Fram filters
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
WallyWorld still carries Motorcraft filters in my area, so I can still get my Rangers Motorcraft FL-1A & Taurus FL-400S filters for $3 & change.
Just did an oil & filter change on the 3,8L Taurus with one of those $3 Wallyworld Motorcrafts & $3 a qt 5W-30 Havoline Synthetic, from Big Lots!!!!! Got the goodies for a change in the Ranger too!!!!!
Now thats the kind of bargin, but quality oil change I like!!!!! lol
Just did an oil & filter change on the 3,8L Taurus with one of those $3 Wallyworld Motorcrafts & $3 a qt 5W-30 Havoline Synthetic, from Big Lots!!!!! Got the goodies for a change in the Ranger too!!!!!
Now thats the kind of bargin, but quality oil change I like!!!!! lol
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
I was in Big Lots last Friday. In my area, all the synthetic Havoline is gone. They had some 20w50, in quarts and 5 gallon jugs. But only 20w50, nothing I use that viscosity in, Paw paw.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,911
Likes: 7
From: Crowville Louisiana
I was having oil pressure problems on my 88 f150. Low pressure. It had a new oil pump fram filter and castrol 20 50 oil. I changed the filter to a motorcraft and picked up 10 psi. oil pressure. Since then I stay away from fram filters.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Oil Filter
Well, now I know that some people really like Fram and others do not.
I have never been loyal to any product (more from ignorance on the subject than anything else).
On my most recent change, I used one of the FRAM ToughGuard filters.
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=FRA&MfrPartNumber=TG2&P artType=1&PTSet=A
Do those who are not as impressed with FRAM believe these (while possibly overpriced) are more in line with the filters you prefer, or just a higher priced option of what not to choose?
I am NOT trying to get any more of an argument going on either way, just a clarification.
Thanks,
Don
I have never been loyal to any product (more from ignorance on the subject than anything else).
On my most recent change, I used one of the FRAM ToughGuard filters.
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=FRA&MfrPartNumber=TG2&P artType=1&PTSet=A
Do those who are not as impressed with FRAM believe these (while possibly overpriced) are more in line with the filters you prefer, or just a higher priced option of what not to choose?
I am NOT trying to get any more of an argument going on either way, just a clarification.
Thanks,
Don
Last edited by dkoenig; Jun 14, 2007 at 09:09 AM. Reason: mis-spelling
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Its my belief that the Fram filters are lower quality / higher risk than many other choices, regardless of price.
Most of us have never had an oil filter-related failure because they are relatively rare, but the problem is that if it happens, its expensive. That is why I choose to use Motorcraft filters (or Mobil 1), which i believe lowers my risk. Since I haven't spent 6 figures at some testing lab, I don't know that to be a fact, but there is data to support it and none to refute it (that I know of). I try to look at these things like a scientist, not like a consumer, since consumers have (mostly emotional) brand loyalty, while scientists should have only premises and conclusions based on data.
I also care about oil filter quality more than the average joe, because I tend to run long oil change intervals (12k oci on the s/c Ranger) and I distain the idea of changing the filter midstream. Because of this, I want a 'very good' oil filter, not just a 'whatever' oil filter.
Most of us have never had an oil filter-related failure because they are relatively rare, but the problem is that if it happens, its expensive. That is why I choose to use Motorcraft filters (or Mobil 1), which i believe lowers my risk. Since I haven't spent 6 figures at some testing lab, I don't know that to be a fact, but there is data to support it and none to refute it (that I know of). I try to look at these things like a scientist, not like a consumer, since consumers have (mostly emotional) brand loyalty, while scientists should have only premises and conclusions based on data.
I also care about oil filter quality more than the average joe, because I tend to run long oil change intervals (12k oci on the s/c Ranger) and I distain the idea of changing the filter midstream. Because of this, I want a 'very good' oil filter, not just a 'whatever' oil filter.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 1
From: Sweetwater Texas
My Papa put 230,000 miles on the truck I currently got and he always ran 10-30 Penzoil and a Fram Filter, and he wasn't always so religious about his oil changes. After one of the valves burned up, we pulled the motor apart and rebuilt, and there was hardly any wear on the cyclender walls or the main and rod bearings.
He now has a '94 F250 351 with 235,000 miles on it and he has always ran 10-40 Penzoil and Fram filters and it is still running strong.
Both of these trucks were heavily used (stock trailers and ranch work) and the fram filters have never let me down, so I will just stick with them.
Oh, yeah people always complain that the casing is too thin and it can bend when torqued on, but isn't that why Fram put on the rubber grip so you won't over torque it with a wrench, and instead use your hand?
