General Maintenance & Repairs - Why is FRAM oil filter so bad?

View Full Version : Why is FRAM oil filter so bad?

ZR2877

07-30-2002, 04:41 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, 05:26 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/engine/oilfilters.html

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

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

WS-6 BILL

07-30-2002, 10:32 AM

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

Fulton 1

07-30-2002, 01:33 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

07-30-2002, 11:10 PM

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, 04:07 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, 05:17 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, 10:36 AM

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

NHRATA01

07-31-2002, 10:37 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, 10:52 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, 01:29 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, 10:06 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, 01:15 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, 04:51 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

08-01-2002, 11:29 PM

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

08-01-2002, 11:40 PM

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, 06:15 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, 07:20 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, 09:11 PM

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

thanx,

jimmypop13

08-04-2002, 09:24 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

sampson

08-05-2002, 12:28 AM

For me, OEM filter are one of the best filters. I only run Suzuki filters (for my bike) and AC Delco for my F-body. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I am sure that mobil's filters are the same or better, but i choose what it comes for the dealer. And no Fram for me. Even if they come out with a X6

smokin' joe 00 ss

08-05-2002, 03:40 AM

Patman

08-05-2002, 05:22 AM

Bosch premium filters are very good too, they score 93% on the multipass test (M1 is around 95-96%)

Pennzoil filters are rebadged Frams, stay away.

Quaker State filters (in the US) are Purolators, so they are good. I'm using a Purolator filter (the standard one) as I feel they offer great filtration for a low cost filter. We don't have the Mobil 1s up here (or the Bosch premium)

Blue Meanie

08-05-2002, 03:38 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Patman:
\

Pennzoil filters are rebadged Frams, stay away.

<hr /></blockquote>AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHH <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> This infuriates me, I just pulled one of these Piece o Crap filters off when I did my change on my 02 SS today. Thank god I change my oil every 3000 miles. I actually changed it this time at 2600 miles, used Royal Purple and the Mobil one M-206 filter. This basically means I have been using a Fram filter on my 02 since it was new <img border="0" alt="[guns]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" /> FRAM <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[Banging Head]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_banghead.gif" />

NataSS Inc

08-06-2002, 12:02 AM

I use the K&N oil filter. It has the highest burst pressure, filters the oil better (some ungodly amount of microns)and better construction from steel vs. aluminum. This filter is rated higer than the NAPA gold filter that is on the market now (supposed to be the best). It also uses a metal top end cap instead of paper to ensure that no unfiltered oil makes it back into the system. Best thing I like is that it has a nut welded on it that makes taking it off a breeze, dont have to worry about wrapping a filter wrench around it.

Check it out here
http://www.knfilters.com/oilfilter.htm

Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention. They are a bit more expensive than the regular filters out there but when it comes to your oiling system a couple extra bucks isnt going to kill you for better performance

[ August 06, 2002, 12:04 AM: Message edited by: NataSS Inc ]

WS-6 BILL

08-07-2002, 02:52 PM

I PULLED MY FRAM OFF AND IT HAD ONLY 1000 MILES ON IT. I PUT ON A PF44 FOR $3.50 AT AUTO ZONE.NEXT CHANGE I'M USING MOBIL 1 M-206.

rollercam

08-07-2002, 05:01 PM

I am running a Delco on my car and I do not expect to change, BUT I had a '91 GMC truck with a 260,000+ miles on the original engine and it had a FRAM filter on it 90+% of the time. I sold the truck and the only thing wrong with it was a leaky rear main seal and I don't think you can say that was FRAMs fault.

99SICKSPEEDZ

08-07-2002, 05:11 PM

A FRIEND OF MINE JUST HAD A 383 STROKER BUILT HERE IN TOWN. THE BUILDER TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD WARRANTY HIS WORK BUT NOT IF A FRAM FILTER WAS USED!!!! SO THEY MUST SUCK!!

01 SS Jay

08-07-2002, 07:35 PM

My boss just collapsed a fram on his boat motor. Only had 5 hours on the filter. Nuff said.

mykdiver

08-08-2002, 01:32 AM

Wow I did not know that. I change my oil every two weeks during race season any way, but I guess I will switch from now on.

ZR2877

09-26-2002, 04:49 AM

JUST DOING A TTT TO HELP SOME ONE OUT.

Siggy

09-26-2002, 10:01 AM

You may also wanna look into a Mobil 1 filter.

