Are Fram oil filters good?

[r0GuE]

I had a Fram filter explode (implode?) on my Toyota in the Liberty Tunnel in Pittsburgh. I wouldn't use one on a $100 lawnmower let alone a machine of high value.

I use OEM on my Honda Oddesey and I am debating which way I will go on my Jeep. I may just use OEM there too. Only because then i can just have them do it. I hate messing around with disposal of old oil.

 

[upgw]

Well, I decided to bit the bullet and ordered a bunch of "Genuine Honda" oil filters and stop using the questionable Fram products. Well, they came in today, and sure, they say Honda on them, but they also say "Made by FRAM". Great. They look even chintzier than the $1.50 Walmart orange Fram filters, about 1/3 smaller, and seem even lighter, but at 3 times the price for the blue paint. Oh well.

- Patrick

 

[Soundguy]

As you found out.. most manufacturers 'farm' out their filters to another manufacturer.. who makes them and puts the oem 'sticker' on it. And as you found out.. the oem is slightly different than the generic one that crosses over to it... that is because the oem provides specific specs for that filter for that single application or limited application ) whereas the generic fram fits many applications with that filter.. etc.

Same with oem branded oils.. Napa and carquest don't make their own oils.. they get them rebranded from places like valvoline.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[k8ny]

Hmm very strange?
I have been using Fram oil filters and Castrol oil for about 28 years now. My 1990 Ford Taurus wagon has 225,000 miles on it, doesn't burn a drop of oil. Our 1993 Mazda 626 has 185,000 no oil burning there either. My 1986 Mazda RX7 Rotary has 193,000 and only uses what a rotary normally uses, about 1 qt every 3,000 (been like that since I bought it new in 86)
My latest machine, the Nissan Maxima, is like new with only 65,000 miles on it. Of course, no issues there.
So, I guess the bottom line is that I need to switch from Fram to an oil filter that will give me less trouble?
OK I need your recommendations.

Bob

 

[Muleskinner]

Fram filters are the cheapest filter you can buy. Lot's of oil filter test sites on the web. Fram ranks at the bottom every time. Remeber, you get what you pay for. Take a Fram filter and a factory filter and hold each at the same time. The Fram will be much lighter. Why? Because there is less filter element material inside. Thin can metal also. Check the Fram filter tests out on the Dodge turbo diesel Internet site. You will never think about buying one again..

 

[Junkman]

Oil filters are like oil brands.... everyone has an opinion and everyone has a preferance.... like different flavors of ice cream!!!! How many oil filter manufacturers do you think are left in the US of A?????? Maybe 3 or 4 and that is all, and they manufacturer all of the different brands that are sold. How much difference do you think that there is between the same part number coming out of the same factory with a different "brand" label on it ??????

 

[Soundguy]

I think it was pointed out, that at least one car company OEM's thir filters from fram... wasn't a 'disposable' car either.. something that cost a few bucks...

The oem -made by fram- filter was also ~smaller~ than the generic off the shelf fram that croosed over to that car..... go figure..

Soundguy

 

[JDgreen227]

From 1967 to about 1995 I owned mainly Ford vehicles and used Fram oil filters and was very pleased with them. In '95 I bought a used Olds from my father in law and he was a GM engineer and INSISTED I use only AC Delco oil filters in "his" car...so I did. Glad I switched to Delco because I feel their oil filter quality is second to none.

I have a Fram filter that I bought for my Olds back in '95 and never used, it would be interesting to buy a 2003 Fram of the same type and compare the interior construction.

 

[del]

Sorry, slowrev, you cannot use a reference to a Mopar Slant 6
(170 225ci) in any discussion of engine filters.

Why? I don't think they need ANY filter, or ANY oil. They
certainly don't need any water.

Simply the most indestructible piece of machinery I will
probably ever see in my lifetime.

I know what happened with the 3 my family had I think they
were what Timex was thinking with it's "Takes a Lickin' and
Keeps on Tickin" slogan. I DO however have a Timex watch
with a blank display though!

del

 

[Docsknotinn]

Junkman, I think in some cases you are right but just as often the two products are totally different. You are right there is only a couple of manufactures left so many of the OEM filters and after market brands are made on the same line in the same factory BUT that does not mean they are made to the same specs. I have always used the OEM ( Racor) fuel filters on my Duramax. They are about $60 each at the dealer or about $28 off the net. I was told that currently ALL Filters for this engine are made by Racor includeing thoose stampted as Fram. I bought a case of 6 for $95 with freight, or about $16 each. I put the first one on yesterday and let me tell you they are CRAP ! The cannister was not crimpted properly on top so the top seal would not set right. It weighs noticeably less than a OEM filter. After I installed it and started my truck the lower seal leaked. So I had to take it off toss it and use another. So, if theese are made in the same plant on the same line their is a BIG difference. Fram filters, at least the fuel filters for the Duramax.....STINK ! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif