It doesn't matter what causes pleats to grow and get wavy, because I'm saying there is no way that wavy pleats are going to put any significant column force into trying to separate the end caps and then deform the leaf spring. That's simply ridiculous because the pleats bend and become wavy instead, because they can not transere any real force in the column direction. The columns (the pleats) deform instead. It's a flexible member.No, you assume growth based on the moisture theory that doesn’t hold water (sorry) - bcs I posted three for three …
How do we know spring pressure (pre load) is not gone if that’s not from moisture … how about I put one in a bucket of water
new style Fram Ultra XG3614
- Thread starter BrendanC
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4WD
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If they buckle - then the unit is no longer as intended inside the can … did Fram intend for them to do this ?
Again, we did not have before and after dimensions …
Does anyone who makes filters that exhibit wavy pleats "intend" them to do that. I'd say no, but it's obviously something that happens. It's not some new magical phenomenon seen here. You have been here as long as me, and you must know that filters with wavy pleats is nothing new because many have been posted and shown here for years. Where was all the crying and wild theories back then?
4WD
$50 site donor 2025
I have owned 5.3L’s for over two decades … (2 now)Does anyone who makes filters that exhibit wavy pleats "intend" them to do that. I'd say no, but it's obviously something that happens. It's not some new magical phenomenon seen here. You have been here as long as me, and you must know that filters with wavy pleats is nothing new because many have been posted and show here for years. Where was all the crying and wild theories back then?
The new gen XG was the first to do this. Period.
So, you don't like it. But no proof it hurts anything except it looks bad. It's now in the "wavy pleats club". Too bad for Fram in terms of C&P beauty contests, lol.
Did you use Purolators before the OG Ultra? I don't recall people losing their minds back then over wavy pleats like they do now, lol. They were wavy then too, all of mine were as shown earlier.
4WD
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Nor do you have proof of anything but being snarky …
Good bye - on ignore …
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BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
while it may not technically fail, it is a fail in my eyes. a top of the line filter should not be doing this.
Of course, straight pleats are at the top of a filter's visual requirements these days - it "oozes quality". It never was so scrutinized until the new Ultra got wavy pleats - then people lost their minds over wavy pleats. People were so in love with the OG Ultra, that I guess when they saw their gal lose her figure that it was all over then.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
wavy pleats from a filter that was once the best is dissapointing. i cannot risk one tearing in service and killing a motor. there are no jiffy lube warranties here. it would be on me and my part choices. i moved on from any new ultra/titanium to the PG built carquest premium until they give reason to doubt. if that comes to pass, i will order endurances by the box full from walmart.Of course, straight pleats are at the top of a filter's visual requirements these days. It never was so scrutinized until the new Ultra got wavy pleats - then people lost their minds over wavy pleats. People were so in love with the OG Ultra, that I guess when they saw their gal closer her figure that it was all over then.
Yeah, the OG Ultra fans have been crushed … the love was strong, now so many tears of disappointment, lol. Nothing wrong with that logic. Everyone does what makes them happy and feel good about their decisions.
Yeah this particular welfare Ultra is a piece of number 2 exit material….
Fram Endurance is what the OG Ultra filter was…. Well worth the extra money.
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BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
not quite what it was. the champ media isn’t as efficient as the OG media, but it is the best on the market at the moment. of course tied with royal purple and amsoil as it’s the same filter.
Here's a "theory" to ponder. Celluous blended media uses resin binders to give the media some form, rigidity and strength. Depending on the resin binder used, it's possible that some do better than others in hot oil use - ie, can the resin binder break down to some degree in hot oil? Maybe the binder in filters that exhibit excessive wavy pleats isn't the ideal resin for the job due to heat, the media it's used on, etc and when the cellulous fibers absorb too much condensation in the oil, the binder doesn't control the media expansion as well. When it expands, it needs to move and go some place, which results in wavy pleats.
It's not an "excuse" regardless if it's a Fram, Purolator or whatever brand that exhibits wavy pleats that we've seen. Wavy pleats have been happening in some filters forever, probably always will to some degree. It's just a possible theory why absorbed moisture in cellulos media could cause wavy pleats, along with other factors involved like the binders used.
The subject Ultra is definitely ugly looking, but functional (no torn media). As mentioned it is also a relatively early build filter per the date code, so could be the resin binder has been tweaked over time. I'm going to email Fram Tech and see if I can get their explanation of wavy pleats from their engineering department - will let you know what they say, if anything.
It's not an "excuse" regardless if it's a Fram, Purolator or whatever brand that exhibits wavy pleats that we've seen. Wavy pleats have been happening in some filters forever, probably always will to some degree. It's just a possible theory why absorbed moisture in cellulos media could cause wavy pleats, along with other factors involved like the binders used.
The subject Ultra is definitely ugly looking, but functional (no torn media). As mentioned it is also a relatively early build filter per the date code, so could be the resin binder has been tweaked over time. I'm going to email Fram Tech and see if I can get their explanation of wavy pleats from their engineering department - will let you know what they say, if anything.
^^^ And that comment still holds true in the context of the post it was originally made in. Until someone makes a detailed data base with equal number of specimens, it's subjective if one brand has more wavy pleats than another. And if it doesn't really cause any problems, then it just goes back to a visual critisism from the "beauty pagent judges". 
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^^^ And that comment still holds true in the context of the post it was originally made in. Until someone makes a detailed data base with equal number of specimens, it's subjective if one brand has more wavy pleats than another. And if it doesn't really cause any problems, then it just goes back to a visual critisism from the "beauty pagent judges".
So in that case, your moisture expansion theory doesn't hold water (pun intended) because even a small amount of water in engine oil turns the whole thing into a chocolate milk frothy mess, and none of these wavy pleats are covered with frothy chocolate milk, there covered in properly colored engine oil. So where is all this "moisture" - enough to significantly expand these pleats, coming from? It doesn't take much water or coolant at all to change the color of the oil.
It seems to really matter for the C&P centerfold applicants - that's what it essentially boils down to. Unless you believe that wavy media is so strong and ridged that it will expand and destroy the guts of the filter and cause the filter to fail … call it the "Hulk factor" theory, like the Hulk tearing out of his shirt, lol.
The sadness and resentment involved that the Ultra now shows wavy pleats is like a guy who was all content and proud to be dating a supermodel, then she suddenly left and her ugly step-sister was the only one left available.
The sadness and resentment involved that the Ultra now shows wavy pleats is like a guy who was all content and proud to be dating a supermodel, then she suddenly left and her ugly step-sister was the only one left available.
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