So I'm thinking of using a Fram oil filter...

[SlowToady]

Purolator is a good filter?

We use those at work, I figured they suck...

[AaronM]

Originally posted by Makenzie71
lol....just to point out....the closest parts store that caries Wix/Napa Gold, Purolator, Baldwin, and etc. filters is almost 100 miles from me.... Fram is out here left an right.

Now...just to state...Fram got themselves a bad name and it's sticking with them, despite the fact that their products have improved by leaps and bounds. The check valves do work. The endcaps are not cardboard, but are a fiber composite that's similar to cardboard only far more durable than their previous products (but, no, not as durable as the metal stamped or polymer caps used by most other manufacturers). The filtration quality of the Tough Guard series (I think, the second from the lowest priced filter) is the best they have to offer, and is better than a couple other brands.

Fram's biggest problem is that, even though they offer superior products, they still offer and mass sell the same crap they used to sell back when they got their bad name. If I actually used a Fram filter, it would be the Tough Guard series, the rest are the same generic crap they've always sold. I would also be changing it every 1500 miles.

Also, it's irritating to hear someone say that Mahle filters are only a dollar or two more per filter than other brands EVERYTIME an oil filter thread gets started. You guys who keep saying that need to realize that no one will ship an oil filter for less than $5...which makes the Mahle oil filter nearly TWICE the cost of what can be found on the shelf.

I'm not buying any product from a company that offers PTFE (Teflon) as an additive. The fact that Fram offers a PTFE impregnated oil filter is completely irresponsible.

Teflon should NEVER be put into an engine. Period.

[bryanthompson]

Aaron, can you explain the Teflon thing? One of the engineers I work with goes craaaazy over this Tuffoil stuff. He puts it in his engine, tranny, door locks, everything...

heh, he's a bit... 'eccentric' but what engineer isn't?

[AaronM]

Originally posted by bryanthompson
Aaron, can you explain the Teflon thing? One of the engineers I work with goes craaaazy over this Tuffoil stuff. He puts it in his engine, tranny, door locks, everything...

heh, he's a bit... 'eccentric' but what engineer isn't?

Actually, Tuffoil is OK. Largely because the amount of teflon in it is almost undetectable and it contains large amounts of molybdenum disulfide which is an incredibly well-documented lubricant (molybdenum disulfide is practically worshiped in air-cooled circles since its lubrication properties will cause a 20 degree or more drop in oil temps for air-cooled engines).

PTFE, however, is a solid and it expands incredibly with heat. It tends to clog small oil passages and it cannot plate anything (the temperature needed for PTFE to bond molecularly is well over 600 degrees, which is _never_ found in your oil system).

So yes, tuffoil is actually quite decent, but only because it contains so little PTFE that it can't harm anything and contains a lot of molybdenum disulfide, which is amazing.

Aaron

[bryanthompson]

awesome, good to know. Maybe i'll try some of it after all. I wonder why I haven't heard about tuffoil from the 914 guys... they ought'a go crazy for it.

[serge944]

Originally posted by sasquatch
To add to this. It is cheaper for them to make an incredibly cheap product, and mass market it making the consumer believe it is the best. OEM pricing for Fram filters is near nothing, that is why most auto parts stores all carry them. Good name recognition and profit for them.

It only costs me about $3 a year more for a good oil filter over a Fram. Cheap insurance.

Ordering a Mahle online is actually cheaper. You can find them for 4.99, while the Fram in my local Kragen goes for 5.99. I just order 5 or so filters at a time.

[AaronM]

Originally posted by bryanthompson
awesome, good to know. Maybe i'll try some of it after all. I wonder why I haven't heard about tuffoil from the 914 guys... they ought'a go crazy for it.

914 guys would be using straight-up Molybdenum Disulfide if they're using anything.

The product is generally marketed as "Mr. Moly".

Aaron