Thoughts on Fram Tough Guard Cartridges

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daves87rs

daves87rs

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So, Meijer had a buy one get one 50% on fram filters, so I decided to pick up a few tough guard cartridge filters (9018). I noticed that they are a syn media filter, good for up to 10k they say.

I've used both the Ultra and Extra on this car with no issues, so I am thinking using for 5-6k with a synthetic for a winter run would be fine. But I really don't see too much on the TG cartridges, so I figured that I would gather your thoughts on them.


I have been running AC delco ones (hengst) filters, so I would like to think that they are at least on par with those....
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
So, Meijer had a buy one get one 50% on fram filters, so I decided to pick up a few tough guard cartridge filters (9018). I noticed that they are a syn media filter, good for up to 10k they say.

Actually they are a mix of synthetic media and cellulose fibers too, like Extra Guard ones, except there is a greater percentage of glass fiber (synthetic media) in the TG vs. EG. Fram Ultra is the only all-synthetic media oil filter Fram makes and is good for up to 15k miles in most applications, while TG can easily go 10k miles. TG has a 99% efficiency at >20 microns, very good filtering. Great cartridge filter. Fram Ultra has even better filtering and a longer life too.

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I have been running AC delco ones (hengst) filters, so I would like to think that they are at least on par with those....
Those AC-Delco's are just cellulose filters, thats all. Adequate, good enough, but not great. Some want great, others will just throw anything in there, its up to you.
 
Originally Posted By: ExMachina
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
So, Meijer had a buy one get one 50% on fram filters, so I decided to pick up a few tough guard cartridge filters (9018). I noticed that they are a syn media filter, good for up to 10k they say.

Actually they are a mix of synthetic media and cellulose fibers too, like Extra Guard ones, except there is a greater percentage of glass fiber (synthetic media) in the TG vs. EG. Fram Ultra is the only all-synthetic media oil filter Fram makes and is good for up to 15k miles in most applications, while TG can easily go 10k miles. TG has a 99% efficiency at >20 microns, very good filtering. Great cartridge filter. Fram Ultra has even better filtering and a longer life too.

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
I have been running AC delco ones (hengst) filters, so I would like to think that they are at least on par with those....
Those AC-Delco's are just cellulose filters, thats all. Adequate, good enough, but not great. Some want great, others will just throw anything in there, its up to you.


Can't complain about my Delcos though....all three cars have survived well with them.......
 
The Hengst built Delcos are your best bet.

I wouldn't trust any of the FRAMs in this application. But it sounds like you have had some experience with them already.

The Tough Guards should do at least as well as the Extra Guard you have used in the past.
 
Originally Posted By: SilverC6
The Hengst built Delcos are your best bet.

I wouldn't trust any of the FRAMs in this application. But it sounds like you have had some experience with them already.

The Tough Guards should do at least as well as the Extra Guard you have used in the past.


Do you have any reasons why you wouldn't trust a Fram cartridge filter? Or are you just blowing smoke?
 
Just as good as the spin on tough guard with the 99% efficiency @ 20 micron rating, with a high blend of glass fibers they have high holding capacity too. You can visually see they do their job well since it's a cartridge.

The Ecotech 9018 model usually gets pretty beat up on a full OLM interval, i have seen many and most all non wire backed filters get wavy or crushed at some point which is why i use the ultra on any 9018 application and run it for 2x OLM runs.

Here's the first interval of the 9018 i service, halfway through the second OLM run now.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3670119/Fram_Ultra_XG_9018_-_10_months
 
Originally Posted By: SilverC6
The Hengst built Delcos are your best bet....

Based on my observation of the post use ecotec cartridges posted here I would agree. The Hengst cartridges have consistently had the best observable results.

Below is a link to a tough guard ecotec application that imo had something less than a great result.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3189705

Add that to the other Fram cartridge similar complete fails posted here, including a TG linked below, I'll be avoiding Fram cartridges for the foreseeable future.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3411091/1

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3443755/1

Also noted on recent trip to WM and looking at some Fram cartridges, Extra Guard in this case, China is the COO of several.

So for ecotec applications, I too would stick with the Hengst Delco.
 
When I had cars that took this filter, I always used the AC/Hengst - they always appeared to be the best quality and I could get them under $5. I remember reading a few years ago that the smaller o-ring on some of the aftermarket ones were too small, allowing oil to drain out of the canister overnight and causing a dry start.
 
The Toughguard cartridge filters are very good quality. For most people I don't think the Fram Ultra cartridges are even necessary if they can get the toughguard filters for a cheaper price. There are some applications (like my 2012 Tundra) where the Toughguard is Fram's highest available offering. I am waiting for a good sale/rebate to pick up one for my Tundra. Not very happy with the TRD filter that i'm running now.. hearing some start-up rattle, which I didn't hear with the regular Toyota OEM filter.
 
Originally Posted By: SilverC6
I would prefer the Hengst built filter above any FRAM.

But you are welcome to search FRAM failures here on BITOG.



*noticed sayjac's post*

Hmmm....
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Just as good as the spin on tough guard with the 99% efficiency @ 20 micron rating, with a high blend of glass fibers they have high holding capacity too. You can visually see they do their job well since it's a cartridge.

The Ecotech 9018 model usually gets pretty beat up on a full OLM interval, i have seen many and most all non wire backed filters get wavy or crushed at some point which is why i use the ultra on any 9018 application and run it for 2x OLM runs.

Here's the first interval of the 9018 i service, halfway through the second OLM run now.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3670119/Fram_Ultra_XG_9018_-_10_months


Nice...used that filter on the wife's car and had great luck with it.

Might pick up another down the road after these TGs.....
 
Originally Posted By: sayjac
Originally Posted By: SilverC6
The Hengst built Delcos are your best bet....

Based on my observation of the post use ecotec cartridges posted here I would agree. The Hengst cartridges have consistently had the best observable results.

Below is a link to a tough guard ecotec application that imo had something less than a great result.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3189705

Add that to the other Fram cartridge similar complete fails posted here, including a TG linked below, I'll be avoiding Fram cartridges for the foreseeable future.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3411091/1

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3443755/1

Also noted on recent trip to WM and looking at some Fram cartridges, Extra Guard in this case, China is the COO of several.

So for ecotec applications, I too would stick with the Hengst Delco.


The first one and the Ultra I can see, but the other is giving me pause on using them right now.

Hmmmm....
 
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