Nice work as always, Adam!
Yep
The latest youtube video by Brand Ranks tested a bunch of Fram filters. The Extraguard had a big gap that allowed unfiltered oil through. Maybe more of a glueing issue than an end cap issue, but as a result it performed ~200 times worse than the Toughguard in the particle count test for larger particles.
That "gap" has been discussed in many threads over the years. If the pleat ends are 100% glued to the end cap, and the circumstance around the center tube hole is sealed by the ADBV or leaf spring, then that gap makes no difference. The metal center tube could be removed, and there would still be a seal from dirty oil. BR would have to test a few more filters to see if that one actually had a problem.
There's little motivation for them to do so. From part number to part number, the supplier could change from week to week.
I would take small window Ecores over louvers ALL DAY LONG! And twice on Sundays! At least there's good flow, and even an ability to see pleat spacing before install.
I'll contact Fram and see if they can give an efficiency spec and post it here if I get any info. I'm thinking it would be around 95-98% @ 30μ.
I gave it a re-watch and it does seem like the dP for the Extraguard was right around the 12 psi bypass pressure rating when the sample was taken, so it could be that the valve was opening.
