Why is FRAM oil filter so bad?

ZR2877 · 07-30-2002, 05:41 AM

I've read alot of post on here saying fram oil filters are really bad. How bad are they I have one on now but next oil change im going to delco. What problems have they caused in the past on LS1 engines. How do I tell if using it has harmed my engine. I use mobile 1 synthetic and change oil often. Thanks for your info.

Patman · 07-30-2002, 06:26 AM

They are made with inferior components, and many many people have reported more valvetrain noise on startup with these filters. They use cardboard endcaps which can easily leak and cheap bypass valves which are known to stick open. You could get lucky and run them without a problem, but knowing that there are better choices for the same money, why take a chance? I'd go with an AC Delco or Purolator filter for the same money, both of these are solidly built filters.

If you do a google search on Fram oil filters, you'll find enough horror stories on why they suck.

Here are a few I found over the years:

http://www.twocreeks.net/toby/fram.shtml

http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/jag/vw...ilfilters.html

http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/~rblander/FRAM_recall.html

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Maintenance/fluidfilter.htm

WS-6 BILL · 07-30-2002, 11:32 AM

after hearing all this i pulled my fram off right away and put a delco on!

Fulton 1 · 07-30-2002, 02:33 PM

If you want to see firsthand, buy a FRAM and an ACDelco and cut the bottoms off them with a hacksaw. Look at the filter element inside and their general construction differences. This should be enough to convince you and it'll only cost about $7 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

VIP1 · 07-31-2002, 12:10 AM

All those sites refer to 1994, 1995, 1996. That was at least 6 years ago. There have been many advances in oil and filters since then. Is there any good/bad reviews experices concerning new Fram filters (especailly their new triad <sp?> ones)? Do they still make them so cheaply, or were people buying the cheap version and complaining when they failed under abuse? I am in no way sticking up for Fram. I am just wondering how product claims from 6 years ago affect todays products.

--VIP1

[ July 30, 2002, 11:13 PM: Message edited by: VIP1 ]

ZR2877 · 07-31-2002, 05:07 AM

VIP1 I was thinking the same thing if so many people were having problems with Fram dont you think they would have got it fixed. I also noticed those years in the complaints. Im not taking any chances im getting rid of fram the only reason im using it now is I didnt know about the problems but thanks to this awesome site I found out before its to late. Hopefully more people will contribute to this info about frams to let other people know before they have problems.

Patman · 07-31-2002, 06:17 AM

Even though those reports are older, Fram has not changed a thing. Even their new X2 filters are still using cardboard, and the same cheap bypass valve that sticks open. Nothing has changed.

Fram has no need to improve, because they sell like hotcakes, the driving public still thinks Fram are the best, due to past reputation and heavy advertising.

Red200235thAnniversary · 07-31-2002, 11:36 AM

Ive used Fram for quite a while now and not a single problem

NHRATA01 · 07-31-2002, 11:37 AM

Dammit man...I put a fram on about a month ago and will be replacing it this weekend just because of all the bad stuff I've been reading about them. I try to go with 5k mile oil changes, and I've been told the Fram won't hold up that long.

Patman · 07-31-2002, 11:52 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Red200235thAnniversary:
Ive used Fram for quite a while now and not a single problem<hr /></blockquote>That you are aware of anyways. That filter could be in bypass mode the entire time it's on your car, and you would never know it.

The point is, when there are better oil filters out there for the same money, or even less money, why use a filter like Fram with it's questionable construction?

Fulton 1 · 07-31-2002, 02:29 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Patman:
Fram has no need to improve, because they sell like hotcakes, the driving public still thinks Fram are the best, due to past reputation and heavy advertising. <hr /></blockquote>No kidding. Everytime I dump my used oil at the local auto parts store I see the 55 gallon drum literally full of used FRAM filters <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

VIP1 · 07-31-2002, 11:06 PM

Has anyone cut open a new Fram oil filter? How about the X2? Patman, I know you said that the new Fram filters still suck, but have you seen them on the inside or are you just relaying what you've heard (no offense)?

--VIP1

BAD ASS TA WS6 · 08-01-2002, 02:15 AM

Why bother asking why why why? I just threw in a Pure 1 by purolator. It cost 5 buckls at pep boys. The ac delco was 4 bucks.

Patman · 08-01-2002, 05:51 AM

I haven't personally cut open the new X2 but I did see pictures of one cut open and saw the same cheap cardboard in there. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> The only real differences between all of the Fram filters are the media and the thickness of the can. All of their filters use the same endcaps and bypass valves. If they were smart they'd upgrade this, but then again they have no motivation to do this since they sell so well already.

VIP1 · 08-02-2002, 12:29 AM

BAD ASS TA WS6: I'd like to know. Inquiring minds and all that jaz. I use the AC Delco anyway.

Patman: Thanks for the response. I figured by now they would have improved things, especially on their X2 line.

--VIP1

[ August 01, 2002, 11:31 PM: Message edited by: VIP1 ]

BAD ASS TA WS6 · 08-02-2002, 12:40 AM

I didn't mean to sound sarcastic. I was just messing around. I think the best choice would definately be either the purolator or the ac delco. Although that wasn't the point of the post....just my oppinion

OBSSSD · 08-04-2002, 07:15 AM

Me and my friend who works at Auto Zone cut all the new ones open a month ago after reading the FRAM horror stories and yes - the "new" FRAM sucks so much it is unreal. We took a hacksaw to all of them and I'm telling you the FRAM was the worst by a mile. I believe the STP and the AC Delco were the same company. The tall STP was S3675 and the AC was a PF44.

If you use FRAM in your car (or truck for that matter) then you are much, much braver than I am...

smokin' joe 00 ss · 08-04-2002, 08:20 AM

it's either AC Delco or Wix filters for me those are the two best quality filters after cutting every filter open we could find.

BadBlueBuggy · 08-04-2002, 10:11 PM

How do the Mobile 1 filters and the Bosch Filters stack up?

thanx,

jimmypop13 · 08-04-2002, 10:24 PM

Guys, what about Pennzoil oil filters? Are they the same as Fram? I use the AC Delco Ultraguard Gold but my parents get what the QuikKar has up the road and that's Pennzoil. I'd rather not have them ruining their motors if they can have a choice on it