Mobil 1 Oil Filter Design Change!

Kurgan

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I planned to change the oil and filter today and since I was out of Yamaha filters, had decided to go with a Mobil 1 filter as recommended by the cross reference data sheet at https://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/FilterXRef.html#5

I was going to purchase the regular length filter (M1-M108) as I didn't know if the front tire would possibly hit the longer model which has more filtering media (M1-M110). And I see there are 2 different M1-108's! :confused:

Packaging is identical, no difference in SKU numbers. No date stamp, either.


Mobil M108A - 3.png

Roughly a 3/8" difference in height.

Mobil M108A - 1.png

And here's where it's really interesting. Same thread size and number of threads to engage the threaded fitting on the engine but way different design for drain back holes and the basic internal shape. I'll call the one on the right a conventional convex and the one on the left a deeper bowl with a raised boss. I had nothing to measure depth from the gasket surface and looking at them I really couldn't tell, the design playing tricks on my eyes.

Mobil M108A - 2.png

So which one is the original and which is the new design? This store only had one of each in stock. I rode to a different chain and thought I would check there. They had 2 of each design and couldn't tell me which was newer inventory vs. older stock.

Guess I'm calling Mobil this Monday unless someone here has seen this and done some research.
 

Sierra1

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. . . . And I see there are 2 different M1-108's! :confused:. . . . Guess I'm calling Mobil this Monday unless someone here has seen this and done some research.
Well, make that three. The original, M108, was superseded by M108A. The 108A was $3 cheaper, but looked identical; unknown difference. Now, there are two 108As?! o_O With very obvious physical differences. . . . When you call, ask them about all three filters. My skeptical ass thinks that the shorter one, is the newer one. One more way to screw the consumer.
 

Fennellg

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They come with a plastic cover for the rubber gasket. The gasket is pre oiled from the factory. These things are used in German cars from the factory, bmw I think. I get them for 4 or 5 bucks each. Been pleased with the quality. Equal or better to OEM near as I can tell.image.jpgimage.jpg
 

Kurgan

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Mobil 1's tech support line was actually open today with a new temporary number since most employees are working remotely.

The rep did acknowledge that there are 2 different M1-108a's out there - the original as built by Champion (which is what's stated on that CalSci cross reference chart) and the current one which they are now manufacturing in house. Both should have the same specs, same dimensions from the threaded boss to the gasket surface, etc. And I asked the questions that's now on all our minds - which is the Champion, which is the Mobil 1 built filter. He couldn't tell me, he didn't have that information!

I'm going to guess that newer filter is the longer model as the dimension listed on CalSci's chart shows them as being 2.5 inches long, which matches the Bosch and the Yamaha OEM dimensions. Now, since apparently there are 3 different length Mobil 1 filters that will work, I'm going to take some measurements and see if the longest filter, the M1-110a, will clear the front tire should I somehow bottom out the forks.
 

shredmeister

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For what’s it’s worth...
I bought like 6 M108 filters when Costco had them online for a good deal awhile back. I just looked at one and looking at the drain back holes, it looks like the taller one you show with the “conventional convex”.image.jpg
 

Sierra1

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Nope, that's the third version. That is a M108. . . . no A. Those are physically the same dimensions as a 108A, but were $3 more. It does look a little different than the two 108As above. I'm thinking the ones you have are likely the better filter, but they seem to be discontinued. Way crazy.
 

Kurgan

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Doing some more digging, the original M1-108's were designed to last 15,000 miles, like some of Mobil1's extended life oil. The filters now with A as a suffix, the A stands for Annual to go along with Mobil1's oils that are for once a year oil changes.
 

Sierra1

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Well, that makes sense. And, I guess that means I was wrong, (again) and the newer filter is the better one. Cool.
 

Kurgan

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Stopped at WalMart this morning as they move a ton of oil and filters due to advantageous pricing. All of the M1-108A's on the shelf were the slightly longer version, as shown on the right side of the pics I posted above. For those that care, the decal on the filter peels off nicely once you get a corner started and no adhesive residue is left behind. Here are pics showing it installed, that extra ~ 3/8" of length visible as it protrudes a bit past the factory lower cowl where the old version and OEM filters are flush.

0622201036a~2.jpg

0622201037~2.jpg
 

HuskerBlue

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I’ve been using the short version for years as it fits without removing bash plate. Couldn’t figure out what was wrong! Are there any short versions left out there? And to put the exact same number on it, his am I supposed to shop for the short one?
 

Wallkeeper

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I should have looked at this thread before.

I used to work for a global manufacturer of filters, both liquid and air including screw on style filters like these. I forwarded this thread to one of my contacts in the liquid filtration groups. He came back with the following comments

1. the original was made be either Wix or Baldwin. Both use similar baffles on the bottom but without the filter, he can not say for certain which
2. the second was made by a company in Asia that manufactures in China and South Korea
3. the original uses phosphated steel end caps, tin plated center tube and hot potting between the end caps and media.
4. the new one uses plastic innards and a compression fit to seal the end caps. My former employers have never been successful getting a consistent seal with pressure alone.
5. he does not have any information on performance of the media used by either possible company.

The size difference is likely because the new vendor already had a filter in their inventory that would fit the same mounting plate so rather than pay tooling and min run costs, Mobil chose to run with what was already there. Screw on filter lines run huge numbers of units and suspect the M-108(A) is a very small runner. Relabeling a filter is a 3 minute job in most plants involving an allen wrench and 2 screws.

Finally, there is no Industry organization or controlling authority defining exactly what a M-108 or any other filter is. That is why many companies are VERY CAREFUL about what is put in boxes with their label

His advice? Find another manufacturer. The new filter is probably much lower performance. Domestic manufacturers that I know of include, FRAM, Champion, Purolator, Fleet Guard, Donaldson, Baldwin and likely have cross referenced alternatives. Most also manufacture abroad.

A final note. All domestic manufacturers buy and sell small runners among themselves. If you know what you are looking at (I don't) the baffles can tell you where they are made

If anyone is still reading this thread, I hope this helps

Wally
 
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Tenman

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I used to run Mobil 1 till they changed them and made them too long to go on with my skid plate. Get OEM. It’ll fit without monkeying with your Altrider skid plate.
 

WJBertrand

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Ran into this issue a few months back and it appears there's no shorter old stock M1-108A filters in stock around here anymore. Switched to Fram PH6017A for now.
 

Kurgan

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I still haven't installed my newer clutch hub but I may do a complete oil change when I do before this winter. After draining the longer M1-108A filter I installed last year, I'll see if can neatly cut it in half with a bandsaw to see what it looks like internally.
 

Wallkeeper

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I still haven't installed my newer clutch hub but I may do a complete oil change when I do before this winter. After draining the longer M1-108A filter I installed last year, I'll see if can neatly cut it in half with a bandsaw to see what it looks like internally.
when you cut it, I suggest cutting around the can just above the screw in plate (baffle). Once you separate the skin of the can everything inside will be exposed and it should pull apart
 

Pdrhound

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This has been brought up years ago. I order Mahle filters on Amazon. You need convex that will let o ring seal. It will be obvious if it is wrong from my initial experience.

MAHLE 575-Filter
 
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