Fram Ultra PICS & Fram comparison - fits Honda

[gregk24]

Ive been working up to this, comparing the Fram line of Honda oil filters. I know not every option is here (like High mileage) but these are the most common, including the Fram made Honda A02. So if you own a Honda, or just like checking out cut open filters I hope this helps.

Fram Ultra XG7317

Silicon ADBV

Bypass valve...note, on all the Frams Ive cut open (fitting Hondas) the bypass valve is very close to the pressure required to open the OEM bypass valve.

Nice even pleats, 31 total if you count the crimped pleat. This is a very robust filter, I may have to try and use one again and see if my car still ticks with it. I can see why it might, the media was very thick and tightly packed. I was told synthetic media would flow better, but after seeing and feeling this I doubt it, at least with this application anyway.

A close(er) look at the media. I can see why they call it "synthetic glass media". It was very rough to the touch.

Center tube has plenty of holes and it looks to be made more robust than the Tough Guard or Extra Guard.

Bottom. Has a felt like material to allow a good seal of the bypass valve.

With the bypass valve in.

All together.

Fram and Fram made Honda oil filters....in order...Fram Extra Guard, Tough Guard, Honda A02, Fram Ultra. I wonder if the Fram made A02 has "Synthetic blend" media like the Tough Guard. Its thicker than the other Frams and is lighter in color. I turned these so you could see where the pleats join together. The EG and TG use glue, while the A02 and Ultra use a metal crimp.

Close Ups - Extra Guard 7317

Tough Guard 7317

Honda A02

Fram Ultra 7317

Hope this helps others, and hope you enjoy.

 

[901Memphis]

It does flow better than cellulose.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Thank you for posting these pictures. The Fram Ultra looks like an excellent filter. I'd like to see one cut open after 10-15 thousand miles.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
It does flow better than cellulose.


Yep ... can't "judge" how a filter flows by looking or feeling the media.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
Bypass valve...note, on all the Frams Ive cut open (fitting Hondas) the bypass valve is very close to the pressure required to open the OEM bypass valve.


How did you determine if the bypass valve opens at the specified delta-P?

The Ultra is a nice filter ... the felt seal on the bypass valve is attention to design details. I hope FRAM doesn't mess with it !! Hear this FRAM ?

Good comparison of filters.

 

[skyactiv]

You should have used a decent camera.

A 10 year old 3.1 megapixel point & shoot would do a better job than your cellphone.

 

[R80RS]

Nice report. Thanks for the effort it took to do this.

 

[Voltmaster]

THANKS FOR THE PIX!

I am going to try Fram ULTRA when I run out of the rest of my oil filters that has been colltected.

I wish you did open up an HM version of FRAM.

I have one on now and no one really knows whats inside of their gel a,d 95% efficencey i would say its cutting it close for an "high milage" engine.

 

[Mark_Walk]

Pictures look fine...thanks for posting!

 

[slo town]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
You should have used a decent camera.

A 10 year old 3.1 megapixel point & shoot would do a better job than your cellphone.


Hopefully you are joking. If not, 100 lashes for you.

Scott

 

[dernp]

Thanks for spending the money and taking the time to post. The majority of members appreciate your efforts. well done.

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
It does flow better than cellulose.


That statement is true...partially. I agree syn flows better than cellulose, but the synthetic media on the FU is twice if not 3 times as thick, and way more dense. So I dont think it flows better, I want to believe it does, because I want to use this filter. If the syn media was as thin as cellulose was then yes it would flow better. The fact that it made my engine tick and a normal paper filter did not says it all in my mind. Maybe one day ill try the FU again.

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Originally Posted By: gregk24
Bypass valve...note, on all the Frams Ive cut open (fitting Hondas) the bypass valve is very close to the pressure required to open the OEM bypass valve.


How did you determine if the bypass valve opens at the specified delta-P?

The Ultra is a nice filter ... the felt seal on the bypass valve is attention to design details. I hope FRAM doesn't mess with it !! Hear this FRAM ?

Good comparison of filters.

I dont really, its just obvious that the Honda OEM is easier to push open. And they are the same size and everything (same size bypass). The OEM just takes less force to open it.

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
You should have used a decent camera.

A 10 year old 3.1 megapixel point & shoot would do a better job than your cellphone.


And you should be glad someone even took the time and effort to do this. Just saying. To the rest of you, you are very welcome. Im glad I can contribute to this site in some way.

 

[PurpleT]

Agreed, thanks for taking the time and spending the money. Too bad some people cannot be more appreciative and show some consideration.

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted By: PurpleT
Agreed, thanks for taking the time and spending the money. Too bad some people cannot be more appreciative and show some consideration.
You are very welcome. This will probably be it for a while. Next will probably be the AC Delco ecore on the Uplander. Then the Honda OEM A02 thats on right now, might be a while though. I might run it for 2 OCI's.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
It does flow better than cellulose.


That statement is true...partially. I agree syn flows better than cellulose, but the synthetic media on the FU is twice if not 3 times as thick, and way more dense. So I dont think it flows better, I want to believe it does, because I want to use this filter. If the syn media was as thin as cellulose was then yes it would flow better. The fact that it made my engine tick and a normal paper filter did not says it all in my mind. Maybe one day ill try the FU again.


Was that a tick that was going on all the time with hot oil, or just for a minute after a cold start-up.

It would be cool if we could get Motorking (Jay @ FRAM) have a tech there run a "Flow vs. PSID" bench test on a FRAM Ultra XG3506, which is specified for the same vehicle that SuperBusa had Purolator run their PL14006 for. Would be interesting to see how they stacked up for "Flow vs PSID" with the same oil viscosity used in the Purolator bench test.

Jay ... is that something FRAM could do?

Link to test:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...451#Post1619451

 

[jeepman3071]

Wow that Ultra looks like a great filter! I might try that one on the Hondas I maintain. Thanks for spending the time and money to do this!

 

[gregk24]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Originally Posted By: gregk24
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
It does flow better than cellulose.


That statement is true...partially. I agree syn flows better than cellulose, but the synthetic media on the FU is twice if not 3 times as thick, and way more dense. So I dont think it flows better, I want to believe it does, because I want to use this filter. If the syn media was as thin as cellulose was then yes it would flow better. The fact that it made my engine tick and a normal paper filter did not says it all in my mind. Maybe one day ill try the FU again.


Was that a tick that was going on all the time with hot oil, or just for a minute after a cold start-up.

It would be cool if we could get Motorking (Jay @ FRAM) have a tech there run a "Flow vs. PSID" bench test on a FRAM Ultra XG3506, which is specified for the same vehicle that SuperBusa had Purolator run their PL14006 for. Would be interesting to see how they stacked up for "Flow vs PSID" with the same oil viscosity used in the Purolator bench test.

Jay ... is that something FRAM could do?

Link to test:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...451#Post1619451


Only at start up for about 3-5 seconds. Its like it was hindering the flow and once everything built up pressure it was alright. Something else you might find interesting, when I changed the oil and put the Fram Ultra on, my car actually rod knocked and the oil light stayed on for longer than usual. When I changed the oil and used the Honda OEM no abnormal noises whatsoever and the light went right out....HMMMMM???? Both filters were pre filled by the way.

 

[Brybo86]

pics look fine, mb skyactiv is a professional photographer on the side