1CAMWNDR

09-26-2002, 10:35 AM

Well, it concerned me enough to switch to a Purolator filter. One of the newer versions (forget what it is called) that is supposed to be slightly larger . It is really HELLA LARGER <img border="0" alt="[devil]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" /> . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

promod1955

09-26-2002, 08:16 PM

not flaming anybody here....but if you get a cheap filter, you get cheap performance. Maybe the $5 dollar filters do suck but why not look into getting a better filter. I bracket race every weekend, from Feb. to Nov. and on my footbrake car, I use a hp-4 fram racing filter. ive used this filter 2 years now and ive never had a problem. I do change the oil and filter every 2 races so maybe im not giving it time to crap out on me but ive yet to have trouble. its a 67 nova with a 383 and runs 10.20's. we tear the motor down each year and after putting 150+ passes on the car the bearings always look brand new. on our 7.70 car, we use a reusable system 1 filter but i wouldnt use it for a street car. just thought ide throw in my .02 cents. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Dave

09-26-2002, 09:48 PM

I use Mobil 1 and change the oil every 2000 miles or so with whatever filter the GM dealer puts on (under warrantee) I assume they use Delco?
Is there a physically larger filter that fits? Both of my cars use this tiny filter and I'd heard that there was a larger size available (longer?) that would fit.

Anybody? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Wease

09-27-2002, 09:04 PM

Jeez, and I just bought my first Fram filter for my Formula last week. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> I was trying to be too cheap and not spending the money on a Mobil 1. Not anymore, that filter's going back for sure... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

Brother J

09-27-2002, 10:20 PM

It gets even worse. I noticed the other day that Fram came out with a new filter that contains teflon additive in the filtering media. So, now you get crappy filtering plus teflon to gum up your engine. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />

SS-35th

10-10-2002, 12:50 AM

After reading these posts I decided to see if there really was a difference between a Fram filter and an AC Delco Filter. I purchased an AC Delco PF44 and a Fram PH3506 from Autozone. Now I'm no mechanic nor do I claim to be but when I cut both filters open I was amazed at the difference. The Fram was made of 2 pieces of cardboard glued together to hold the filter media, a piece of rubber, and some aluminum. The Delco has an aluminum housing of sorts to hold the filter media together, a piece of rubber and another piece of aluminum. I plan on posting the pictures later since it's obvious I don't really know what I'm looking at but I can say that the Delco looks to be much better in build quality and holds about twice as much filter media as the Fram.

Patman

10-10-2002, 04:08 AM

Definitely post those pics! I too cut open a Fram in the past and was disgusted by how cheaply they are made! The more expensive filters are definitely made better, but even other low cost filters blow away the Fram too, such as AC Delco, Purolator and even the Walmart Supertech! (which is made by the same guys that make the Mobil 1, K&N, Bosch premium and STP filters)

ZR2877

10-10-2002, 05:06 AM

Finally got my fram off. I now use delco I feel much safer now.

2001-WS6

10-10-2002, 11:41 PM

Everyone should keep this in mind on the oil filter topic. There are two primary manufactures of filters in the US. Neither one of them is an Car OEM, an Oil company or an auto parts store. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

There is ArvinMeritor (merger of Arvin Industries and Meritor Automotive-formerly Rockwell Automotive) which owns the Purolator filter brand and Honeywell Consumer Products (merger of Honeywell International and Allied Signal) which owns the Fram brand.

Generally speaking, these company's save their best products for themselves and not the parts they make for the OEMs, Oil companies or the auto parts stores. That being said, go out and get a Purolator PureOne PL14006 filter and cut that open to compare to any filter out there for the LS-1.

If your auto parts store or OEM box mentions that it was manufactured or packaged in Fayetteville, NC, then you've got a filter manufactured at the Purolator facility. It's a small site with a plant for oil filters, a plant for fuel filters, a plant for air filters and a plant for specialty filters. Why four plant you might ask? Each has an increasing level of building air filtration to insure the quality of the products they produce.

That's about 1,300 people turning out well over 80,000 oil filters a day not to mention the other types of filter products. They fill their warehouse and empty it every single day.

Rick

Patman

10-11-2002, 04:17 AM

Rick, there are more than two, you're forgetting about Champion Labs, which makes Mobil 1, K&N, Ultraguard Gold, Walmart Supertech, Bosch premium and STP (plus others) Also, don't forget about DANA (which makes Wix and NAPA filters, plus in Canada they make the AC Delcos)

Just because a filter is made in the same place though, doesn't mean the filter is the same. Different brands built within the same factory can use a wide variety of filtering media and internal components.

