A car owner must pay attention to the benefits that come along with oil filters. However tiny oil filters seem to be, they protect the internal engine parts and ensure the vehicle runs smoothly. Oil filters remove even the tiniest dirt from the engine oil. PF48E and PF48 are among the best oil filters in the market. Both are great oil filters, and it could be challenging to choose one between the two.
So, what is the difference between PF48E vs. PF48 oil filters? The oil filters are manufactured by ACDelco GM and are made following the company’s strict standards. Apart from being part of general motors, they have different features, performance, and workability. Read on to grasp what makes the two distinct and which you should consider.
Comparison Between PF48E and PF48 Filter Oils
Below is a comparison table between two common oil filters, the PF48E and PF48, typically used in the automotive industry. Find the similarities and differences pin-pointed.
Feature | PF48E | PF48 |
Filter Type | E-core | Conventional |
Size | Slightly smaller | Standard |
Material | Stainless steel, paper | Steel, human hair |
Nylon core | Yes | No |
Weight | 0.25 lbs | 0.49 lbs |
Flow Rate | Improved | Standard |
Anti-drain Black Valve | Yes | Yes |
Bypass Valve Pressure | Improved | Standard |
Filter Media | Synthetic or Cellulose | Synthetic or Cellulose |
Synthetic End Caps | Ultrasonically welded | Media-blocked by adhesives |
Filtration Efficiency | 98% at 25-30 microns | Captures particles smaller than 30 microns |
Compatibility | 98% of light trucks, SUVs, and cars | Depends on thread size and gasket size |
ACDelco PF48E Oil Filter
ACDelco PF48E offers a 98% filtering efficiency at 25 to 30 microns. The micron size enables it to give excellent filtration performance. This oil filter traps elements with a width of around 1/3, such as human hair, thus ensuring that the engine gets clean oil.
The bust strength of ACDelco PF48E is five times higher than the operating pressures found in most engine oils. It is equipped with a lubricity gasket that reduces installation torque. The oil filter also has a full-cover baseplate, which makes installation easier, even for blind applications. This ACDelco oil filter features a nylon core, which is 1.5 times stronger than other filters with metal cores.
The nylon core in ACDelco PF48E also provides the oil filter with excellent flow characteristics. The filter is equipped with ultrasonically welded synthetic end cups, which are media-blocked by adhesives used by traditional filters. Its design allows it to fit 98% of light trucks, SUVs, and cars irrespective of their models and make.
ACDelco PF48 Oil Filter
PF48 is another great oil filter by ACDelco. The oil filter is a high-quality aftermarket replacement product used by professionals. With the ACDelco PF48, you can count on its dependability and performance. The filter captures particles that are smaller than 30 microns. Like the PF48E, it has a lubricity gasket, which minimizes the torque during installation.
The PF48 oil filter is designed with a heavy-duty shell that is tested to four times the pressure in normal engine oil. Its heavy threaded plate shields it against any pressure spikes 8 times beyond the normal operating temperature. This ACDelco oil filter also has a spiral-wound steel core. The core is tested to twice the collapse requirements of OEM.
While ACDelco PF48E vs. PF48 differ, the two have similar characteristics, such as the full cover baseplate ideal for blinds, nylon core filters, and synthetic end caps attached ultrasonically. ACDelco PF48 filter offers consistent flow management, enhanced efficiency, excellent filter capacity, and high durability.
What is the Difference Between ACDelco PF48 and PF48E?
General motors have various oil filters like the ACDelco PF48, PF48E, PF63, and PF48F. It is, therefore, crucial to discuss the query on what is the difference between ACDelco PF48 and PF48E. Having this information assists a car owner in making an informed decision on the right oil filter for their vehicle.
Though PF48 and PF48E have more similarities, they also have differing characteristics. The two ACDelco oil filters are designed, rigorously tested, and manufactured through GM’s strict standards. They keep abrasive particles that might find their way into the motor oil from contacting the vehicle’s hydraulic components, bearings, and other elements.
One difference between the PF48E oil filter vs. PF48 is the “E” at the end of PF48E. PF48E is an improved version of PF48. The “E” on PF48E means the oil filter is an E-core filter type. It means that this oil filter is more environmentally friendly. This oil filter is lighter, has better performance, and, unlike traditional filters, they are easier to recycle.
The other difference between PF48E and PF48 is that the latter’s interior features a metal mesh. PF48E’s interior, on the other hand, has a plastic mesh. The oil filter is ideal for most LS-series engine oil pans manufactured in 2007. PF48 is out of the market, but you can perfectly replace it with PF48E.
