What happened to Fram quality?

[labman]

Very little has been said about Fram's past quality. I think what that old CU study showed more than anything else is the oil filter isn't very important. Does anybody have any evidence that in the past Fram was producing better filters than they are now? Is there any evidence that Purolator and Champ once were as bad as Fram? Did Fram ever have the quality of the competition?

Note, a CH 9018 was $12 at Wal-Mart last I looked. Rip Off.

 

[Christian_89LSC_96XJR]

I recently acquired a NOS Fram PH8A from around 1982. It's in good condition and I may actually put it on one of my cars to see how it holds up (I will cut it open afterwards). It's says "FRAM, A Bendix Company"

features:

a) base plate (threaded end) mounted bypass (same as FL-1A) with a coil spring

b) thick metal base plate

c) thick sheet metal can (cannot easily be dented)

d) weighs almost as much as a Mobil 1 M1-301 (same FL-1A type) filter

 

[labman]

I would b afraid the paper element might be brittle with age and would crumble in use. Not worth the risk when you could pick up an ST 8A for $2 or a Total Grip or Value Craft for less.

 

[Christian_89LSC_96XJR]

Ok, I decided to cut it apart without using it first. From the looks/feel of the filter paper I could have run it without a problem. The can is very thick and was quite difficult to cut open. The bypass/anti-drain valve is a single thin black rubber sheet with a 'cylindrical leaf spring' providing the anti-drain functionality and the center base plate mounted coil spring providing the bypass functionality. The filter uses cardboard end caps - they are still (24 years later) still securely glued to the filter paper. The spacing of the folds is even - apart from one small section where it gets bigger. It has a string wrapped around the center (similar to Purolators). The centertube is quite strong as far as I can tell without damaging the filter element prior to taking pictures.

Photos to follow in a couple of days or so, hopefully.

 

[miked2]

So maybe...when Fram was owned by Bendix, when that old filter was originally purchased, Fram made quality products. Now that Honeywell owns Fram, the quality has dropped.
I would really be interested to see your pictures Christian89LSC. That old filter was a great find.

 

[T-Keith]

Sounds identical to the filter I cut apart. The ADBV my seal better, but I don't think it does a good job of centering the element if I remember right. Still not what I would call a good design.

-T

 

[GoldenRod]

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkC:
I used FRAM for years, but not anymore. Maybe when Allied Signal bought Honeywell(but kept the name) certain areas of the company slid.

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That's why I believe that there should be a law that prevents the transfer of a company's name when being bought out by another company.

 

[Filter guy]

So Wix shouldn't be Wix or Purolator...Purolator because they've been bought out as well.

 

[KBFXDLI]

I have used Fram filters for years for 3,4,5000 OCI and never had a problem. I use the Fram tough guard on my Honda crv and get no startup noise at all with a 5000 OCI. Maybe I'll pull this one off at 3000 and disect it to see what kind of shape its in. I think the 3000 mile "disclaimer" is just that.. a disclaimer. I have never even heard of an oil filter coming apart or causing an engine problem.

 

[Tosh]

quote:

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Originally posted by GoldenRod:
That's why I believe that there should be a law that prevents the transfer of a company's name when being bought out by another company.

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And there would be no Chrysler, Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln, Jaguar, SAAB, Volvo...

 

[GoldenRod]

Filter guy & Tosh:

I get your point, but please understand it is frustrating to me when I see a company's name that is synonymous with quality being sold to another company, only to be dragged down a path of poor representation for the original. I guess you could say that I have a "captain always goes down with the ship" type mentality.

I'm sure you guys can each at least think of one company that has always manufactured high quality products, that has changed hands, and now produces sub par goods tarnishing the great image of the original.

The old saying: "They don't make them like they used to" is in large part because, THEY is not who THEY were.

 

[paulo57509]

I just remembered I have what looks like an oil filter salesman's kit. I know there's an AC Delco in there, but I can't recall much else or what vintage the kit is. I think there's three cut-open filters in the case. I''ll have to look next time I happen to trip over it in the garage.

 

[Schism]

quote:

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Originally posted by miked2:
Wow!!! Looks like I opened up a LARGE can of worms. I have learned a lot by reading these posts. I really don't buy the 3 months/3000 miles. I have changed the oil every 3000 miles in my Mercury Sable 24 valve-V6 & it uses a quart of oil every 1200 miles.

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Have your pcv valve changed if you haven't already, it may slow oil usage considerably.


Generally, frams are junk, and even though the TG's seem to be made better(TG made a ticking sound on my moms van though...), for the same $5-6 you can get a better filter. I use the Supertechs for the value,I generally only use them for 5-7k, and I have no doubt they'd be good for 15k+ in most cases with honda recommending up to 20k oci's on filter changes.

 

[miked2]

Thanks Schism, but I did change the PCV Valve with one I purchased directly from the dealer.
I was hoping that would make a difference in oil consumption, but it didn't. I honestly never heard many negative comments about Fram until I started reading BITOG.
From what I have been reading, most of the members of BITOG know a lot more than I do.
Now it's Motorcraft in my Sable & my daughters Focus & Wix in my other daughter's Saturn.