Patman

10-11-2002, 05:35 AM

There is also Hastings, which makes their own line of filters, plus the Amsoil (and possibly the Baldwin filters too)

ChrisRam

03-09-2005, 02:58 PM

Sorry to spam your forums guys but this is why Fram Filters are so bad.

http://www.indygamers.com/vB/showthread.php?s=&postid=46185#post46185

They do not stand behind them when they fail.

Tranzor

03-09-2005, 03:05 PM

Damn... now this is a real thread fossil to dredge up. Judging by the date of the original post you had to dust it off with one of those brushes that archeologists use on old pieces of pottery... Now it says 2002, but I'll carbon date it to make sure.

ChrisRam

03-09-2005, 03:29 PM

I found it in a search with Yahoo. Sorry to bring up the past and all. I did not want to make a new post about an old problem.

SSCamaro99_3

03-09-2005, 03:40 PM

LS1Zedder

03-09-2005, 04:04 PM

A guy at my job cut apart a Fram "Extra Guard" and the low cost Allied Signal "Defence" filter that is the cheaper Fram. They were idential inside. The higher priced Extra Guard simply came in a prettier, orange can for the added cost.

BADFNZ

03-09-2005, 04:54 PM

How about we sume things up then.

1.) K&N
2.) NAPA/WIX, Purolator
3.) M1, Bosch Premium
4.) AC DELCO, STP, Supertech
5.) Fram/Pennzoil

That seem like it covers things from what I read. Where would Amsoil and Hastings fall in? When I was snooping around www.bobistheoilguy.com it seemed they fell into the Wix/Napa segment.

A few engine builders have told me that the K&N filters too much and can lower oil pressure in some cases. Both told me to run Wix. Just throwing it out there.

ZR2877

03-10-2005, 03:11 AM

Wow this is a old one I wonder who started it?

v DaN 02

03-10-2005, 02:55 PM

thanks for this information guys..... i almost bought a fram oil filter for my car.... good they they were out of them.... i thougth that fram would be high performance or somthing.... and they're more expensive!!!!!
i have always used acdelco.... they seem to work good...

Tranzor

03-10-2005, 03:08 PM

A few engine builders have told me that the K&N filters too much and can lower oil pressure in some cases. Both told me to run Wix. Just throwing it out there.

How can filtering too much cause lower oil pressure? :huh: If a filter is filtering too much, you would actually have more restriction, which means artificially high oil pressure... if the pressure is a little lower, or doesn't fluctuate as much, I would think it means it's flowing more oil, and filtering a little less.

qwikz28

03-10-2005, 04:52 PM

walmart supertech all the way!!! i noticed a significant decrease in oil pressure when i switched over to these. and my oil retains its viscocity better when i use it. dont change whats not broken. although i may try the K&N once for the hell of it.

blind527

03-10-2005, 05:19 PM

I have a fram on now, no problems....

dcrews

03-10-2005, 06:26 PM

I have cut open just about every oil filter on the market. Purolator, Fram, K&N, AC Delco, Motocraft, etc.

Here's my conclusions:

Fram=garbage. All of them. Even the $10 ones are junk. They havent changed ONE BIT in the last 10 years. Stay away from them like the plague that they are to cars.

Purolator= GREAT filter for the price. The Pure-One series is one of the best filters I've ever seen. Only thing is that I don't know about the flow characteristics of the pure one, since they have so many pleats of material. The standard Purolator is a GREAT filter tho. Solid construction, metal end-caps, and a nice anti drainback valve.

AC Delco= Good filter, solid construction, but $ for $, the purolator is a better filter.

Motocraft= decent filter, fairly small opening (most taper down from the inlet), decent filter material. All in all, not a bad filter, but still, $ for $, purolator is gonna be the better filter.

K&N= what can I say? It's the Rolls Royce of oil filters. It has one heck of a strong case, great filter material, great oil seal, great drainback valve, excellent construction, and, of course, a huge price tag. BUT..... It _is_ the best oil filter I've ever seen, and I use them on every car I own, from my T/A to my GTP, to my RX-7.

So what have we learned?

If you want the best, go K&N.

