I see everyone talking about stay away from Fram filters. Whats the deal that? Not that I care, but am I causing harm to my engine by using Fram filters? (Walmart its close!)


Please do tell..

Big Mick



1997 Expedition XLT
K&N Air Intake
Hellwig Anti sway bar
Flow master true dual
Plus extra mods.....

 

I don't use Fram because my Dad always told me not to. :-)

Seriously, I think they used to have problems with inferior counterfeit filters showing up on shelves. And even the real ones don't seem to be that well made. Check out http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html.

Will a Fram filter ruin your engine? Probably not. Are there much better filters out there? I think so.

Doesn't Walmart sell Motorcraft filters now? Why not stick with those?

Hope this helps.

Mark Salvetti
Saugus, MA

 

Fram lacks the filter media of other filters. You get what you pay for when dealing with oil filters, I believe, for the most part.


>Doesn't Walmart sell Motorcraft filters now? Why not stick
>with those?


Excellent advice!! Why use anything else? Motorcraft filters are basically repackaged Purolator filters. (Good filters)

 

Worth reading the article about oil filters, that the other guy mentioned. They cut apart a lot of filters and analysed them. Fram appeared to have cheaper components and less sturdy construction. Keep in mind this study was done maybe 4 years back and things do change over time. Also worth reading the study... Many store brands or special(Like Pennzoil, Quakerstate, STP etc) are just relables and repaints of some major brand. So if you buy say a Pennzoil filter, it may actually be a FRAM or Purolator etc. This is good and bad. You might pay a lot for a "special" filter which is just a painted el cheapo. Or better, I have found some store brands that are usually a buck or two less that are painted expensive brands. Like I said things change over time.

I used Frams since 1973, but I quit using them after reading the study and a couple on a VW website that showed that when Allied took over Fram, the construction got cheap. Also some sites had anecdotal stories where Frams would blow out on cold mornings. I have never had a problem with a Fram but the stories bothered me, and after looking inside a filter I saw the cheesy construction. JHust goes to show, bad publicity has an effect.

Frams are probably OK but I don't use them now since I found a store brand(GI Joe's PowerFlo, really a Purolator) that is cheaper and looks better built.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

NAPA brand. are they a homeless guy in a tux? a billionare in rags? you get what i am saying, has anyone cut one of these open?i've always used them (mostly because i was too lazy to look for numbers on boxs at wal*mart) i was just wondering if you all thought they were safe, and any good. thanks

 

I read somewhere (I'll find out where) that NAPA filters are actually WIX filters (good stuff). Don't quote me yet, I'll find the report...

 

In the past I used FRAM and never had a prob with them. Ran my cars 150,000 miles to 200,000 miles without probs. I recently switched to Motorcraft and Purolator filters along with synthetics.

I think all the trash you hear about FRAM is just that trash and should be taken with a grain of salt. It goes for the same people that trash quacker state and pensoil because they claim the paraffin based oil causes major problems. If these clowns actually knew anything about oil they would realize it just ain't so.

 

I have used FRAM ever since I started driving at 16. Have only one incident where the filer's 'O' ring actually failed, shortly after install. I had the fortune of catching it ASAP. Notified Allied Signal about filter's failure and they sent me $50.00 to cover clean-up on my driveway and such. I change oil at 3000-3500mi intervals. I also attach a magnet at base of filter to secure any fragments that might be floating by. I have never been impressed by bashers of FRAM due to the lack of information they base their opinions upon. In that regard, this is my opinion based upon 30yrs. of driving, so whatever thats worth. My current ride, bought new, has just over 200,000 miles and still running strong. 1991 3.0L 5spd. STX Supercab Ranger. Just another opinion based upon a trak record!

 

I too have used Fram filters for years without problem, but upon seeing the previously mentioned study and conducting my own version of that study, I am certain that Frams are poorly constructed compared to almost any other brand. Does that mean it doesn't filter well? Probably not, but for nearly the same money, why not get one with metal end caps and a much greater surface area? I recently switched to Purolator's PureOne, but other good ones are available too.

 

This STUDY could help you make a filter choice. Don't swear by it but it is fairly comprehensive as far as a STUDY goes. At the least, you might gain some knowledge about construction of filters to sock away in the brain files for future reference.

[link:www.dorianyeager.com/oilfilterstudy1.html#n1515|oil filter study]

I have others but the folder got deleted. (kids) I'll search for 'em and post 'em.

 

Thanks for the info Monsta, you can never be too safe with your precious motor.

 

Its great reading everyones thoughts and opinions on this topic.


I too read the article and have come to the conclusion that my $30 plus vehicle will be using something other the Fram. Not that I don't trust Frams ability to "filter". I'd rather spend the extra $1 or so for peace of mind...


Big Mick



1997 Expedition XLT
K&N Air Intake
Hellwig Anti sway bar
Flow master
Plus extra mods.....

 

yeah i agree i think the Motorcraft look the most appatizing. a little more every 3000 miles for peace of mind

 

I've been using fram on all my cars (from the Ford 400 to 7,000+ RPM Mitsubish turbo motor) and I know a guy using Fram filters with a Ranger that has over 290,000 miles on the engine so they can't really be that bad.

 

How about K&N oil filters? didnt see them on that page.