I asked a question about gasket fitment and did not get an answer to that question. I didn't ask for moral guidance. I only use synthetic filters in my vehicles, including mowers, and would never go on a forum telling others they are wrong for choosing a paper-element filter like the OEM Kawasaki filter. The only critique I offered was to the replier who stated that all Fram filters were junk, which is not true. Calling him out is not attacking him, and some research will bear out that point.
Again, I only called out the replier who made the blanket claim about Fram. Whether the Fram Ultra measures up to his standards wasn't part of my inquiry. I simply thought someone had used that Fram Ultra oil filter in their Hustler mower and could provide feedback on fitment. I didn't ask for moral guidance but do listen to what others say, like Kremeneon who gave some useful info on Wix filters on a
thread from last fall. I will probably return the Fram Ultra and patronize my local O'Reilly's store who carries Wix and are close by. Penny wise and pound foolish? Why buy a conventional Kawasaki paper filter for $16 at Lowe's when I can get a better synthetic filter at a more conveniently located store for $12? For my money I'll pick the latter, and it won't affect my warranty.
Well you did get an answer to your question.
It was just not a yes no type of answer .
There is a lot of variation in the machining of the filter housing.
A customer has a Vanguard that nothing other than an original B & S filter will screw onto & seal.
The same customer has 3 other mowers where the after market filters fit perfectly.
Some Kawasaki engines will only take the slightly smaller Kawasaki ( aftermarket ) filter because there is a hole in the casting so the machined face will not seal against the filter.
SO you have to remove your filter & check.
The chances of finding some one with the same machine & engine using the filter you asked about is quite low.
FWIW with all USA threaded oil filters I fit the B & S large filter from Gripskies which is usually a Rotary branded filter, or a Stens filter depending who was cheaper when I placed the order.
The only time I do not do this is when the filter can not fit into the available space or the customer specifically asks for a machine branded filter.
I have only been fixing mowers for 5 years but am yet to find one where the filter caused an engine failure.
Lack of oil , yes . Bad filter, no. Lack of oil then a top up & claiming it was the filter , yes , but those customer are now ex-customers. I do not lie to them & I will not have them lie to me.
On the engines that failed under warranty, the makers all tried to refuse warranty because I had fitted after market filters.
I refferred this to my suppliers and the engine suppliers backed right down & made the repairs or supplied me with the parts needed as the case might be.
Oil filters are some thing that very few really understand & I only KNOW enough to be sure I am not educated enough to pass a valid judgement.
And I have no idea what a "Synthetic" filter is considering the only "natural" oil filter is sand or diatomacous earths.
The oil filter on most mower engines is not particularly critical unless you are a mowing contractor because under normal circumstances you will never do enough hours for particulate contaminated oil to do a significant amount of damage to the engine.
Chemical corrosion from leaving dirty oil in there on the off season or even worse using auto oils in there for too long are a much bigger problem than the brand of filters used.
Vertical shaft engines are really basic & very cheap.
You are right to call out any one who makes blanket statements about particular brands without presenting any sort of proof to the claim.
You might note I also refuted that claim but in a much more subtle fashion