If you want the best, but are on a budget, go with the Purolator Pure-One

If you want a good filter for the best price, go with the Purolator Premium Plus (their standard filter). Or, if there's an Advance Auto Parts close to you, ask them for a Power-Flo filter. They're the exact same filters as the Premium Plus, but cheaper price.

Also, the Mobil 1 filters are a great filter. They're made by the same people as the K&N and use a lot of the same technology. In the fitler world, the K&N is said to flow better, but the Mobil 1 filter is said to filter MARGINALLY better. My opion on this, both the K&N and Mobil 1 filters are great products, and get whichever you can find.

Phwew.. Sorry for the long-winded post, but once I get going on something like oil or oil filters, I just can't stop :)

If anyone has any questions about these filters, feel free to PM me.

Note--- I have no experience with any other filters besides what I listed above.

Hope this helps someone.

Dan
98 T/A

5POINT7

03-10-2005, 08:53 PM

I've run Fram oil filters for 15k miles of hard driving in a cammed LS1 (12k on a 216/220, 3k on a 231/237) w/ no problems at all.

Guess it's a crapshoot.

dcrews

03-10-2005, 09:26 PM

Put it this way.. I wouldn't put a fram oil filter on a Geo Metro with 300000 miles on it....

Squintz Palladoris

03-10-2005, 09:34 PM

Look JRP! Someone used the (Yahoo) search button!

Holy Old Thread BatMan!

Brad

Third Gear

03-11-2005, 01:33 AM

Fram + Pennzoil = Kaboom :bomb:

btw... did anyone get the carbon dating back yet?

#3z-28

03-15-2005, 04:13 AM

My question is are Fram air filters any good?

2MuchRiceMakesMeSick

03-15-2005, 04:25 AM

I only used WIX on my old camaro.

On my new car I only use K&N oil filters

Hawk502

03-15-2005, 09:33 AM

Wow, the internet the one source of the great truths.

Most of the links were opinions, no facts. I used to build engines, from small industrial, automotive, truck and large marine diesels and never had an engine fail due to the oil filter. Taxi cabs that ran 2 to 400000 miles with Fram filters.

I don't think the argument would stand up in court. These are just opinions posted here and nothing more.

I have used them and many others for over 30 years and never had a problem related to an oil filter. :judge:

Hawk502

03-15-2005, 09:40 AM

A FRIEND OF MINE JUST HAD A 383 STROKER BUILT HERE IN TOWN. THE BUILDER TOLD HIM THAT HE WOULD WARRANTY HIS WORK BUT NOT IF A FRAM FILTER WAS USED!!!! SO THEY MUST SUCK!!

OPINION ! based on what??

Scotty-Z

03-15-2005, 09:46 AM

Dammit, I've been trying to make time for the past week to change my oil and I have a Fram filter waiting to go on. Now I'm glad I haven't changed it yet. That damn Fram is going to get returned now!

v DaN 02

03-15-2005, 12:25 PM

hmm, well i have an airhog air filter... and when i did the FRA mod.... i put it in... and i raced my buddie in his slightnly modded evo.... he beat me by 1.5 cars befroe i did fra and airhog filter... and when i ran him again... i took him then by 1/5 cars :D i think it works..... and if you can get an new one for $7.... thats the way to go

Squintz Palladoris

03-15-2005, 03:12 PM

OIL not AIR Dan :)

Third Gear

03-15-2005, 03:26 PM

OIL not AIR Dan :)
Yeah, besides the Air Hog is just a poorly made K&N style filter - wire mesh with cotton gauze sandwiched in between. I was unimpressed with them, I'd stick to K&N

JEB99TA

03-15-2005, 05:16 PM

I used FRAM filters until I read the posts here. After I had my new K&N oil filter installed, I took the old FRAM filter and took a dremmel to it and cut it open. It looked like something you'd win at a carnival. :jest:

Benjamin Russick

03-15-2005, 06:40 PM

Wal-Mart Super-Tech all the way!

shiznit

03-15-2005, 08:16 PM

Nothing at wal-mart is going on my car!!!!

Mike98WS6

03-15-2005, 08:19 PM

I use the Mobil 1 filter for piece of mind.

Crazy Man

03-15-2005, 08:24 PM

I have had fram filters cause a knocking noise in other vehicles. I use mobile 1 filter in my TA

snake charmer

03-15-2005, 08:59 PM

I like the K&N because it has the bolt on the bottom of it. This could make for a good poll to see what the most commonly used oil filter on ls1-tech is.