How Do I Know If My Oil Filter Is Compatible?
Using the wrong filter or a poorly fitting filter could result in oil leaking from the engine. These situations cause serious damage to the engine, thus reducing your car’s performance. You may wonder which oil filter is good between PF48 vs. PF48E vs. PF48F. Here is how to know if the oil filter is compatible with your vehicle:
1. Filter Size and Capture Efficiency
The filter size refers to the micron size. Tiny dirt particles may get their way into the motor oil thus affecting engine performance. The micron size is the unit of measurement for particles going through the engine oil. The oil filter size should be compatible and fit your car perfectly.
The oil filter’s purpose is to remove as many microns as possible from the oils. For this reason, it is crucial to consider the filter rating. Make sure you get the best filter with a good rating for maximum efficiency.
2. Pressure Flow
The pressure flow profiles show the pressure at which the valves’ internal bypass can crack. It indicates the maximum pressure the oil filter can from the vehicle. Therefore, consider the optimum pressure of your engine’s vehicle, which will help you decide the pressure flow rating of the filter to buy.
3. Dirt Holding Capacity
The dirt-holding capacity of a filter indicates how much dirt it can hold before clogging. This measures the lifespan of the filter. Most filters in the market require to be changed after 5-10 thousand kilometers, while others are designed for a longer life span.
Oil filters feature a pore size or porosity, which helps indicate how much dirt the filter can hold. The most prudent thing to do is to get one with a large pore size since it will last longer. You can also check with your car manufacturer if they have given their preferred porosity rating.
4. Fabrication and Design
Fabrication and design of an oil filter are quite important, for they determine its lifespan and performance. Different vehicles require oil filters with different designs. Therefore, when buying the filter, consider the design of your current one and ensure the new one fits the vehicle perfectly.
5. Construction Materials
It is advisable to pick an oil filter fabricated with materials that can withstand changing motor chemistry, temperature extremes, repeated shock loading, thermal cycles, vibration, and long service intervals.
6. Pleat Density and Support
A well-fitting oil filter should have a tight and firm pleat to avoid leakage. Ensure the pleats are well supported by a bead or wrap of adhesives, thus preventing them from bunching when squeezing off flow or under pressure.
7. Endcap Adhesive
A good oil filter should have an endcap full of adhesive. Make sure the adhesive is not wicked up in the filter media, thus transgressing the seal between the endcap and media.
FAQs
Is a PF48 filter the same as a PF48E?
Though the PF48 and PF48E are ACDelco’s GM, the two are not the same. ACDelco PF48E is a more advanced option to PF48. The PF48E oil filter has reverse compatibility. If you were using PF48 on your vehicle and are going for a replacement, consider the PF48E. The two oil filters have some differences, but you can use one in place of the other.
What does the E stand for one oil filter?
The “E” in the PF48E oil filter stands for the E-core filter type. The filter has a plastic plate and a flat plate on the top. This feature makes the task easier when fitting the filter on the threads.
What does an ACDelco PF48E fit?
The PF48E vehicles fit a wide range of vehicles with a coverage of 98%. The oil filter fits and works perfectly on almost all light-duty trucks, sports utility vehicles, and all cars, irrespective of whether they are domestic or foreign.
What is the longer version of the PF48?
The longer version of PF48 is the PF63. The PF63 has been developed to serve the GM 6-cyl engines specifically. This is because the GM 6-cyl engines have different and more severe filter requirements compared to the V8s. PF63 and PF48 have the same attributes. PF63 is, however, longer with an additional media filtration material of 22 mm.
Are PF48 and PF64 the same?
The ACDelco PF48 and PF64 may seem similar, especially since they have the same oil can size and appearance. However, their internal specifications differ. The OM PF64 features quite a high bypass rating. V6 engines are constructed with ACDelco PF64 oil filters. During replacement, car owners are usually stuck between PF48 vs. PF63. V6 engines should be replaced with ACDelco PF64 to ensure optimum engine performance and suitable engine oil filtration.
Final Words:
Motor oil filters play an integral role in the performance of your car engine. Installing the wrong oil filter in your car can cause a lot of engine malfunctions and reduce its useful life. Most car owners have probably used ACDelco oil filters and are left wondering about the difference between PF48 and PF48E.
ACDelco manufactures both PF48 and PF48E. The two have the same functions and will offer you excellent performance. The ACDelco PF48E, however, has more advanced features, enabling it to work with almost all vehicles in the modern world. Vehicle owners are advised to consider the type of their cars before settling on an oil filter.