Fram CH9641 1 year 7k miles

[nwjones18]

Filter came off my 2007 Mazda 3. Was run for a year with Chevron 5w-30. Was replaced with a CHAMP / LUBER-FINER P960 and the last of my stash of Chevron 5w-30.. Every brand of filter I've tried has the media twisted the same way as this one. I think it happens when you tighten the cartridge on install.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I run every brand of filter I've tried has the media twisted the same way as this one. I think it happens when you tighten the cartridge on install.

Either that, or the media is trying to expand during use causes it because it has to move someplace if it expands. Or a combination of those two factors. When you put a new filter in, remove it and see if the pleats have deformed from just the installation of the cartridge.

 

[fantastic]

I tested my filter by installing it with proper torque & removing it right after. The filter looked brand new still with no deformation. You can try that & see to rule that out. If you want to make sure it stays uniform there's always BOSS, FE, & possibly WIX XP but need to check on that last one.

 

[nwjones18]

Either that, or the media is trying to expand during use causes it because it has to move someplace if it expands. Or a combination of those two factors. When you put a new filter in, remove it and see if the pleats have deformed from just the installation of the cartridge.

Yeah it could be. I've never backed out a new filter to see and may try that next time. I don't think it hurts anything, everyone just likes to see straight pleats... Considering the Champ I put in this time run a whopping $1.60 a piece from RA as long as they hold up as well as this Fram I'll be pleased.