To Fram or not to Fram??

[jgkmmoore]

I have seen quite a few folks in these threads seeming leaning away from, and discouraging others Fram use. Don't think it's fair.

WHY do that? Do Frams not have anti drainback valves? Does anyone, with valid engineering tests find reason to find fault any Fram Oil Filter ? Anyone had a PROVABLE engine oil pressure loss because of a Fram? Anyone had Fram buy them an engine because of faulty engineering? I'm 68 years old, and have owned at least that many cars. Always used Frams because they are convenient, and I know they will back their product without even asking questions. I prefer not to take 'my preference' advice unless giver can back it up with experience. I have NEVER met a single person that has had a Fram failure.
If you have, would like to hear about it. PM me if you wish.
I don't work for Fram, or suggest their use to others unless asked. How 'bout we, on this Forum, give 'em a break and at least not badmouth them unless you have specific proof. It's only fair.

[BackInA88]

Here is just one of the studies I have seen on the internet.
http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilters.html#avoid

Just do a Google search there are more.
Go to the bottom of the page and see the filters to avoid.

http://home.earthlink.net/~cewhite3nc/id3.html

Here is another, Fram is at the bottom end of this list as well.

Steve

[Leslie]

No, a lot of Frams don't have anti-drainback valves.

Frams don't make the right size for a Rover V8. They say to use the 16, which is undersized.

Yes, research has shown that some Frams are okay, but a lot of them aren't as good as most other filters. (Search, you'll find a lot of info on 'em...) (edit: Steve posted some while I was still typing.)

Yes, I had problems on my '99 Disco using Frams. It was a contributing factor to sludging of that engine. Switched to Purolator, problems went away. Purolator makes the right size. So does Wix (Napa's are mostly Wix). Cooper makes the right size, as does Crosland (LR's OEM manufacturer).

I used to use Fram only, too. I learned the hard way, they, as many other companies have, built up a reputation, then sold out, and are continuing to function on their history.

FWIW, YMMV....

[rwollschlager]

out of the two I've changed, I havent been able to remove one with out crushing it with the oil filter wrench, thats probably just something im doing though. (i've made sure to coat the rubber O-ring with oil before screwing on the new filter)

-Rob

[yorker]

Fram is the only brand I ever bought that had faulty anti-drainback valves fresh from the box. When you can easily buy something better for the same $ or a little bit more - why not?

[Nium]

Don't believe everything on the Web

I'd be happy to believe Fram is a bad filter if someone would point out a site, such as Consumer Reports or the such, with a scientific testing method that show results that are more then someone's personal opinion.

No offense BackInA88 but both of the links you posted start off with the author stating that everything on their website is nothing but their personal opinion and that they are not qualified to make any ascertations as to the quality or effectivness of the filters that they have listed on their site. It's nothing but their personal observations and opinions.

http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfilterstudy/oilfilters.html#avoid

Very first line under Description on the site

"This page now contains my *personal* slant on oil filters."

http://home.earthlink.net/~cewhite3nc/id3.html

Very first few lines of the site

"In addition to my “opinion” rating of the filters, I am attempting to rate the filters based on a scoring system. This is also opinion based, but it provides details to the reasons for my opinions of the different filters."

[jgkmmoore]

How would one know if a filter did/did not have a drainback valve? I assumed that valve stopped drain to help provide quicker oil to the topend after startup. Correct, or not?

How would you test a drainback valve and find it NOT working?

[SafeAirOne]

How would one know if a filter did/did not have a drainback valve? I assumed that valve stopped drain to help provide quicker oil to the topend after startup. Correct, or not?

How would you test a drainback valve and find it NOT working?

The Fram website provides details of each filter, including valve, if I recall correctly.

One should be able to test checkvalve function by blowing or sucking (I can't remember which way the oil is supposed to flow) on the center hole of the filter.

[yorker]

I'd be happy to believe Fram is a bad filter if someone would point out a site, such as Consumer Reports or the such, with a scientific testing method that show results that are more then someone's personal opinion.

Even if Fram is not a "bad filter" there are better filters out there for the same or a little more money.

[Andrew IIA]

out of the two I've changed, I havent been able to remove one with out crushing it with the oil filter wrench, thats probably just something im doing though. (i've made sure to coat the rubber O-ring with oil before screwing on the new filter)

-Rob

x2. I avoid Fram for the same reason. Using NAPA filters on my 88".

Regards, Andrew
'63 SIIA 88" SW

[BackInA88]

I'd be happy to believe Fram is a bad filter if someone would point out a site, such as Consumer Reports or the such, with a scientific testing method that show results that are more then someone's personal opinion.

Buy what you want.


Steve

[motorking]

oil filters

Hello,
I am the Technical manager for FRAM. Just a couple points- The "tests" on the internet are just some guy cutting open filters in his shop and offering his opinions, much of what is there was done more than 10 yrs ago. There is simply no way a layman can tell how good a filter is at removing and trapping dirt by cutting open the filters. You should ask your favorite filter maker for test results of ISO 4548-12 testing. This is the ONLY OE recognized test standard for oil filters and FRAM tests very well in this test.
All of our aftermarket filters always exceed OE specs for efficiency, capacity and micron size. All of our filters have antidrainback valves if the OE filter has one. All of our filters have a high flow bypass valve if the OE filter has one. If you have filter questions, i can be reached at Jay.Buckley@Honeywell.com

[amcordo]

Now THAT is good social media skills. +1 for them caring about their brand image on a tiny forum.

Hello,
I am the Technical manager for FRAM. Just a couple points- The "tests" on the internet are just some guy cutting open filters in his shop and offering his opinions, much of what is there was done more than 10 yrs ago. There is simply no way a layman can tell how good a filter is at removing and trapping dirt by cutting open the filters. You should ask your favorite filter maker for test results of ISO 4548-12 testing. This is the ONLY OE recognized test standard for oil filters and FRAM tests very well in this test.
All of our aftermarket filters always exceed OE specs for efficiency, capacity and micron size. All of our filters have antidrainback valves if the OE filter has one. All of our filters have a high flow bypass valve if the OE filter has one. If you have filter questions, i can be reached at Jay.Buckley@Honeywell.com

[Leslie]

Hi Jay,

Quick question:

Land Rover V8's. What filter is recommended? What is the size of that filter, compared to the genuine Land Rover filter?

[gudjeon]

Just my 2 bits. I have used FRAM filters for 25 years and have never had any issues. I do not work for FRAM or receive any compensation from them. I can go down to Wally's and get what I need too.

Handy webby too: http://www.oilfiltersonline.com/