Fram Ultra I May Not Be Using Them Anymore! Oh Boy

[crazyoildude]

My friend and i were in a different wal mart today to return that fram ultra i bought the other day because it did not look as good as they used to look...Very sloppy, sharp burred oil holes in the center tube.. I looked at a few in this wal mart hoping it was just a mistake.. Well some were just as bad!..What happened in a few short months to these then nice oil filters?? I took a few pictures of the XG-2 oil filter and most were sloppy in my book but one was ok we took pictures of both so everyone can see the difference. I hope they fix this because i really liked the Ultra filter. We did not buy any ultras because of this.. Here are a few pictures of what i saw. The rest are in another phone.. Im going to be in the market for another good quality synthetic oil filter does anyone have a preference?
The holes in the newer ultras seem to be getting smaller also..

 

[andrewp1998]

Wix XP or napa platinum.. solid construction

 

[crazyoildude]

i am leaning toward the wix/napa brand except i believe they are mixed up with Purolater and not sure if their quality will remain the same or even if it has changed since they may have merged and i don't think they have a synthetic media either.
I know in the past Wix were great filters.

 

[Kruse]

Don't you use a different brand of oil filter every week?

 

[SavagePatch]

Originally Posted By: andrewp1998
Wix XP or napa platinum.. solid construction


I'd recommend a TRD filter before those but I still think that the Fram Ultra is great. I believe in Peace of Mind so if COD lost his faith in Fram Ultra's then I support his change. I hope that he finds something superior and enlightens us.

 

[crazyoildude]

I have been using the ultra for a while now...At the shop for well over 30 years it was group 7 (purolater) then when we had to change due to quality issues i went with Wix until i sold the shop and he went with a Chinese filter.

 

[JHZR2]

I think what you're claiming to be burrs in the center tube is actually the screen backing of the media.

 

[andrewp1998]

Yes the wix xp uses syn media,--http://www.wixfilters.com/wixxp/XPFlyer.pdf, http://www.wixfilters.com/wixxp/index.aspx?ct=wixp

Napa platinum--http://www.napafilters.com/filters/oil-filters/light-duty-oil-filters/platinumnapafilter-oil/#!prettyPhoto/0/

solid construction, coil spring ect

 

[Superflop]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I think what you're claiming to be burrs in the center tube is actually the screen backing of the media.
that's what it looked like to me also.. the platinum aren't worth the money.. same efficiency as napa gold. Purolator and wix are owned by Mann hummel. I actually talked with a wix/mann-hummel rep yesterday. I complained about how pointless the platinum/5 series is. He didn't have much to say nor did he argue. He did say though that since wix is making them good money they have no intention to make changes

 

[Branson304]

*yawn*

 

[crazyoildude]

No its sloppy machining i see the screen backing of the media..

 

[CKN]

The holes are a little rough so the filters are not doing their job.


It's gets more and more bizarre on here every day...........what we worry about. Bottles that don't have the right seals.....holes not sharp. REALLY??????????


You car will not blow up if you use them!

 

[Kuato]

This takes worrying about filters to a whole new level. It's not burrs, it IS the wire backing on the media...seems like if you can see it, the center holes are plenty big enough!!

But...if you have to switch, Amsoil filters are still very solid.

 

[Colt45ws]

I for one am not concerned and wish for the time I took reading this thread back. Ill be sending a bill for $20 for my time plus a $20 invoice fee.

 

[funflyer]

I see the difference but fail to see how the slightly smaller holes along with a slight burr will cause any problems.

 

[crazyoildude]

The oil holes on the XG-2 oil filters are not uniform on all their filters as anyone can see in the pictures..

 

[Ifixyawata]

Assuming there are no shards of metal or loose burrs floating around, how does the sharp edge on the hole in the center tube affect anything?

 

[crazyoildude]

Its the assuming that worries me

 

[bvance554]

Holy moly... Stop inspecting them so closely. How do you sleep at night? I'm guessing not well.

 

[goodtimes]

I have four year old Ultras here that look about the same. The holes are the same size as the new, burs present, etc. I would bet on it. The Toyotas have burs too but a little smaller, also Wix. Looks like you are down to the Champ e-core as about the only choice now.