JEB99TA

03-16-2005, 12:29 PM

Too many people here said the K&N is superior, so, that's the one I went with.

Squintz Palladoris

03-16-2005, 01:05 PM

Nothing at wal-mart is going on my car!!!!

They Have some Pimp Ass sticker kits YO!

I run the K&N Oil Filter

~JOSHUA

03-16-2005, 01:53 PM

K&N. :secret: 'Nuff said! :judge:

Kirby

03-16-2005, 01:55 PM

The only facts that I can offer was what I saw with my own eyes. I used a Fram for my first oil change after I bought my car. Didn't know any better. On my second oil change, a different clerk asked me if I really wanted to buy the Fram. I asked why and he showed me a Fram cut in half and a Wix cut in half. The Fram was composed of cardboard. Almost looked like too much oil pressure would cause it to burst. The Wix was made of aluminum and looked much stronger and safer. These FACTS are why I will never use Fram ever again! :ripped:

Fulton 1

03-16-2005, 02:07 PM

Wow, the internet the one source of the great truths.

Most of the links were opinions, no facts.

So, is this the part where you're going to enlighten us with "facts" or is the taxi cab anecdote all we get?

Ryan K

03-16-2005, 05:38 PM

How can filtering too much cause lower oil pressure? :huh: If a filter is filtering too much, you would actually have more restriction, which means artificially high oil pressure... if the pressure is a little lower, or doesn't fluctuate as much, I would think it means it's flowing more oil, and filtering a little less.

Because the oil pressure sending unit is downstream of the oil fliter. More restriction, lower indicated pressure.

Ryan

Shuck

03-16-2005, 05:43 PM

Damn glad I am taking my fram out this weekend.

blind527

03-16-2005, 05:50 PM

I'm using K&N oil filters now........

TheBlurLS1

03-16-2005, 06:05 PM

holy shit i put a fram in today :bang:

i've always used them, i like the sure grip thing on the bottom because they are easy to remove :emb:

i always thought "an oil filter is an oil filter is an oil filter" and never gave it a whole lot of thought, guess i'll start running a different one on my next change, or maby i'll swap it tomorrow :lol:

A_W_O_L

01-02-2006, 12:43 AM

'Bout time to dig this one back up again....To The Top

Mr Incredible

01-03-2006, 03:29 PM

Here are some sites that show filters cut open. Some may think it a bit dated, but the filter companies don't change the products all that often...

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html
http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml
http://www.oilfilterstudy.com/

I have cut open some filters in the past and these pages reflect my own experiences.

Virginia

09-07-2008, 03:54 PM

Put fram filter on about 2 weeks noticed a bit of a oil leak went to go for a drive did not notice all the oil in my driveway it was dark needless to say only got so far and my oil pressure dropped to nothing had to get a tow next day went to see what the problem was and the rubber on the filter was sticking through thats where the you came out took off the filter and the rubber fell off went and got a more better filter so far so good almost cost me a new motor i have a 302hp just put alot of money into it i almost cried.Thanks Fram

Virginia

09-07-2008, 03:56 PM

Do you think there is anything i can do about it?

slow

09-07-2008, 04:25 PM

I ran one back when my car had 40K on it, and the idle pressure was 25 instead of a solid 40

I switched filters on the side of the road to a acdelco (ph44) and idle pressure went back to 40 imediately

Ryan

Darksolder

09-07-2008, 04:36 PM

oh fu*k Sh!t, i'm going to do an oil change this week, (just seafoamed) and i've got a FRAM oil filter... That's the only thing they sell at the american auto store on base, dont think anything is out on the economy, as it is a "special" car to them... aw fudge it, i'll put it on anyways, look around for another one, and if this one gives me problems, i'll just switch it.
fu$$shi@$#@%$#%^$#%$#!!! :bang:

99Bluz28

09-07-2008, 04:51 PM

I quit using fram years ago,then went to moble1 filters, then to my current filter.

I've been using a billet aluminum reusable oil filter from K & P Engineering for about a year now, great quality, I'm happy with its filtering ability! :D
But It's pricey, but worth it! :eek:

Here's their website:

http://www.kandpengineering.com/index.shtml

Schweet97Z

09-07-2008, 04:52 PM

www.bobistheoilguy.com

anything you guys/gals want to know about oil and filters with many different tests.

