discussing that, we discussed the NAPA gold changes. He said that Baldwin is now making them for NAPA, however they are being made to NAPA specifications. And he can see the difference in them.

So, whenever the Baldwin representative happens past my little shop again, (it's been several years since I talked to him) I plan on giving him my perspective.

Some representatives act like they appreciate the blunt feedback, but who knows!??
I know that he won't like seeing what my shelves are holding... ( No more red filters)
 
I talked with my local Freightliner parts rep the other day. He is an honest guy whom I met before he went to peddlin' parts.
Well I showed him a Baldwin air filter that let dust get past, because I know that he is in touch with the area representative.

Well, after discussing that, we discussed the NAPA gold changes. He said that Baldwin is now making them for NAPA, however they are being made to NAPA specifications. And he can see the difference in them.

So, whenever the Baldwin representative happens past my little shop again, (it's been several years since I talked to him) I plan on giving him my perspective.

Some representatives act like they appreciate the blunt feedback, but who knows!??
I know that he won't like seeing what my shelves are holding... ( No more red filters)
So youre saying the napa gold are a better spec than the baldwin spec?
 
So youre saying the napa gold are a better spec than the baldwin spec?
Sorry for my lack of clarity. It sounds like the Napa spec isn't the same level of Baldwin.. from what I understand.

And not all Donaldson filters are blue. Mostly white with blue printing.
1000002287.jpg
This is what I found when I pulled the air filter. I have never found this much leakage with a Donaldson. And we have pushed the limits more than once!!
I am still waiting on the oil sample, which I know will be high in silica. I just don't know the level of alarm.
 
Sorry for my lack of clarity. It sounds like the Napa spec isn't the same level of Baldwin.. from what I understand.

And not all Donaldson filters are blue. Mostly white with blue printing.
View attachment 487249
This is what I found when I pulled the air filter. I have never found this much leakage with a Donaldson. And we have pushed the limits more than once!!
I am still waiting on the oil sample, which I know will be high in silica. I just don't know the level of alarm.
Do you think it was just a faulty one somehow?
 
Do you think it was just a faulty one somehow?
Not completely positive, except that I have heard other guys caution about using Baldwin air filters. Not as many complaints about Donaldson, however they aren't perfect either.
The main thing that I saw was a less "sticky " outer seal on the Baldwin. I can't prove if it was outer seal or filter media that leaked dirt.
We have ran a similar application Donaldson for such a long period that it was pulling over 20" of vacuum while pulling at full throttle. It was clean on the back side.
 
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