SRT -041 Oil Filter 5038041AA quality and manufacturing flow issues (revisited)

[BULL]

A while ago, another forum member @jroyk brought up an issue he discovered with the SRT -041 oil filter. It would seem that despite the high grade and specifications of this filter, there appeared to be, at the time, some manufacturing quality issues.

The holes (louvers) in the center section of the oil filter were poorly stamped and seemed to be restricting flow through the filter, at least from a visual inspection standpoint. Some pictures were posted and they clearly showed the openings in the louvers to be nearly non-existent.

At the time, I had two on the shelf and went and took some pictures and discovered the same thing, of the two, one was "open", the other was either nearly, or actually closed (referring to the holes created by the stamped louvers).

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Jumping ahead to now, I used the last of my "good" SRT -041 oil filters and needed to replenish my stock. I like to keep at LEAST one oil change worth of oil and filters on my shelf for all of my vehicles.

And knowing that this might still be an issue, I ordered up 4 of the -041 filters with the intent of inspecting and then if need be, returning any that didn't pass a visual test.

Here is what I found... Sorry for the less than perfect focus and lighting.

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#1


#2


#3


#4

 

[Blkout]

Have you installed any of these just to see if the flow was compromised? I've at least 6 oil changes this year using this filter and I wasn't aware of any issue so I didn't visually check them, but I always check my oil pressure after oil changes and I haven't noticed any loss of oil pressure.

 

[BULL]

Have you installed any of these just to see if the flow was compromised?

I have not, and won't for some time. Based on what I see, I'm returning #3 and #4 as "defective".

The thing about pressure vs flow, I don't suspect you'd ever know or see it from your dash. If the flow was restricted enough due to the louvers being "closed", the filter would simply bypass itself so that your engine was still seeing pressure/flow, but now you're not getting filtered oil...

(The spring seen at the bottom of the images)

 

[DGatzby]

Me too. On my second now and it pours out 62 psi as always.

 

[DGatzby]

I have not, and won't for some time. Based on what I see, I'm returning #3 and #4 as "defective".

The thing about pressure vs flow, I don't suspect you'd ever know or see it from your dash. If the flow was restricted enough due to the louvers being "closed", the filter would simply bypass itself so that your engine was still seeing pressure/flow, but now you're not getting filtered oil...

(The spring seen at the bottom of the images)

That is correct and that sucks! Damn it, what do I have installed right now?

 

[DGatzby]

So who is making these and where. They carry the SRT logo. Does that mean FCA carries some responsibility on the QC?

 

[Blkout]

Its good info but I'm not going to worry about it too much. I change my oil too frequently for this to be an issue or at least until I get a bad report back from Blackstone Labs. For anyone going with extended oil change intervals, it might be more of an issue.

Any chance the standard black filter has been checked for this issue?

 

[BULL]

Its good info but I'm not going to worry about it too much. I change my oil too frequently for this to be an issue or at least until I get a bad report back from Blackstone Labs. For anyone going with extended oil change intervals, it might be more of an issue.

Any chance the standard black filter has been checked for this issue?

The other filter is a completely different design and doesn't suffer this issue. Round holes if I recall....

 

[BULL]

Don't quote me on this @DGatzby , but I think this is a WIX product and comes from Poland*



Nobody say shit about Poland, I'll ban your ass for 30 days....

 

[DGatzby]

I had one of the three I bought in the garage, I also have my previous laying in a pan if I get really curious. What do I have here?

 

[BULL]

@DodgeCares


Please pass this along to the appropriate division.

Thank you!

 

[BULL]

I had one of the three I bought in the garage, I also have my previous laying in a pan if I get really curious. What do I have here? View attachment 5121

That's the best looking one of the bunch I think.

 

[coolblue]

Don't quote me on this @DGatzby , but I think this is a WIX product and comes from Poland*
logo.


Nobody say shit about Poland, I'll ban your ass for 30 days....

You guys are making me crazy OCD. LOL. I just went and checked my spares also. Yes made in Poland but I don't see any manuf. designation other than Mopar

 

[Demon1]

Wow! That’s crazy. I’ll be checking in the future for sure.

 

[jroyk]

I was that other forum member that brought up the QC issue. #3 and 4 look like my last 041. I’m sticking with the OE, MO-899. Nice big holes in the center tube and was OE on Demons, so good enough for me. Perhaps the media in the 041 will catch smaller particles, but that shouldn’t be an issue with required short OCIs.
If you’re worried about wear particles, cotton gauze air filters should be a bigger concern.

 

[coolblue]

My holes looked perfectly fine but now that u have me paranoid I might go back to Pure- One or the one JROYK is referencing.

 

[DGatzby]

That's the best looking one of the bunch I think.

I can see the felt, so I think I understand. I will pay more attention in the future. Hope the one on it is good, because she may see some exercise before April this year.

 

[BULL]

I was that other forum member that brought up the QC issue. #3 and 4 look like my last 041. I’m sticking with the OE, MO-899. Nice big holes in the center tube and was OE on Demons, so good enough for me. Perhaps the media in the 041 will catch smaller particles, but that shouldn’t be an issue with required short OCIs.
If you’re worried about wear particles, cotton gauze air filters should be a bigger concern.

Sorry, I couldn't remember who it was, I'll edit above to give you credit.

 

[DGatzby]

Now back to baseball and just light reading, you had me all worked up for a minute.

 

[jroyk]

Sorry, I couldn't remember who it was, I'll edit above to give you credit.

No need to, but thanks.