David,

It is rare to find an answer to "filter favorites," either it fits or it doesn't. I believe that's the reason for the "equivalents" that so many have posted on this and other forums. One friend of mine suggested that all oil filters should have bypasses inside them, but I'm sorry I don't recall his filter model #.

After going through the offensively overpriced Universal filters, I use a Fram PH-6007 on my M25. Working fine for 14 years on a 26 year old boat.

Maybe that my "favorite!" :D

But seriously, fit into the space is critical. Some oil filters (that fit the screws on my engine) are simply too long for the space underneath my alternator. That's how I found these, and I buy a few at a time, always have one ready when I get my head together enough to change the oil.

I developed a neat oil change routine with a pump to the hose from the drain pan. The filters are now the least of my issues. :)

I like Baldwin,we use them at work a large marine construction company.and have never had aproblem

+1 for Baldwin. Lots of bad stories floating around about Fram filters though I personally have never had a problem with them.

i found exact replacements at grainger for my m25. the oil filter number is 2KYC1 about $8.00 and fuel filter number is 2KYA8 about $7.00. I believe they are both baldwin filters.

The only after market filters I have had trouble with are the cheap Fram's and one el-cheapo Purolator (not on my own boats).

Be sure to observe how well the anti-drain back valve is operating. If your oil pressure does not pop up immediately upon start up then the anti-drain back valve in the filter is junk and you are dry starting for longer than necessary. Cheap filters don't always have anti-drain back valves that hold oil as well as a premium filter does. There is lots of variability in anti-drain back designs. I have come across a number of leaking or failed anti-drain backs on Fram filters, more than any other but then I see more aftermarket Fram's than I do Wix, Baldwin, Purolator or NAPA.

ALWAYS watch your oil pressure when you start the engine and make sure it pops up immediately. This means your filter is retaining the oil in it and the lines & filter don't need to "prime" before getting lube oil where it needs to be.

Wix & Baldwin make very good aftermarket filters. The NAPA GOLD filters are re-branded Wix filters and are also very good oil filters. Purolator makes a wide range, some are excellent and some are junk. Fram makes some real garbage and some middle of the road stuff too. The TG series Fram is not as bad as the orange can versions..

If I am not using OEM filters, I generally use Wix or Baldwin. On our boat I installed a remote oil filter which is MUCH larger than the factory filter. This gives us more oil capacity and more filtering media. It also makes chaging it MUCH easier.. For that I use a Wix/NAPA GOLD...

Several years ago I came upon this review of oil filters.

It changed my thinking on the filters I used to use. The information may be dated but it was interesting nonetheless.

[url]http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/index.html[/url]