One last thing, not trying to jack the thread, do not whatsover buy Baldwin filters, because I have seen with my own eyes a 460 that was ruined because the filter disengrated after a few months of use, and all of the pieces gouged the bearings and rings.
He now has a '94 F250 351 with 235,000 miles on it and he has always ran 10-40 Penzoil and Fram filters and it is still running strong.
Both of these trucks were heavily used (stock trailers and ranch work) and the fram filters have never let me down, so I will just stick with them.
Oh, yeah people always complain that the casing is too thin and it can bend when torqued on, but isn't that why Fram put on the rubber grip so you won't over torque it with a wrench, and instead use your hand?
One last thing, not trying to jack the thread, do not whatsover buy Baldwin filters, because I have seen with my own eyes a 460 that was ruined because the filter disengrated after a few months of use, and all of the pieces gouged the bearings and rings.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: Northern Maine
Finally, after four pages of mostly negative posts, someone who sees things my way, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Thanks for speaking up Dean88. I have driven Fords for over 30 years and logged over a million miles with no oil or oil filter related problems. As a matter of fact, if it wasnt for rust, I would probably still be driving some of those old Fords. To quote my original post, "I guess that until I have a negative experience, I will be running Fram and Penzoil" Again, thank you.
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hi Dan, I personally prefer Wix or the Wix's made for Napa, but I've frequently used Fram filters in about a dozen different vehicles and I've never had any problems.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
I know of several trucks that had oil changed every 20000 if lucky and got 150000 + out of them . You can argue all you want I do use Motorcraft now (got 3 cases at auction ) , But have put 175000+ on 5 trucks using Fram filters. It all depends on oil changes. I worked for a fleet that would have oil tested every 30000 miles . They did have all changes at dealer Motorcraft . They went in house used frame. Funny how tests were same after.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
I feel the core of us who don't use Fram oil filters is the fact that you can get an equal or in many cases, a better quality oil filter for the same $$ as you'd spend on a Fram.
Fram succeeds in the marketplace because they have such a wide name reconition. The average housewife, who knows nothing about most things automotive, would easily choose Fram because she knows the "name".
Would a Fram blow your engine? No, but on the other hand, a search on the internet shows quite a few people not satisified with Fram oil filters.
Which boomerangs back to my original point. For the cost of a Fram, I can buy a better built oil filter -- that's what I've chosen to do.
Fram succeeds in the marketplace because they have such a wide name reconition. The average housewife, who knows nothing about most things automotive, would easily choose Fram because she knows the "name".
Would a Fram blow your engine? No, but on the other hand, a search on the internet shows quite a few people not satisified with Fram oil filters.
Which boomerangs back to my original point. For the cost of a Fram, I can buy a better built oil filter -- that's what I've chosen to do.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City, LA
Again I have to cut you Fram Haters off at the pass. For the 6.0 PSD you get the same filter the Ford sells for $5 less, please stop with all the Fram bashing. Purcraplator and Wi
dixtover) manufacturer the same crappy will fit copies that you claim Fram is so bad for. Please stop all the insanity. The next Fram basher that shows his wimpy head better have a tore down motor and mic readings that the Fram filter caused the failure. Or I will start giving negative rep to every self proclaimed expert that thas read what Dick is the oil guru has posted about Fram filters. Al this crap about ticking and i heard this and heard that is all just......hearsay, plain and simple. You lube geeks have asked us Scamsoil bashers time and time again to show you a blowed up motor using scamsoil, well show me a blowed up motor using a Fram filter, or shut your trap.
dixtover) manufacturer the same crappy will fit copies that you claim Fram is so bad for. Please stop all the insanity. The next Fram basher that shows his wimpy head better have a tore down motor and mic readings that the Fram filter caused the failure. Or I will start giving negative rep to every self proclaimed expert that thas read what Dick is the oil guru has posted about Fram filters. Al this crap about ticking and i heard this and heard that is all just......hearsay, plain and simple. You lube geeks have asked us Scamsoil bashers time and time again to show you a blowed up motor using scamsoil, well show me a blowed up motor using a Fram filter, or shut your trap.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Port McNeill BC Canada
I like WIX filters the only reason i went away from Fram was just for the fun of it i cut opean a new filter and there was a big gap in the filter paper.For me an oil change is one of the most inportant things you can do for your engine.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
These posts are all over the Internet, Ryan!
