FRAM TG3600 Cut Open

[HX520W]

This filter was used on a 1997 Saturn SL1 SOHC for 3,300 miles and eight months. The end caps weren't centered very well, but the filter did it's job.

 

[L_Sludger]

Lots of solid crud action going on there. Thanks for the pictures.

 

[Linctex]

The oil is doing a good job of cleaning out the crud!

It's also a good case for those who argue "threaded end bypass" is better.

 

[JeepWJ19]

So sad, as I walked into Walmart, there were NO Fram TGs left. As a matter fact there were hardly ***ANY*** Frams left. I think I have made it clear that the TG is my favorite filter. (((((

Thanks for the C&P. Looks marvelous!

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted By: L_Sludger
Lots of solid crud action going on there. Thanks for the pictures.

I thought the same thing. A lot of stuff in that engine. What oil was used?

 

[HX520W]

Originally Posted By: blupupher
Originally Posted By: L_Sludger
Lots of solid crud action going on there. Thanks for the pictures.

I thought the same thing. A lot of stuff in that engine. What oil was used?
I used Full Syn Valvoline MaxLife. I was really impressed with the oil after I cut open THIS filter, so I decided to try it in the Saturn.

The Saturn has been neglected for most of it's life. I've been changing the oil every 3,000-3,500 miles (mostly with Delo and Rotella) for the last 20,000 miles, and every filter has been getting cleaner (until this one).

Here's a picture from two oil changes ago with diesel oil. I'd say that the Valvoline is doing as well, if not better at cleaning.

 

[demarpaint]

It looks like the filter held up and did a good job. Thanks for posting the pics.

 

[blupupher]

Interesting, the Valvoline does seem to be getting more stuff broken loose.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Some Saturns have been known for years to have engines that both use excessive oil and create sludge.

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Some Saturns have been known for years to have engines that both use excessive oil and create sludge.

I knew about the oil use issues with them, did not know about sludgeing problems.

 

[HX520W]

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Some Saturns have been known for years to have engines that both use excessive oil and create sludge.

Interesting. I've become very familiar with the oil consumption issues these engines have, but I've never heard about sludge issues with the 1.9L SOHC engines. The car currently uses one quart every 1,100-1,200 miles (it was using a quart every ~900 miles before I started servicing it).

I know for a fact that this engine was used for 17,000 miles without an oil or filter change... Can't blame the poor NAPA ProSelect it had for tearing at some point during that run, but it probably didn't help the situation.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Some Saturns have been known for years to have engines that both use excessive oil and create sludge.


Oil consumption yes, sludge no. I'm sure there are a few with sludge from bad HG or just poor maintenance. But they are not known for sludge as a whole.
Pic of the oil pan from my saturn teardown 170k or so miles.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

I never said 'all" and never mentioned the 1.9 engine, in particular.

 

[MrQuackers]

One day it will be all clean. It took me a few years to clean my LLO. Now it is so clean my last DMV inspection was 15ppm HC and zero CO