AC Delco PF48 to PF63

[CapitalTruck]

I had a noticeable amount more startup noise (valve noise) when I was running the longer filter. It was concerning enough that I switched back to original sized one. It was hard for me to believe, but there was a correlation.

Edited April 22, 2015 by CapitalTruck

[revrnd]

Some history

2000 GMC Sierra 2500 w/ 6.0 L & a PF61 'long' filter OCI according to OLS was around 5,000 miles (sold truck after 60,000 miles)

2004 Chev Silverado 2500HD w/ 6.0 L & a PF61 'long' filter (PF61 'obsoleted'/replaced by PF46 'short' filter). Used the WIX 51522 after that) OCI was about 8,000 miles (sold truck after 126,000 miles) I seem to recall @ the time, several similar oil filters were replaced by a shorter '1 size fits all' filter. Does anyone know if the shorter filters have better filtering media than the longer filters they replaced?

2011 Chev Silverado 2500HD w/ 6.0 L & a PF48 'short' filter. OCI was about 8,000 miles. I used either a PF63 (non e-core) or a WIX 57045. (sold after 75,000 miles)

After I go thru the 2 free oil changes, I'll either go w/ a PF63 or the WIX.

 

I had seen mention of the ‘assembly line fiasco’ over at BITOG. I thought I had seen everything in my 26 years as a tool & die maker in various GM plants, but that takes the cake. Everyone seems to think GM engineers walk on water. But there are those that are less than virtuous. Bottom line, costing is very important. If the amount of mat’l used can be reduced, a step in manufacturing removed, they’ll try it. Because if they can make a reduction, when you figure out the savings over the life cycle of a part, the savings is enormous.

 

Worse case scenario you have something like this happening:

 

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/gm-fires-engineers-executives-after-ignition-switch-recall-probe

Edited March 8, 2017 by revrnd

[sdeeter19555]

Keep in mind, there isn't a huge amount dirt in your oil that a typical oil filter will actually catch. Your oil is in a closed system, circulating the same oil just previously filtered (similar to a hydraulic system). It's not like an air filter that sees a steady stream of previously unfiltered air. An oil filter is like a window screen...it catches big stuff.

 

I read an engineering pamphlet a long time ago that indicated the oil filter isn't really to catch everyday dirt, it's meant to protect the rest of the engine from debris due to a catastrophic failure (to minimize warranty costs to the dealer). Think of how many old school six and eight cylinder engines that never had filters...they lasted just fine with maintenance.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[CapitalTruck]

The PF48E and the PF63E have different bypass valve opening pressures. I haven't had any problems using the recommended filter.

[toolsinbox]

I just wanted to chime in here with this thread as it relates to my 2008 Silverado. I have the 6 ltr AFM engine. I spoke to the service manager and the techs at GM and they indicated that the trucks with the variable valve timing require the larger filters ( PF63 ) as there has been a factory memo that indicates these engines need a higher flow to properly provide oiling to the collapsible lifters. This includes the 5.3 engines as well, that have AFM.

I took out two camshafts and two sets of lifters, until the dealership realized that there was a memo. They now use the correct one and all has been fine for well over two years. On the bright side, the dealership now provides me free oil changes for the life of my truck !

There may be more up to date information than what I have provided here, including other possible affected vehicles, but this is my best and latest info i have on this issue.

Happy new year.

Edited January 5, 2018 by toolsinbox

[redvett]

I have owned a 2011,2014 and now a 2017 Buick Enclave and the 2011 had OEM  PF48 but my 2014 came with a PF63 along with my 2017. In 2013 GM changed the oiling system to improve the oiling of the timing chain   and raised oil pressure and added the PF63.

[swathdiver]

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/2012/03/rebuilding-gms-4-8-5-3-and-6-0l-gen-iv-engine/

 

The pdf on this page explains that there is/was a different oil pump and spring for those engines with AFM and VVT.  It's also a great resource to learn about the different features and components of the Gen IV engines.

[Jerald P. Kulbaba]

PF48 and PF 63 are interchangeable in fact they are both a direct replacement for the fram 10060 i highly recommend using either 48 or 63, the motorcraft FL500-S or hastings LF641and don't give me this thing about the psi specs for the bypass valve being different it is so minute its not even a factor. Time to put this debate to rest. I got 268000kms on my 08 silverado

 

[Grumpy Bear]

1 hour ago, Jerald P. Kulbaba said:

PF48 and PF 63 are interchangeable in fact they are both a direct replacement for the fram 10060 i highly recommend using either 48 or 63, the motorcraft FL500-S or hastings LF641and don't give me this thing about the psi specs for the bypass valve being different it is so minute its not even a factor. Time to put this debate to rest. I got 268000kms on my 08 silverado

 

You have about half the information. 

 

PF48 10-12 psi bypass WIX 57060

PF63 12-15 psi bypass WIX 57045

PF63E 22 psi bypass    WIX 10255 (The current GM filter spec)

About a year or a little more ago GM increased the bypass spec for the Ecotec3 series motors and made it retroactive for the previous Gen IV motors. 

 

As insignificant as 1.5 psi seems to you it represents a 10% increase in BYPASS pressure which is not insignificant at all. Bypass pressure isn't the pressure on the filter but the pressure DROP across the filter. The increased length between the PF48 and PF63 (more media area) results in a higher flow before the bypass is in play. Same effect as a higher bypass rating. So we have a three step filter improvement process from GM engineering attempting to get enough and cleaner oil to the VLOM/AFM. 

 

Basically GM it attempting to IDIOT proof Filtration. They have their work cut out for them me thinks.