What's wrong with FRAM?

atr911 · 01-10-2004, 08:45 AM

Just curious, was reading another thread and several people suggested that a member get rid of the FRAM brand oil filter. What's wrong with these filters? I've never heard of anyone having problems before.

Perhaps this explains why I can't give my new FRAM oil filter away

Adam

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

I think Fram doesn't use an anti-drainback valve...

HarryD · 01-10-2004, 08:49 AM

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

Wavey · 01-10-2004, 08:51 AM

No anti-drainback valve, less filter media than the good filters, filter media has less filtering capability, etc. Do a search - there's a ton if info.

Wil Ferch · 01-10-2004, 08:56 AM

Frams have built upon their reputation and today build about the worst filters available...less filtration media, bad drain valve design, poor internal workmanship allowing a considerable amount of by-pass...see the Mopar guy thread above or do a google search for more info..

Horrible filters....

Purolator or some others give better service in the low priced range for your daily driver. Stick with Mann, Mahle, Porsche for our cars.

---Wil Ferch

exc911ence · exc911ence's Garage

Scary! Anyone know who makes the Porsche filters from the dealer? Until I find out, it's Bosch for my babies!

Wil Ferch · 01-10-2004, 09:34 AM

The popular Porsche filters that start with number 764...and end with .00 are made in Austria and are identical to the OC-54 by Mahle/Mann which I prefer. These are black.
The later .01 update from Porsche is made in the USA...who knows by who..(or is it whom).
---Wil Ferch

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I think Porsche has cheaped out on the filters in later years. The US ones are made by Purolator according to the PCA web site. I use the Mahle or Mann fillters now. For years I wouldn't use anything but the Porsche ones. (I became paranoid after a Fram filter destroyed my 944 Turbo. At least Fram bought me another car.)
I don't know if the 911 filters have or need an anti drain back valve. The 911 is a dry sump motor and the oil pump has an immediate supply of oil at startup. What is unique about the 911 filter is the location of the pressure relief valve. I think Pano had a great article on this in the past couple of years but I can't remember when.
-Chris

aigel · aigel's Garage

I think that the components the fram is built with are "cheap". Plastic and paper vs. metal in a better filter. If you buy a high quality filter for your American car, you can tell just by it's weight difference to a fram, that it must be built much more HD.

It is a shame, but in my town of 80k people, I can not get any other oil filter than Fram, unless I order it at the true autoparts (no chain) store. I think Fram is really starting to dominate the market for DIY oil changers. There must be serious politics involved. E.g. WalMart does not sell ACDelco oil filters any more!

George

Wil Ferch · 01-10-2004, 11:33 AM

I've also noticed the explosion of Fram ( and no other!) filters at my local Wally-mart. Shame.
--Wil Ferch

Steve@Rennsport · 01-10-2004, 11:41 AM

I have 2, 40 gallon garbage bags stuffed with various domestic oil filters removed from 911's over the years.

Many are Fram but they all are ballooned and split at the seams. Its NOT pretty.

When they split, you never see the oil loss until the damage is done and THAT my friends, is far more expensive than using a proper factory oil filter.

BTDT, many times and I take no pleasure in reminding people about this subject.

Just my 2 cents worth,.................................

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

Order the Mahle from Pelican...its like $6.

vash · vash's Garage

so are fram's other filters crap too? i mean for the everyday family pickup truck.

Wil Ferch · 01-10-2004, 01:04 PM

I guess you didn't read my earlier posting in this thread...YES....junk. All Fram are made the same...POORLY.

Low priced good filters are Purulator and a few others. I think the Delco and Ford , as made for other brands, are good too.

--Wil Ferch

aigel · aigel's Garage

Wil hit the nail on the head. There may be a suuper duper Fram that's okay, but then you are out $8 and mightaswell get a high line real oil filter...

For your pickup truck, I recommend ACDelco (if it is a GM) or Motorcraft (if it is a Ford). An if you are like me, and the pickup runs synthetic and you want to get a bit more fancy to ensure it does it's job on the 5k mile interval: Mobil1, Purolator PureOne, K&N.

Good Luck, George

911pcars · 01-10-2004, 02:43 PM

The only filter you can get at Walmart is Fram? What did you expect? Walmart stocks the lowest priced items they can find/demand. Warning: Don't buy your pistons and cylinders from Walmart either.

Sherwood
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

HarryD · 01-10-2004, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 911pcars
The only filter you can get at Walmart is Fram? What did you expect? Walmart stocks the lowest priced items they can find/demand. Warning: Don't buy your pistons and cylinders from Walmart either.

Sherwood
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

Sherwood,

Do you mean that those $500 piston and jugs (made in China for my Porche) I got for my rebuild from wally mart are no good!

Leland Pate · 01-10-2004, 03:54 PM

Quote:

I've also noticed the explosion of Fram ( and no other!) filters at my local Wally-mart. Shame.

Ha! You ain't kidding!
My first wrench saw the fram filter I had on my old SC and said, "that's coming off, today".

He showed me two fram filters he had on his shelf that had "exploded" at the seams.

EXPLODED, people.

Buy Mahle.