Baldwin B7449's in my truck. Baldwin Filters E-Catalog

 

if you are going to buy a fram, I'd suggest the Ultraguard.


it looks like the tough guard is the first offering that has the silicone anti-drainback valve. I would not use a filter with a nitrile rubber anti-drainback valve.


here's a good video showing the cutaways without any superfluous opinions, or hidden agenda.

 

There's tons of info on oil and filters on Bob is the oil guy, Check it and do some lookikng around. Definitely some good info.

FILTRATION
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...y/7/Filtration

OIL ANALYSIS
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...alysis_Reports

 

Mike, Thanks for the Video

It was a great Video, however he missed a very important point. Each filter is designed for a specific type of oil (see my Fram website link) for instance I use the "toughguard" because we run a synthetic-blend motor oil.

Oil Filters | FRAM

1. Extra Guard is engineered for use with conventional oil.
2. Tough Guard is optimized for stop and go traffic, towing, extreme weather conditions, and is engineered for use with premium conventional or synthetic oil.
3. Ultra Synthetic is engineered to be paired with synthetic oil and provides proven protection up to 15,000 Miles
4. High Mileage (only says) Engineered to work with High Mileage Motor Oil to provide continued protection

As I previously stated, I've used FRAM for many years on different applications & I feel as if I get a great filter for a reasonable price. I have never had any issues from a FRAM filter (that I am aware of...lol) I am NOT saying they are the best there is, just that they seem to do a great job, are built well & are priced fairly.

Just my .02

 

I saw Fram advertising their filters this way, and I think it's a recent thing. I'm fairly confident it's a bunch of well-crafted marketing BS designed to upsell filters to those who spring for synthetic oil. There are benefits to using a lower micron filter if you're extending your drain intervals, but the filter doesn't give a crap where the hydrocarbons running through it come from.

Do synthetic oils require a special filter? - Retail - Modern Tire Dealer

I have nothing against Fram filters; I've used them in the past and had no issues with them. Lots of folks decry their lower-end filters, but thousands of engines would be blowing every day if they were as bad as the internet hysteria would have you believe.

 

Tom's got it mostly right


The reason for the different media types has nothing to do with the oil going through them, but rather the amount of contaminants that can be held within the media. Fram recommends their extra guard for a duration of 5,000 miles, Tough Guard for 10,000 miles, and the Ultra for 15,000 miles. That is due mostly to the synthetic media within.


The ultra has the best efficiency of all of them, meaning it can capture the smallest particles. Where I differ with Tom, is that this is a benefit regardless of oil change interval. I can't think of an interval which warrants lower filtration efficiency than another.


Higher efficiencies can help extend intervals, but that's not to say that higher efficiencies are only warranted under extended intervals.


The ultra is not the least bit offended by filtering conventional oil, either. it will filter the conventional just as well as the synthetic, and it will do it for the same interval as well, even if the oil isn't up to the task. By that I mean: there are some people who change their oil every 5,000 miles with conventional oil, and use the Ultra changed every 15,000 miles. so every third change they do a filter and leave it in service for the next two changes.


not my cup of tea, per se, but it is the best way to maximize your benefit out of the higher dollar filter and use it to it's capability.

 

CROWNMAN 2014
Thanks for the info on the NAPA filters, I have one of those less than two miles from me.

 

Glad to help.

 

the Napa gold filters are very good and that is what I use on my vehicles. Their filter media is as good or better than the motorcraft, they have a silicone anti drainback valve and are a great value if you get them on their biannual filter sale. They are usually 50% off in the sale which brings them to $4 or less most of the time.

if you are going to buy one at full price, though, you are probably better off getting the FRAM ultra at WalMart. For the same money you get a much better filter.

I love the Napa gold, but only when they are on sale.