FRAM TOUGH GUARD TG3614 CUT OPEN!

[Slow Car Sport Mode]

Here is that.

This filter was on the Ford for a short time.. about 1000 miles or so. Cleaning agents such as MMO and some HPL PCMO made it into the sump. Car had a fuel dilution issue "for awhile" and that appears to have been fixed today.

Here's the filter. Media looks a little muddy to me.. can tell you, car runs fine.. what changed? Fuel filter replaced today. No signs of any oil consumption nor HG failures. Has run rich. Oil "monitored." OK now on with the filter.

Everyone seems to knock Fram, and talk about cardboard this and that. Is the muddy area (muddy oil) the cardboard part? I don't yet know how to extend the media part, as other cut-opens have done.

Fram hate doesn't seem very warranted on this one, in my opinion.

 

[tasch72]

Looks solid! Best pleat spacing I've seen on a 3614-sized Fram, maybe it's just worth it to step up to the Tough Guard for this application.

Do you have the date code?

 

[aquariuscsm]

The TGs are definitely good filters. They’ve just gotten too expensive.

 

[Slow Car Sport Mode]

Looks solid! Best pleat spacing I've seen on a 3614-sized Fram, maybe it's just worth it to step up to the Tough Guard for this application.

Do you have the date code?

Yes!

Looks like A22223.

So.. Julian date, that's the 222nd day of 2022.

I take it there is a decoder for that. Bought the last 3 at Walmart. Have to burn through them before I get to that K&N so. Filtration should basically be fine for at least the rest of the year...

I agree, the 3614 looks good. I have another for a different application for "some time in the future," again, the filters are too good to get them off super fast. Going to try to put SOME time on them, given extreme/heavy duty, service, use. The Ford is a walk in the park, as far as engine oil loads and demands.

Selected TG over an Ultra.......... no Orange Cans were available...

 

[DannyM]

.

While I have seen several Extra Guards with messed up pleats.. and now the Ultra isn't so great after some wear.. I don't think I have seen a horrible Tough Guard.... or at least it is very rare but First Brands is probably having meetings brainstorming how to screw this one up as well.

 

[hrv]

The TGs are definitely good filters. They’ve just gotten too expensive.

Well like the old Fram commercials said....You can pay me now or you can pay me later....

 

[fantastic]

Looks good... Thanks for posting.

 

[CR94]

Well like the old Fram commercials said....You can pay me now or you can pay me later....

Wasn't that Purolator? The slogan rhymed with their name.

 

[hrv]

Wasn't that Purolator? The slogan rhymed with their name.

Nope it was for FRAM...Pure oil now pure oil later was for Purolator..

 

[Hyundai Respecter]

 

[ZeeOSix]

I take it there is a decoder for that.

Sticky at top of the Oil Filter forum ... yeah, nobody reads sticky threads.

Oil Filter date decoding thread

All - The following is the current means of deciphering some of the major oil filter date codes. As we gain more info, the thread will be updated, and as we become aware of changes, we'll make those updates as well. Note: the date code is what we are specifically addressing. Manufacturer...

bobistheoilguy.com

Looks like A22223.

Like hitting triple 7s on the one-armed bandit, lol.

 

[incognito_2u]

Wow….looks like those cleaning agents did their job. Reminds me of when I use to run “Kreen” through my engine. Filter held up to that muck.
Question: If space was available, would you ever consider running an upsize (3600) filter?

 

[Slow Car Sport Mode]

Wow….looks like those cleaning agents did their job. Reminds me of when I use to run “Kreen” through my engine. Filter held up to that muck.
Question: If space was available, would you ever consider running an upsize (3600) filter?

Short answer: Yes. However.. I had an interesting experience.. There is an FL-820S and an FL-400S. I found out after the fact, about a month ago, the Vulcan is the 400S.

Now, why to say all that. While the issue was with the threads.... the larger filter size appeared that it would be possibly too large, just by a little bit, to clear the limited space up against the exhaust runner, and upon closer inspection, the starter. The top of which is right there. So size is a concern.

If I can find a 3600 (SuperTech appears not to make one) - who makes one? - I would physically compare it to the size of this 3614. Because size in this case seemed to be a limiting factor.

Am honestly not sure it can take anything bigger than a 3614 or FL-400S.. starter is right there even moreso than exhaust, with a funky angle.

 

[Slow Car Sport Mode]

Looked at it, figured out how to then popped off the media and inner cage. Filter looks good.

 

[Will4]

The TGs are definitely good filters. They’ve just gotten too expensive.

Get them at Walmart. They have very good prices and a few other brands. Walmart also has a premium version of their house brand Supertech. I've cut those open and the quality is good.

 

[DannyM]

The TGs are definitely good filters. They’ve just gotten too expensive.

They are around $7 at Walmart afaik.. They are a 15k filter with 99%@20.

How much should they be?

 

[aquariuscsm]

They are around $7 at Walmart afaik.. They are a 15k filter with 99%@20.

How much should they be?

Walmart here the one for my Accord is $8. Way too much for those filters. Honda dealership oems are only $5.

 

[DannyM]

Walmart here the one for my Accord is $8. Way too much for those filters. Honda dealership oems are only $5.

Your accord takes the tg7317.. you can just order online for $7 and pick it up.. .. but yeah if the Honda TG is $5 that is a no brainer..

 

[ZeeOSix]

Walmart here the one for my Accord is $8. Way too much for those filters. Honda dealership oems are only $5.

I'd bet the TG is better efficiency then the Honda OEM filter. Probably better holding capacity too.