No more UFI filters for me - Updated pics -Contact from UFI

[canuguzzi]

So much for OEM filters, apparently now being made by crapper cleaners. Just bought two of them today, no drain plug washer included as was previously and the quality makes Fram look good.

First pic is of the filter that came off, purchased about 6 months ago.



Then one purchased today:



Then the bottom showing it is being made in Tunisia (don't know where the previous ones was made, not marked:



and the box label showing the lot number:




Shame on you Moto Guzzi. Two filters, both in the same state of monkey see monkey do quality control. Apparently, they are allowing the gumbies to reproduce.

[SteveAZ]

A hose clamp will fix that right up (ducks, runs)

Does look bad though. Bummer.

[canuguzzi]

Correct your subject line. UFI not Uni.

Done, Thanks. See what happens, get pissed because it was a 2.5 hour round trip to buy the thing.

[arveno]

I got one of those filter just 2 weeks ago from MG cycle, for my cali ev , was perfect.
Maybe you got one bad....?
I know it sucks.
Can you bring it back ?

[earemike]

After reading your post I went out in the shed & checked all mine (I order in batches with gaskets etc to keep freight reasonable).

None of mine are like this so I'm guessing it's a bad batch?

Of course that second 2.5 hour trip isn't going to make you any happier! Hope they swap it out for you no fuss.

[canuguzzi]

I got one of those filter just 2 weeks ago from MG cycle, for my cali ev , was perfect.
Maybe you got one bad....?
I know it sucks.
Can you bring it back ?

No problem with returning it, however, I bought 2 and both are bad so chances are pretty good many more are as well.  The lack of the drain bolt washer (always included before) was the other clue.

Both are from the same lot but who knows how many they produce per lot?

Easier to just get better filters. Have never seen anything close to this with Bosch, Pure One or Wix.

[canuguzzi]

Well darn, seems the only other "authorized" oil filter is of all things, a Fram. I'm going to give it a go. As the Norge is still under warranty, use of an "authorized" filter is the sane way to go. I'll keep one of the bad ones just in case and should something come up my retort will be "you'd rather I put this on?"

Pure One/Bosch or Wix tomorrow.

[rodekyll]

I got one a few weeks back from MPH and it passed my inspection.  I didn't note where it was made.

[Cal3Me]

the date stamp looks like 2014 ? The HI-FLO brand filters are promoted by MG Cycle as well. I have gotten the NAPA powersport filter as well. NAPA only has the PS filter for the 1100 motors I believe.
Goes to show you,,, just cuz t has a motherland sticker on the box don't mean jack anymore. 

[canuguzzi]

Ah screw it, I'll run a Bosch, Pure One or Wix.

[Arizona Wayne]

I don't have a Norge and have never gotten a drain washer w/an oil filter on my UFI filters.  I use Hiflo oil filters on my other brand bikes/scooters with no complaints.  I will never use a Fram filter on anything I own. They are a POS no matter what they claim in their ads, IMHO. 

[Cam3512]

I never got a "drain bolt washer" with my oil filter either.  Ever.

[canuguzzi]

BTW, if you look closely at the recent purchase pic you'll see the rust on the threads. That too is present on both new filters.

No doubt plenty of these toads have been spun onto Guzzis already. Maybe all that bonus assembly sealant flaking off is harnless and the rust just adds color and just maybe I was the first one to get some like this. I do know the dealer said they had a bunch of them in stock as a fair amount of Guzzis do get serviced there.

I'm going to cut one open to see just where the rest of that ooze went and see if there is rust inside the filter as well. I'll 'post those pics too. If Fram is a POS just what does this make UFI?

[dilligaf]

I never got a "drain bolt washer" with my oil filter either.  Ever.

Nop, don't recall ever getting one. 
Matt

[Aaron D.]

Maybe the dealer supply is different from the UFI supply, where MG et al get theirs, the package on yours shows Piaggio corporate logos.

Filters have never come with crush washers in my experience.

[tris]

Is it a genuine UFI filter?

I've been sourcing some oil filters at work and there is a lot of "hookey" filters out there

Example http://www.baldwinfilter.com/productsgenuineBaldwin.html

Problem is that even the reputable filter companies get them made in China and the like so printed name alone is not enough

[HDGoose]

Guess I'd better check my stock  UNI filters i have on the shelf. All are over 5 years old. Some are over 10. A couple or former Guzzi owners gave me their supplies after they sold their Guzzi's.

[56Pan]

That's disappointing.  I posted pictures of the insides of my orig. filter off my '12 Norge a while back.  Made a comment on how well made the filter was.  And it was very well made.  Yeah, shame on MG for taking the low road on something so important.  Back to Bosch/Wix for me.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Quality control on UFIs has been spotty for years. I'm personally convinced the spate of loosening filters that brought on the whole hose clamp thing was a QC problem on the gaskets. Then, there's the leaking around the seam issue..
I've been running the Bosch 3330 since the Norge leaking and Scura stuck gasket problems when I was using up my stock. 3330s are an ok filter, available anywhere, and I have had no issues with them.

[Lannis]

Quality control on UFIs has been spotty for years. I'm personally convinced the spate of loosening filters that brought on the whole hose clamp thing was a QC problem on the gaskets. Then, there's the leaking around the seam issue..

Another data point - I've used a LOT of UFI filters (all I ever use on Guzzis), and have never run across a loosening filter, a leaking seam, a bad gasket, or any other problem.   As far as I can tell, they're as high quality as anything else you can buy.

Lannis

[bad Chad]

UfI filters were made in Europe until fairly recently, perhaps they still are, but they are definitely being made in Africa now.   I can't recall which country in Europe made them, I think it was either Italy or Romania. I have never had one come with a washer.   I switched to hi flo as I felt they are made to a higher spec than OEM.  I generally only need to change oil once a year so spending $8-10 a year means nothing.

[rocker59]

Ah screw it, I'll run a Bosch, Pure One or Wix.

I use Mobil-1 filters, picking them up at Autozone where I also buy my Mobil-1 oils...

[twhitaker]

Mobil 1 M1-102 for my bikes. 

[canuguzzi]

I have notified UFI via their webform contact page, describing my observations.

Another pic showing the threads. This is brand new out of the box. The cut open comes later today.

[Ken Po]

Just as an FYI, if anyone is using Purolator Pure One or Bosch automotive oil filters (I have been) they seem to have changed their structure.  The center metal piece just behind the gasket is now convex instead of concave.  On the FZ1 owners forum they have been reporting oil leaks since the filter will now not seal properly with the newer filters.

I am not sure if this link to their discussion will work.

http://yamahafz1oa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137290

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for the warning..

[arveno]

I have notified UFI via their webform contact page, describing my observations.

Another pic showing the threads. This is brand new out of the box. The cut open comes later today.

wow ! what a junk...
..well, thanks a lot for the heads up.
Next round gonna stay away from them .

[Arizona Wayne]

Another data point - I've used a LOT of UFI filters (all I ever use on Guzzis), and have never run across a loosening filter, a leaking seam, a bad gasket, or any other problem.   As far as I can tell, they're as high quality as anything else you can buy.

Lannis

Years ago I caught a loosening UFI filter on my CX100 just in the nick of time, but maybe that's because I changed them @ 10K miles.  Since then I've used a hose clamp on that setup. 

[Luxexterior]

That's either a bad batch or they're fake. Either way bad news. I would be interested to read UFI's response.

[Bonafide Bob]

 Those Stainless steel serviceable oil  filters are starting to look a lot better now aren't they.