Fram Endurance - synthetic and wire backed

[Blake1107]

I was at Walmart today just browsing around for a few minutes before an appointment, went to the automotive section to see if they had the updated version of my Toyota filter YZZG2 which they did not but I decided to check out the FRAM Synthetic Endurance for both my Chevy and Toyota so I opened the boxes which were not taped closed and took a peek.

FE3614 and FE3387A

On both of them there was louvers which were clearly closed and the Toyota one was the worst with a good majority of it being mostly closed. So if you are buying these filters be sure to check out the louvers before purchasing and grab another one. I did not see any other issues, no rust, metal shavings on the threads, etc but unfortunately the average DIYer probably won't even think of this.

I may for the hell of it give them a run next oil change even though I am not a fan of them, was hoping to see some used ones cut open I remember seeing some members here saying they would over a month ago not sure what happened in regards to that.

I too recently noticed this with the FE10575‘s available at my Walmart last week. 6 on the shelf and only 2 had decent looking louvers. The other 4 had many of them closed. The aisle has a sign saying “Smile, You’re on Camera” and I’m sure whoever was watching the cameras was giving me a close look as I had my phone flashlight out inspecting every one of them!
Once this OC is done I plan to cut open the first one that’s on now.

 

[Furious]

I too recently noticed this with the FE10575‘s available at my Walmart last week. 6 on the shelf and only 2 had decent looking louvers. The other 4 had many of them closed. The aisle has a sign saying “Smile, You’re on Camera” and I’m sure whoever was watching the cameras was giving me a close look as I had my phone flashlight out inspecting every one of them!
Once this OC is done I plan to cut open the first one that’s on now.

Yea it is really unacceptable, they should have gone with holes. I do not understand how people can defend louvers knowing that there seems to be a strong pattern of closed louvers throughout multiple different brands.

 

[2015Corolla]

This is the greatest witch hunt of all time! EVERYBODY knows louvers are superior to holes. And these bad boys have some of the biggest louvers you've ever seen. Big, beautiful louvers! Some would say gigantic. Believe me!

 

[tolian21]

I had to buy one (cartridge version) for Lexus. I have fram ultra too (newer version). Side by side compare and ultra looks better. Even if cost the same, I would still pick ultra.

 

[MetalSlug]

I just saw this at Walmart . I can leave in for 2 oil change . I change mine oil every 6 month .

 

[Scott S]

I just saw this at Walmart . I can leave in for 2 oil change . I change mine oil every 6 month .

I thought about doing that, , but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. LOL.

 

[odie]

Not a fan of louvers . The newer FRAM Titanium FS7317 on the FIT has them . Not sure if there were holes for the center tube of the older Titanium FS7317 .

 

[Robvette]

Can someone explain why Fram has chosen the following weasel-words in their efficiency claim for their "Fram Endurance" filter line?

"FRAM Group testing of average filter efficiency of FE8A, FE3387A and FE4967 or equivalent FRAM TG or EG models under ISO 4548-12 for particles greater than 20 microns." (Emphasis mine). Why are they including data from filters of completely different design in their claim for the Endurance filter line?

I don’t like this either. The way it’s worded means that they may not have actually tested any of the FE filters! Only equivalent TG or EG models.

 

[fantastic]

I don’t like this either. The way it’s worded means that they may not have actually tested any of the FE filters! Only equivalent TG or EG models.

If it's worded with those FE filter part numbers then they've at least tested those 3 FE filters & avg the results. But the remaining wording leaves out FE for the rest of the lineup & only references TG & EG. As far as I know they aren't putting the 99%@20 microns on the FE boxes anywhere like they did on the OG Ultra's so it makes a person wonder.

 

[tolian21]

I think Fram Utra cartridge version, still uses wire mesh. This is true for even new versions. Is this correct? I see wire backing on my ultra but box does not say it has metal backing

 

[fantastic]

I think Fram Utra cartridge version, still uses wire mesh. This is true for even new versions. Is this correct? I see wire backing on my ultra but box does not say it has metal backing

I don't think so or possibly for some models. I've seen wire backed Endurance cartrige filters at walmart.

 

[Robvette]

If it's worded with those FE filter part numbers then they've at least tested those 3 FE filters & avg the results. But the remaining wording leaves out FE for the rest of the lineup & only references TG & EG. As far as I know they aren't putting the 99%@20 microns on the FE boxes anywhere like they did on the OG Ultra's so it makes a person wonder.

Using the word “or” and including the TG & EG info at all would be unnecessary if the 3 FE filters had been tested. To me it reads as they have not been.

 

[fantastic]

Using the word “or” and including the TG & EG info at all would be unnecessary if the 3 FE filters had been tested. To me it reads as they have not been.

Yeah, I see what you mean. It's a cluster.

 

[Robvette]

Yeah, I see what you mean. It's a cluster.

Fram customer service did recommend the FE3980 filter for my specific application and they did say it’s 99% at 20microns.

There’s just so much unclear info out there re oil filter details and efficiency.

 

[Davejam]

Fram customer service did recommend the FE3980 filter for my specific application and they did say it’s 99% at 20microns.

There’s just so much unclear info out there re oil filter details and efficiency.

Eh, not really. Why would anyone think the FE is worse than 99% at 20micron?
It doesn't say anywhere something to the contrary.

 

[Robvette]

The most clear info about the FE filters can be found on the Amsoil website:

 

[blufeb95]

The most clear info about the FE filters can be found on the Amsoil website:

The best data would be the Ascent Filtration testing of Royal Purple filters.

 

[doublebase]

Just saw these today for the first time at Walmart, they do look impressive

 

[KCJeep]

Nice. Cartridges tend to look good in general, they can't hide as much from you.

 

[doublebase]

Nice. Cartridges tend to look good in general, they can't hide as much from you.

Yeah I’m pretty surprised at the quality of these things, then again the Fram Ultra always seemed like a high quality filter that I used in the past. I’ll give these a try for my next oil change.