In Defense of Fram - cut open filter; no pics

[NJC]

I cut open a Defense brand (Fram 3593) filter from Galmart. Here's the relevant info:

CAR: 1984 Accord; 200K miles

FILTER DURATION: ~8.5 months (Mar to Nov)

FILTER SERVICE: Normal driving; >80% trips >10 miles

OIL: Basic 4L API 10W30 w/ 1L makeup 20W50.

MILES ON FILTER: 5600 (Oil changed at 5K ... autoparts gave me wrong filter so changed filter only tonight)

SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAR: 7.5 months or 7500 miles, whichever comes first

Since I've seen many folks slagging Fram as the Orange Can of Death (OCD), I was curious to see for myself how this filter made out.

Here are my observations:

- ADBV was very supple
- The endcaps were VERY WELL BONDED to filter pleats. I gave up trying to separate the endcaps. It appears to be a very hard resin bond that impinged into the pleated area ~1/8". No separation whatsoever.
- I cut off the endcap and looked at all of the pleats to see if there were any tears. Media was all intact with no holes.
- I'm not sure this is relevant but the bypass spring/assoc hardware was all intact and operation (OK I didn't pressure test it..)

This filter did fine in this car. I suspect the engine is very easy on the oil and the operating conditions were ideal. And note alternative brands of filter are not readily available here in Canada so the advice of "why not get a better filter for a few more bucks" is moot.

I won't run Fram in my Volvo (as I've order a case of Mann for about the same price) but for my Honda it seemed to perform well. I have no problems running it out to 6K miles again.

 

[TurboLuver]

TTIWWOP

and

quote:

---

so the advice of "why not get a better filter for a few more bucks" is moot.

---

it is actually "why not get a better filter for a few LESS bucks"

 

[labman]

With the wide range of filters available to me even in this small town, I would never consider using a Fram. I would still be able to sleep nights if I was forced to use one. Now you are looking at elections, maybe it is time to ask the canidates why you have a so much poored selection of filters.

 

[CharBaby]

That filter must have been made on a Wedensday...LOL

 

[NJC]

Turboluver;

This thread is worthless without pictures? What an ignorant thing to say - don't read it then. I'm not conducting a scientific study, I said "here are my observations."

Actually Fram IS the bottom of barrel for pricing.

 

[NJC]

Labman, I advise people against getting these filters but for my car, it did fine.

A blanket statement cannot be made about a filter saying it is shyte for ALL applications, conditions and engine designs. As noted, maybe my Honda is easy on oil.

Maybe this filter installed on another car would have had media holes the size of golf balls...?

 

[Gary Allan]

Hondas are obviously easy on oil filters too ...or Honda makes their engines in such a manner that the filter is not really needed for them to make it to the finish line in terms of life cycle.

No need to see pictures. We've seen enough good ones. Fram is fine. It's just (usually) of lower quality construction $ for $ than a good many filters. It may make no difference in ulitmate effectivness ..but I don't pay the same price for particle board that I pay for marine plywood either ..even if I only need construction paper to do the job

Frams run around $4-6 around here. That's close enough to PureOne and Wix offerings. They are clearly superior.

 

[Ray H]

I'll take njc's comment at face value that where he lives, FRAM is competitive pricewise. I'll also note that Honda trusts FRAM division enough that the company contracts with that company for its north American-made Honda oil filters. I bought one of the "dreaded" FRAM "Honda" oil filters for my '96 Accord shortly after I bought the car. Never got around to using it in the Accord. Finally used it time before last in my '03 Sonata V6. No problems, no startup noises, engine's still quiet and intact. If FRAMs were causing even 1/4 the problems that the maligners are claiming, John Q. would not be using them in lieu of other brands to the point FRAMs are still the best selling oil filters sold in the U.S. (and probably Canada). Are FRAMs overpriced in the U.S.? Yep. Are FRAM's inherently defective? Nope. 'Nuff said.

 

[Dark Jedi]

 

[TurboLuver]

njc:

Actually I was kidding about the pic's, I agree there is no need to post pic's of something that worked as intended. (or didnt fail as expected)

What I find ignorant is when someone spends $5 on a fram OCD when a PureOne could be had for the same price...

quote:

---

Actually Fram IS the bottom of barrel for pricing.

---

That may be true in canada, but it is certainly NOT the case here in the US.

 

[Baveux]

Fram, defense, pennzoil and all clone made by Fram are a lot cheaper to buy than any other brand of filter here in Canada , a lot cheaper.Doesn't seems to be the same south of the border, is it true ? How much for PH3387 in the US compared to other brand ?

 

[blupupher]

Baveux, Fram's run about $4.25 US @ Wal-Mart. Sometiems find them on sale 2 for $5 at parts stores. As for the clone ones, I have not looked, but probably cheaper, but not sure. I can Puralator Premium's for $1.50 after rebates on sale or a Wix (my usual choice) for ~$5.
When I use OEM Hyundai, they are $5 with a crush washer.

 

[Baveux]

If its the case I now understand a little more why Fram filters aren't the first choice here on this board. Here in Canada its different , I used Fram or clones for years with no trouble. Most of the filter used were without the by-pass valve built in. So a DF3387 ( defense filter ) at Wal-mart cost me 3.47 CAD IIRC , a Wix will cost me up to 3 times this amount. I bought them for awhile and I never noticed less piston slap at start up . The oil analysis weren't better so I had the feeling that I was waisting my money.

 

[Ugly3]

Unless you get a particle count with your UOA you will know next to nothing about how good the filter is doing.

 

[earthworm]

Overall, the possibility exists that Fram is at 99.998%, while Purolator is much better at 99.999%...lol...lol
Fram goofed once, like Nixon, was caught and crucified; Purolator did as well, like Bush, was not caught...
Ten years from now people will finally forget Frams indiscretion..
I'll continue with Purolator, $1.05 with a PITA coupon at PepBoys..

 

[LS1-CAMARO]

I smell a bitter democtat here