Two brand new Fram Endurance FE3600 filters - failed quality control

[Sayjac]

My take. What I can see in pics of #1 doesn't look good. But, notice the most closed louvers in #1 shown are above the helix line, and immediately below it looks much more open. Based on my experience with taking pics of louvers from outlet down the tube with c&p, camera angle a big factor in how open they appear. I wonder what the louvers in #1 would look like with the media removed. That said, if one not comfortable with louvers as viewed from outlet best/easiest just to not purchase. #2 FE don't look bad to my eye. 'For me' FE louvers a moot point anyway, far too many seal area issues seen. And FE soon to history anyway.

I wouldn't waste time effort contacting FB. Best move imo, just return them.

 

[BrokenAudiTT]

I bought the exact same filter from Walmart a week ago for my 2010 cx9 I’ll check mine when I get home

 

[BrokenAudiTT]

My take. What I can see in pics of #1 doesn't look good. But, notice the most closed louvers in #1 shown are above the helix line, and immediately below it looks much more open. Based on my experience with taking pics of louvers from outlet down the tube with c&p, camera angle a big factor in how open they appear. I wonder what the louvers in #1 would look like with the media removed. That said, if one not comfortable with louvers as viewed from outlet best/easiest just to not purchase. #2 FE don't look bad to my eye. 'For me' FE louvers a moot point anyway, far too many seal area issues seen. And FE soon to history anyway.

I wouldn't waste time effort contacting FB. Best move imo, just return them.

What are seal area issues ?

 

[Kira]

it makes my happy that several of my vehicles now (2GR-FE; 2GR-FKS) take cartridge elements.
In a cartridge design, the ONLY job the filter is asked to do, is "filter". There are far fewer concerns about construction elements being poorly done, and I can inspect the filter media BEFORE installation.

...been saying that for years.

I also have no problem minimizing what's sent to landfills.

 

[Sayjac]

What are seal area issues ?

Linked is one of many threads showing and discussing the issue. It's well documented now including a recent FE3387A c&p on first page this subforum.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/fram-endurance-flashlight-test-in-canister.386911/

 

[Eugenius]

We can speculate closed or not, but using magnifying glass I clearly can see they are indeed closed. Yes, the lower portion has better opening but not by much and it’s is small portion comparing to the overall surface

the second one has some metal shavings prices stuck in the louvers

I can get better pictures using magnifying glass if anyone interested in the further polemic

Not sure why the code date is 2023, it was picked from a Walmart shelf yesterday

 

[Bill7]

As much as I was (past tense) a fan of XGs and spin-on filters, it makes my happy that several of my vehicles now (2GR-FE; 2GR-FKS) take cartridge elements.
In a cartridge design, the ONLY job the filter is asked to do, is "filter". There are far fewer concerns about construction elements being poorly done, and I can inspect the filter media BEFORE installation.

Another advantage of cartridge filters is less land fill waste so they are better for the earth.

 

[Gravity_Wolves]

We can speculate closed or not, but using magnifying glass I clearly can see they are indeed closed. Yes, the lower portion has better opening but not by much and it’s is small portion comparing to the overall surface

the second one has some metal shavings prices stuck in the louvers

I can get better pictures using magnifying glass if anyone interested in the further polemic

Not sure why the code date is 2023, it was picked from a Walmart shelf yesterday

Probably trying to get rid of new old stock. Either that or they have been sitting on the shelf for that long? The Walmart near me marked down all endurance to $2.50 on clearance sale last month

 

[ZeeOSix]

Gotta be able to judge louvers looking down the center tube if you're gonna be a louver reading expert. It's pretty easy to do with a strong LED flashlight, and looking down the center tube at the right angle to see the louver slits. The many photos taken and posed in many threads are easy to tell which louvers and good, borderline or closed. Only way to see them from the back side before use it to have X-ray vision.

 

[Ronn]

Just got back from Walmart ...

first

View attachment 276365

second
View attachment 276366

Not sure which one better, second has metal clips stuck in the metal louvers

View attachment 276370

From Whip City Vid of Endurance manufactured Jan 2023. Sorry, I don’t see a difference

 

[Glenda W.]

From Whip City Vid of Endurance manufactured Jan 2023. Sorry, I don’t see a difference View attachment 287531

 

[Ronn]

OK...I don't know what that "blue screen" is (plastic cage??) BUT those louvers look open, especially in the lower photo.

 

[Ronn]

Here is a high resolution photo of Endurance from Wrangler Forum dated Feb this year. You decide.

 

[4WD]

Here is a high resolution photo of Endurance from Wrangler Forum dated Feb this year. You decide.
View attachment 287559

Looks good …

 

[Ronn]

Looks good …

My point….it’s really no different from OPs pics. What am I missing?

 

[4WD]

My point….it’s really no different from OPs pics. What am I missing?

I have found they can look quite different once cut open …
Especially if half faces away from a narrow line of sight …

 

[ZeeOSix]

My point….it’s really no different from OPs pics. What am I missing?

OP's first picture shown below.

Your picture shown below. So you think these look the same?

 

[Ronn]

Here’s the second
Yes they look the same. We can go round and round...I don't see any defects.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Here’s the second
Yes they look the same.
View attachment 287573

Yes, that one is better. But you said "it’s really no different from OPs pics. What am I missing?" Apparently you missed the fact that the first filter had badly choked down louvers.

 

[Ronn]

Yes, that one is better. But you said "it’s really no different from OPs pics. What am I missing?" Apparently you missed the fact that the first filter had badly choked down louvers.

Ok….granted the first is not exemplary, but it’s not very revealing without more shots.
Still, why does the OP (and others here) question the second, when there’s no apparent defect in that photo?
Here’s the first close up… still not convincing and needs more clarification for me.
OK, Now I see another post here that expresses my thoughts on this particular pic:

"My take. What I can see in pics of #1 doesn't look good. But, notice the most closed louvers in #1 shown are above the helix line, and immediately below it looks much more open. Based on my experience with taking pics of louvers from outlet down the tube with c&p, camera angle a big factor in how open they appear. I wonder what the louvers in #1 would look like with the media removed."

Again, close up of first>>>