Originally Posted by mrxlh
Again I have to cut you Fram Haters off at the pass. For the 6.0 PSD you get the same filter the Ford sells for $5 less, please stop with all the Fram bashing. Purcraplator and Widixtover) manufacturer the same crappy will fit copies that you claim Fram is so bad for. Please stop all the insanity. The next Fram basher that shows his wimpy head better have a tore down motor and mic readings that the Fram filter caused the failure. Or I will start giving negative rep to every self proclaimed expert that thas read what Dick is the oil guru has posted about Fram filters. Al this crap about ticking and i heard this and heard that is all just......hearsay, plain and simple. You lube geeks have asked us Scamsoil bashers time and time again to show you a blowed up motor using scamsoil, well show me a blowed up motor using a Fram filter, or shut your trap.
dixtover) manufacturer the same crappy will fit copies that you claim Fram is so bad for. Please stop all the insanity. The next Fram basher that shows his wimpy head better have a tore down motor and mic readings that the Fram filter caused the failure. Or I will start giving negative rep to every self proclaimed expert that thas read what Dick is the oil guru has posted about Fram filters. Al this crap about ticking and i heard this and heard that is all just......hearsay, plain and simple. You lube geeks have asked us Scamsoil bashers time and time again to show you a blowed up motor using scamsoil, well show me a blowed up motor using a Fram filter, or shut your trap.Not really a Fram "hater", but a Fram "avoider". Huge difference there. These type of articles litter the internet pertaing to Fram. IT's not me, and I don't make these experiences up:
************************************************** *
Fram
[RWI] I used Fram once with disasterous results. About 4 years ago, I decided to change my oil one Sunday. Unfortunately, no Acura dealers were opened on Sunday. So, I ran to my local Pep Boys and puchased myself an equivalent Fram filter. Did my oil and filter change as usual and went for a test drive. After about 20 mins driving around, I decided to take it to about 100 mph. Guess what, my oil presure dropped to zero and one of the idiot lights started blinking.
I immediately shut the engine off and assesed what had happen. There was smoke coming from the rear right side of the car but not on the left. Believe me, it was a scary experience. I was almost in tears while I pulled off the side of the road. I got out of the car and saw a trail of oil on the road leading up to my car. I remember praying as I carefully peeped under the car. First thing I noticed was the car's left underside was very clean. I decided to jack up the car right there and then so I could see more underneath. Further examination revealed the Fram rubber seal burst spilling most of the oil out of my engine.
I told myself then, I will never ever use a non-factory filter my my NSX again. The next day, I took my car to the dealer and had them checked everything in my engine. Fortunately, the dealer said the engine has no detectable damage. It took at least 3 under carriage steam cleaning before I got all the oil out of the little crevices under the car. The moral of the story, don't skimp on oil filters, use the oil filter specifically designed for you car.
[DNG] Fram oil filters are know for this. Frams were banned from being used on race bikes since they kept blowing. I'd rather spend $4 more for piece of mind with the OEMs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Asheville, NC
I ran FRAM filters for years on my truck, cars and other things. I stopped using them during the time that they had a rubber grab surface around the non-screw end of the cannister.
I installed a new filter on my Ford six cylinder and immediately had a leak at the filter. It was on right, and tight. The leak was from the seam. OK took it back and got another one. Installed it, and got sprayed in the face by a tiny stream of oil coming from the seam again. Again, took it back, and got the FL-1A Motorcraft. No leak. That was the end of Fram for me.
Now:
Motorcraft for my Ford truck
A/C Delco for my Oldsmobile Toronado
and
WIX or M-B original for my 1984 Mercedes Benz 190E
Valvoline and DuraBlend for all of them. over 150K on each of them with no problems!
I installed a new filter on my Ford six cylinder and immediately had a leak at the filter. It was on right, and tight. The leak was from the seam. OK took it back and got another one. Installed it, and got sprayed in the face by a tiny stream of oil coming from the seam again. Again, took it back, and got the FL-1A Motorcraft. No leak. That was the end of Fram for me.
Now:
Motorcraft for my Ford truck
A/C Delco for my Oldsmobile Toronado
and
WIX or M-B original for my 1984 Mercedes Benz 190E
Valvoline and DuraBlend for all of them. over 150K on each of them with no problems!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Port Coquitlam, BC Canada
I have used Fram for a long time now on at least three different vehicles, I use the HP1.
Had no issues myself, did have a company dodge truck in the 70's that when I started it the filter can blew, they said that the bypass valve had stuck or something and it ripped it open.
But they put another on and it never went again.
We used a lot of fram HP1's on the V730 trans as a tranny filter on our transit buses, once in awhile we would get a baldwin or wix or donaldson, but none ever gave any trouble and these buses put on a lot of mileage as you can well imagine, all in city.
Had no issues myself, did have a company dodge truck in the 70's that when I started it the filter can blew, they said that the bypass valve had stuck or something and it ripped it open.
But they put another on and it never went again.
We used a lot of fram HP1's on the V730 trans as a tranny filter on our transit buses, once in awhile we would get a baldwin or wix or donaldson, but none ever gave any trouble and these buses put on a lot of mileage as you can well imagine, all in city.