GXPPOWER

09-07-2008, 04:59 PM

dont listen to anyone. there is nothing wrong with Fram oil filters or any of them really.

its funny people bash fram because for a time yes they had a poor product... but Remember Chevy,pontiac, hell GM in general had HUGE issues with poor quality in engines and drivetrains back in the 60,70,80s and that is why most of the world laugh at GM cars. even though in the last 15 years they have been making some of the best engines, drivetrains. is a case of Bad rep being reposted over and over by people who are just saying what they have read.

my grand father has ran a fram in his small block 350 chevy for geeze 15 years. changes the oil every 3k to 5k miles. and never had a issue with a fram filter.

samson_420

09-07-2008, 08:37 PM

I have used Fram filters in most of my cars for the past decade. In my Lexus I only use Toyata filtes, since they come with a new seat for my drain pan and they cost the same.

But, otherwise I always use Fram. I have never had any issues at all.

Will this post make me switch? Propably not, but there are better filters out there. But, the question is, do they really make a real life difference?

ccsanders01

09-07-2008, 08:51 PM

i used to work at a parts store we sold wix brand. we cut open a fram and they had way more cardboard in it than ours. they are made cheap.

Summerwolf

09-07-2008, 09:13 PM

I worked at a few auto parts stores and would never reccomend fram.....the acdelco is a dollar cheaper and about 100 times better

TransAm_00

09-09-2008, 10:06 AM

Don't Fram-it before you slam-it. LoL:D

Black FormulaLs1

09-09-2008, 11:07 AM

have always ran a fram but i dont think i will be doing it any longer on my fresh forged bottom end build...will bite the bullett and go with a K&N...

1sick'98WS6

09-09-2008, 12:14 PM

Id never run a fram on my car, I use K & N oil filter, its like 12 or 13 bucks but thats just me

VetteMan

09-11-2008, 09:56 PM

I dont know why anyone would use anything less than WIX.

Formula Freak

09-12-2008, 12:13 AM

How are Fram's air and fuel filters? I've got nothing but fram filters (oil,air,fuel) in my 93 Geo Storm beater.It seems to do fine with them,but I've only had the car for about 4,500 miles so far...

1996firebirdformula

09-12-2008, 12:25 AM

Autozone kepts running specials on Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic W/Fram Filter. Im gonna Try ACDelco filter on next oil change. See if makes differents.

98boxer

09-12-2008, 04:55 PM

I went from fram oil filter to mobil 1 motor oil filters and my oil pressure went up when i switched. And what funny is once im near to 3000 miles oil change i notice my oil pressure a little bit low then once i put in new oil and a new motor oil filter the pressure goes up to 40, i recommend mobil 1 filters pricy but worth it, imo.

jfman

09-12-2008, 08:43 PM

I had 2 fram air filters fail on me. The fabric broke apart and in one of those time it took out my MAF sensor and it cost me $600 for the tow, the repair and an urelated repair I made because the problem was misdiagnosed.

kiztope

09-13-2008, 11:41 AM

From 2002? Ha!... This has to be the oldest consistant thread on this site.....

(Mobil 1 or Bosch filters > Fram)

1996firebirdformula

09-16-2008, 05:32 PM

Just changed my Oil & Filter from Fram To Purolator. Has little more Oil Pressure.

AutomagicLS1

09-16-2008, 05:36 PM

Someone local up here put a fram on their truck and thought the motor was fucked and come to find out if I remember he said the inside of the filter collapsed and dropped his oil pressure ~20-30psi

ZexGX

09-16-2008, 05:38 PM

After reading this, I changed mine back from Pennzoil (FRAM) to K&N (which is the same as the Mobil 1). I figured getting the oil changed at Jiffy Lube just once couldn't hurt... Right? WRONG...

p.s. they screwed on the drain plug and Pennzoil filter way too tight. bastards.

SladeX

09-16-2008, 05:55 PM

Witnessed the death of an engine due to a fram oil filter. First start up, had a high volume oil pump. It started fine, idled ok, oil pressure was good then was shut down. 2nd start after that, the oil pressure was 0 at start up but no one thought to check it again the 2nd startup . Didn't know it until the engine SEIZED while everyone was busy congratulating on a well done job lol.

Parts fused together along the valvetrain and crank. It was a disgusting tear down. Found out why. Filter had collapsed and was pushed into the engine in pieces. Some areas got no oil and eventually the whole media collapsed and cut off oil completely. I know the owner went to court with fram and settled out... but man it was a sight to see.

Trojan35

09-16-2008, 07:15 PM