seen a lot of negative posts here about FRAM oil filters .i have alway's used that type of filter and never had a problem ..in the winter the temp. goes down to -30 and never had a filter come apart ..
proof that fram is inferior
- Thread starter browning300wsm
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You probably won't have a problem. Most that I've ever used had a lame ADBV after a short amount of time. That's about it
The main objections are what they want you to pay for the cheapest made filter out there. You can get much better filters (in both construction and filtration) for less money ..here in the USA anyway. You're paying for marketing ...NASCAR/NHRA/ etc. The cost of producing a filter is surely under a buck, yet Fram shaves that to a marginal degree to the point that no other manufacturer mimics.
When WIX, Purolator, and Baldwin start using cardboard end caps, AND raise the price to match Fram ..then Fram may return to the realm of respectible ...but merely because the surrounding environment collapsed down to meet them.
The main objections are what they want you to pay for the cheapest made filter out there. You can get much better filters (in both construction and filtration) for less money ..here in the USA anyway. You're paying for marketing ...NASCAR/NHRA/ etc. The cost of producing a filter is surely under a buck, yet Fram shaves that to a marginal degree to the point that no other manufacturer mimics.
When WIX, Purolator, and Baldwin start using cardboard end caps, AND raise the price to match Fram ..then Fram may return to the realm of respectible ...but merely because the surrounding environment collapsed down to meet them.
a lame ADBV = ??????
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Anti-Drain-Back-Valve. Frams appear cheaper than others. A startup rattle is usually included free for the price of admission if you keep it in service long enough.
Your Chebbie doesn't have one ..so you get even less value for your money. No free sound effects
Your Chebbie doesn't have one ..so you get even less value for your money. No free sound effects
I would like to know why cardboard endcaps are inferior to metal ones. I'm not saying they aren't I would just like to know why.
Frams have the cleanest threads. I checked a Toughguard and a regular one today, and my finger only picked up a slight dark mark from the metal dust.
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They appear to work well enough. I've personally never seen one fail. But again, for some reason 4 out of 5 filter manufacturers have opted for the more expensive composite or metal end cap for its cost intensive attributes over cardboard. Even Frams own higher tier offerings don't use the cardboard, IIRC.
What would one sensibly conclude
It's not so much that you'll have a problem by using a Fram, it's just that won't get very good filtration for the money spent, and its certainly not a high quality piece. I used to use Fram filters until I found this site. After reading all the negative stuff about Frams, I cut open a new Fram PH16 and the equivalent Wix. The Wix was only $1.50 more than the Fram. Internally the Fram was absolute junk compared to the Wix. Far less filter media area than the Wix, a very questionable looking bypass valve compared to the Wix, cardboard end caps vs metal end caps (there may not be any functional difference though), and silicone ADBV standard in the Wix.
For further info you'll have to look up the " grease" study (anybody remember the proper name). That one tested actual filtering ability of various filters. The Fram came out on the low end of the performance scale.
Fram might be proof that internet rumors can be hard to dispel. infact, i heard Fram was a racing-use type filter and very good and a lot of racers use it
this has nothing to do with it but I used the OEM FRAM filters for 27k miles and never had a problem. after a brief haitus to a S2000 filter (Current), I am going back to the OEM Fram stock filter on my next oil change. I actually look forward to putting on a FRAM!
If one thinks about it, when you can see the quality, like in an air filter Fram makes a good quality filter, where you cannot see the quality inside the filter can without cutting it apart, Fram makes as cheap as possible and still meet the specs. So Fram's business model is to cut corners wherever they think no one will notice.
Not all Fram filters are alike...
The cheapo's that everyone jumps on are the orange cans.
I have never seen anyone post a bad report on any other Fram filter besides the Orange can.
My expericance with Fram far exceeds 20 years, add many more if you count what I watched Dad use back in the day. From Motorcycle filters to Car filters...never one problem.
The orange cans ARE cheap...but they work. There are so few reports of failure through the years. (some reports came from racers...and its not made for racing) Its been coming down to cutting them open to look at materials and claim its inferior. Well, its not. Just call it the budget filter in Frams oil filter line.
That said, for a buck more, their Gray "Tough Gaurd" cans with orange silicon valve, are very decent. Even their "extendgaurd, 7k mile" filter I've used once, and both seem to be top quality like the only other filter I use, Pure1.
Then there are the motorcycle filters. Back in the early 90's they had an issue with one lot of filters and suddenly all their bike filters are claimed junk. Thats bunk too. Their bike filters are very competitive in price and build quility compared to OEM.
There is too much "jump on the bandwagon" to bash Fram, when very few ever had a problem to share. No one is forceing anyone to buy Fram, but theres no reason to jump in the water and bash away without a bad experiance to share.
The cheapo's that everyone jumps on are the orange cans.
I have never seen anyone post a bad report on any other Fram filter besides the Orange can.
My expericance with Fram far exceeds 20 years, add many more if you count what I watched Dad use back in the day. From Motorcycle filters to Car filters...never one problem.
The orange cans ARE cheap...but they work. There are so few reports of failure through the years. (some reports came from racers...and its not made for racing) Its been coming down to cutting them open to look at materials and claim its inferior. Well, its not. Just call it the budget filter in Frams oil filter line.
That said, for a buck more, their Gray "Tough Gaurd" cans with orange silicon valve, are very decent. Even their "extendgaurd, 7k mile" filter I've used once, and both seem to be top quality like the only other filter I use, Pure1.
Then there are the motorcycle filters. Back in the early 90's they had an issue with one lot of filters and suddenly all their bike filters are claimed junk. Thats bunk too. Their bike filters are very competitive in price and build quility compared to OEM.
There is too much "jump on the bandwagon" to bash Fram, when very few ever had a problem to share. No one is forceing anyone to buy Fram, but theres no reason to jump in the water and bash away without a bad experiance to share.
There ADBV sucks!!!, cut a used one open and cut say a
pureOne ,WIX, AC, and look at the difference.
thats all the proof i needed....
pureOne ,WIX, AC, and look at the difference.
thats all the proof i needed....
The only problem that i have with Fram is their use of what appear to be inferior materials, with a premium price tag. Most consumers are brainwashed into thinking Fram is superior to other filters, so they can get away with this, unfortunately. For the money, $4-$5 last time i checked, I'd rather have a purolator pureone, purolator premium plus, or 2 supertech's.
I cut one apart recently, yea the orange one. And the card board end caps were quite solid and secure. I like the filtration on the ToughGuard (TG 99% DualPass 10-15um). I'll buy them if the application and price is right. It's just a filter.
Triple_Se7en
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Frams are considered lousy because of their price structure. You can buy a better rival filter - for what you just paid for that Fram. That incluyde the entire Fram lineup.... from their cheapest - to their most expensive.
Up here in Canada frams are the cheapest if you get them as a walmart or Canadian tire house brand. I wouldn't doubt if these were even more cheaply made than the orange can. Still, I've had good luck with them and my insolubles look good.
I have never had a problem with a Fram filter.
Do I use them anymore, no.
Why, simple, cost.
As said above, they use some of the cheapest materials (cost wise) yet are priced higher than equals. When I can get a Purolator Premium, ST, Advanced Auto, etc for less $$$ and the same (or maybe even better quality) why use Fram?
Do I use them anymore, no.
Why, simple, cost.
As said above, they use some of the cheapest materials (cost wise) yet are priced higher than equals. When I can get a Purolator Premium, ST, Advanced Auto, etc for less $$$ and the same (or maybe even better quality) why use Fram?
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