Two brand new Fram Endurance FE3600 filters - failed quality control

[ZeeOSix]

Ok….granted the first is not exemplary, but it’s not very revealing without more shots.

Look at post 15. Those louvers on the first filter in post 1 are way too closed up for me - no more shots needed - I would never run that filter, even if only half the center tube had choked down louvers. If you think that's good louver formation, then run it, lol.

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.

Post 15 shows how horrible those louvers are. If they look like filter #2 in post 1, then they are good. If they look like filter #1 in post 1, then they are garbage. It's really not that hard to see louvers down the center tube with a good flashlight to determine if they are a "go or no go".

 

[Glenda W.]

First pic shows the upper half of the louvers not formed correctly. Second pic OP claims metal pieces are in the open louvers(I can’t see them) which are probably left over from manufacturing.


I’ve personally inspected many louvered filters from many brands before purchasing. I’ve seen a lot of louvers not formed correctly ranging from a few to every visible. These shouldn’t be passing QC and I’m not comfortable running them.

 

[53' Stude]

My 2 FE 3614 clearance filters look way better than this

 

[Eugenius]

I saw metal pieces stuck in louvers like this in multiple areas of the second oil filter. I returned both as I have no trust left in the product. Why run it and risk it, if could get a full refund and buy better quality filters, which I did

first one zoomed

 

[Glenda W.]

I saw metal pieces stuck in louvers like this in multiple areas of the second oil filter. I returned both as I have no trust left in the product. Why run it and risk it, if could get a full refund and buy better quality filters, which I did

View attachment 287614



first one zoomedView attachment 287616

I see the metal pieces now…Last Brands failure for sure.

 

[MetalSlug]

this is exactly what plan to do....
never ever FRAM for me

bought also two weeks ago a FRAM engine air filter with a lot area covered of the filter with orange overfilled rubber

FRAM air filter still fine . They are very good price and hard to pass up like oil filter lol .

 

[MetalSlug]

I saw metal pieces stuck in louvers like this in multiple areas of the second oil filter. I returned both as I have no trust left in the product. Why run it and risk it, if could get a full refund and buy better quality filters, which I did

View attachment 287614



first one zoomedView attachment 287616

Oil filter with holes or none at all. I can’t see myself checking Louvers type oil filter and make sure it’s open, too much stress .

 

[Ronn]

All Endurance filters I have used so far and have on the shelf (4 currently) looked pristine like those shown by “53 stude” above. I can take pics, but why bother.
I accept the fact that this louver design *may* be subject to this flaw, albeit not very likely to occur in the vast majority of purchases. It’s certainly not a “deal breaker” for me, since you can easily inspect the filter prior to installing…..something everyone should do anyway. I wouldn’t hesitate opening a sealed box at the store PROVIDING I INTENDED TO PURCHASE IT contingent on my inspection. Should I find a flaw, I would bring to the attention of a clerk and not simply put it back!
I still consider this particular filter superior based on my experience of having used it for a year and two 6K OCs with zero oil consumption and no issues. True, oil consumption per se is not indicative of a filter’s quality, but it does indicate a very “healthy engine” using a quality oil….SUPPORTED BY A WELL FUNCTIONING FILTER, louver and bypass “ruffles” notwithstanding
To each his own.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Ruffles are good in the mouth, but not so good in the filter.

 

[Eugenius]

With that quality control, I would not risk it. Who knows what else can be found after cutting it open. We have seen anti drain valves with holes, failed glue, ripped media, etc

 

[Eugenius]

I find a flaw, I would bring to the attention of a clerk and not simply put it back!

Walmart associates would not care except asking why did you open product without purchasing it. Is it even legal to open something and put it back. Especially some filters have sealed boxes

 

[4WD]

Seems questions remain over which type of filter (cartridge or can) gives the best dry start protection …
Always debate wrt ADBV material etc - but little debate over similar performance behind cartridge filters …
Verification?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Shocking......a Fram filter failed Q.C. That supposed to be something new ?????

 

[Fair enough]

Need to check if adbv shifted over and there is a gap also. I bought 2025 New Fram product and the adbv wasn’t sealing the base holes. The QC inside was a mess too. Otherwise they have pretty good media but are starting to skimp on it even more than they used too.

 

[Freischneider]

Those louvers may be perfectly fine but I won't use them anymore. I prefer holes or E-Core.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

This is why I don't like louvers. The consistency is terrible, whereas with tubes with holes, I've never seen holes that weren't punched all the way through the entire material. It's not that louvers can't flow enough oil when they're punched properly, it's that many don't seem to be punched properly to begin with, and I'm not into the idea of having to hunt through filters to find a "good one" in the pile.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Fram failed Q.C. ????? Can't be.... Not the " Great Fram ".......Bad enough my OEM Honda filters went from Filtrete to Fram. What a shame.

 

[Eugenius]

This is why I don't like louvers. The consistency is terrible, whereas with tubes with holes, I've never seen holes that weren't punched all the way through the entire material. It's not that louvers can't flow enough oil when they're punched properly, it's that many don't seem to be punched properly to begin with, and I'm not into the idea of having to hunt through filters to find a "good one" in the pile.

I agree. The golden rule right now (at least for me), eCore or holes, no metal on metal bypass valve as it never seals 100%, synthetic media, silicon ADV

So the best bang for a buck plus higher quality now are Premium Guard made from multiple filter brands, Carquest Premium, Microgard Select, etc

 

[Fair enough]

I agree. The golden rule right now (at least for me), eCore or holes, no metal on metal bypass valve as it never seals 100%, synthetic media, silicon ADV

So the best bang for a buck plus higher quality now are Premium Guard made from multiple filter brands, Carquest Premium, Microgard Select, etc

Though there is a problem getting the synthetic media. It seems a blend has been widely adopted. Well done metal bypass valves can seal fine for the purpose.
I don’t like seeing glue on holes or louvers at the tube ends. It could be done better but I guess costs more to leave a flat area without holes where the glue will be.

 

[kschachn]

Shocking......a Fram filter failed Q.C. That supposed to be something new ?????

Fram failed Q.C. ????? Can't be.... Not the " Great Fram ".......Bad enough my OEM Honda filters went from Filtrete to Fram. What a shame.

Lay your wisdom down on us here.