AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

[mark34178]

I thought I read in a previous post some time ago that the
PF35 was discontinued and replaced with the PF1218.
Is this correct?
Today I went to two chain auto stores and found both in stock.
The PF35 was priced at $3.49 and the PF1218 at $2.99.
Which filter is better for use in a 1980 corvette?
Interesting both filters list that they replace a Motorcraft FL 12,
while the filter numbers of other brands listed are different.

-

[Joe L.]

Re: AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

Mark-----

It was my understanding that the PF-35 was to be replaced by the PF-1218. However, GM may have "relented" and retained the PF-35. Perhaps, this was done due to "consumer complaints" from shops used to using the PF-35 for the past 35 years. The truck repair and service industry, which is where most PF-35s are used, doesn't like "curves thrown at them".

[mark34178]

Re: PF1218 vs. PF35, performance difference?

Joe:

Is one filter any better than the other?

[Joe Fisher]

Re: PF1218 vs. PF35, performance difference?

I sell both numbers in my store. As far as I can see the only difference is the PF1218 has an anti-drain back valve. This valve is used in filters which are mounted on an angle to prevent oil from running out of the filter to prevent a dry start. Since the small block filter is mounted verticaly, it doesn't make a difference which one you use.

[Donald O.]

Re: AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

Mr. Lucia,
Can the PF-35 replace the PF-25 for a L-79 from 67 with a spin on adaptor?
Don

[Joe L.]

Re: AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

Donald----

Yes, it can. The PF-35 is what most folks with 68+ V-8s use, even though all 68-91 Corvettes were specified to use the PF-25. The same thing applies for pre-68s which are converted to spin-on filters.

[Joe L.]

Re: PF1218 vs. PF35, performance difference?

Joe----

I totally agree. I think that the anti-drain back valve is the difference between the PF-35 and the PF-1218. In most, if not all, PF-35 applications the PF-1218 should work equally well but provide no advantage. That's why I think that GM originally, at least, intended to replace the PF-35 with the PF-1218. For whatever reason, they changed their mind.

The same thing happened with the PF-51. This filter was the filter originally used on 1992-93 Corvettes with LT1 as well as many other non-Corvette applications. In 1994, GM replaced the PF-51 with the PF-52 for PRODUCTION and SERVICE. The PF-52 has the anti drain back valve. In this case, GM discontinued the PF-51.

[Clem Z.]

Re: PF1218 vs. PF35, performance difference?

the "iron duke" engine original filter was a PF-51 but since the filter was horizonal it drained down and you had lifter noise on start up. the later ones used the PF-52 and the PF-51 was taken off the market.

[Al Corelli]

Re: AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

I also remember a pf901 which was much longer than even a pf35. I used one on my old Chevelle for a while, but it raised the oil temp up too high. The reason? The longer filter was within 1/8" of my custom headers.
I haven't seen one in years, and I'm a little vague on the part number.

Al Corelli

[mark34178]

Re: AC oil filter PF1218 vs. PF35

Thanks for your answers. I also saw at one store
(Auto Zone) a PF-35 long life which was priced at $9.99.

[Terry M.]

PF 932 *TL*

Al,
Could you be thinking of a PF932? It fits the same pattern as the PF25 & PF35, but is about 10 inches long. Works great on the Suburban, even with it lowered. The extra quart capacity if good for towing and long haul running.
Terry

[Al Corelli]

Re: PF 932

Yes! I knew it was 9 something, something.
Thank You,
AC