Oil & Fuel Fram Oil Filters

SABULA FARMER · Jul 21, 2008

hello all,
I just wanted to send out this info, you may know about it or maybe not....I was going to replace my oil filter with the $15.00 Mahindra filter, but did some checking and found that Wix has some filters for the Mahindras. I went to purchase one from our local auto store and they had to order it in, so the clerk suggested a fram filter. I had them cross reference the wix to a fram and I walked out of the store with two fram filters for $8.00. Not a bad days shopping I think. So this brings up the question...does anyone else use filters other than the Mahindras? If so is Fram a decent filter?
Thanks for any info.

CurlyDave · Jul 21, 2008

Many years ago (something like 25) I worked on a diesel fuel project which took me into the engineering departments of Cat, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, and Mack. All at separate times, of course.

Being an engineer I took the opportunity to pick their brains about many things.

At that time, Wix filters were superior to almost anything on the market, and Frams were considered pretty low-end.

I don't know about today, but I still go out of my way to get Wix filters if I can find the right one for my application.

Egon · Jul 21, 2008

Several months ago I was in a NAPA Store. They had several of their oil filters cut open and several Fram filters cut open. From this very unscientific viewpoint Fram would not be on my Filter list.

I do know that when I bought my truck I was told not to use Fram oil filters.

Bird · Jul 21, 2008

Fifty years ago, in the auto parts store, Fram was our number one seller, even though we also sold the other brands. And I used Fram in my cars and pickups until 5 years ago, and never had a lubrication related engine problem. But in more recent years, lots of folks consider Fram to be pretty poor quality. Are they right? I don't know.

MississippiMan · Jul 21, 2008

i figure fram filters oil. maybe not as good as many, but probably good enough if you do regular changes. this is also a regular topic on the harley board i frequent. lost of criticism, but no real evidence, just hearsay.

i am not loyal to any oil filter myself. if i am at a store and they have what fits, i buy the cheapest they have regardless of brand.

Nissan197 · Jul 21, 2008

I have never had problems with Fram. I do regular oil changes and usually go with them or the store brand at O'Reilly. I purchased the 15.00 filter from my dealer for my Mahindra for the first oil change, but the next one will be a Wix if I can find one.

cjlink · Jul 21, 2008

A few years ago, I came across this one study that compared oil filters (link below). Since that day, I have been strictly a Wix/Napa filter buyer. IMHO, Plastic has NO PLACE being in an oil filter!!!!

As a mater of fact, I picked up a couple of filters on my way home today ($2.56 each at Napa compared to $4.18 for the basic Pulator filter at Advance. Not only is the Wix filter a superior product, it is still made here in the USA (NC specifically).

Here is the site:

Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources

Dargo · Jul 21, 2008

I'd definitely never put a Fram filter on any of my equipment, especially something as expensive as a tractor. Since I've been into diesel stuff for quite a while now I've gotten to know most of the top diesel techs in this area. Not a single one would have a Fram filter on their equipment. As a matter of fact, if they went to look at a used diesel and saw a Fram filter on it they'd walk away and not even consider buying. Besides being rather poor at filtration, I've heard story after story about the actual paper filter membrane coming apart on Fram filters and plugging oil passages in the engine. Trust me, I'll save money with today's economy any way I can but I'd never put a Fram filter on any of my equipment to save a few bucks. That small savings can very well come back and cost you plenty.

I will never go cheap on my lubrication, hydraulic filters, air filters or oil filters. There is just way too much at risk for the small savings of going cheap on something that can ruin your equipment. I'd either go back with a Mahindra filter, Wix, Baldwin, Purolator, Donaldson etc. I would do it right away. There are lots of quality filters out there so you don't have to go with junk.

SABULA FARMER · Jul 21, 2008

Thanks for the input...I havent put the filter on my tractor yet, and I'm glad I asked, from what I have been reading, Wix or Baldwin will be the filter of choice. Thanks again for the info.
S.F.

jwcinpk · Jul 22, 2008

Aren't NAPA filters made by Wix? I've always used the Napa gold filters on all my autos and diesel trucks with no problems.

Dargo · Jul 22, 2008

jwcinpk said:
Aren't NAPA filters made by Wix? I've always used the Napa gold filters on all my autos and diesel trucks with no problems.

I've heard they are, but I have no proof as such.

cjlink · Jul 22, 2008

My sources says that Napa filters are made by Wix (see the link in my prior post).

LAWALLSTRACTOR · Jul 23, 2008

NAPA filters are made by wix.

Eagleview · Jul 23, 2008

I can't comment on the Fram filters but for what it's worth i use only Fleetgaurd filters on all my gear . Any Cummins dealer sells them , they may not be as cheap but neither is a crankshaft .

coffeeman · Jul 24, 2008

Dargo said:
I'd definitely never put a Fram filter on any of my equipment, especially something as expensive as a tractor. Since I've been into diesel stuff for quite a while now I've gotten to know most of the top diesel techs in this area. Not a single one would have a Fram filter on their equipment. As a matter of fact, if they went to look at a used diesel and saw a Fram filter on it they'd walk away and not even consider buying.

I will never go cheap on my lubrication, hydraulic filters, air filters or oil filters. There is just way too much at risk for the small savings of going cheap on something that can ruin your equipment. I'd either go back with a Mahindra filter, Wix, Baldwin, Purolator, Donaldson etc. I would do it right away. There are lots of quality filters out there so you don't have to go with junk.

I'm confused about where one can get a Wix. I just got a Fram from NAPA, I believe. However some mention here that NAPA sells Wix. Where do we get Wix or do we have to shop around to get?

Cheers....Coffeeman

SABULA FARMER · Jul 24, 2008

coffeeman said:
I'm confused about where one can get a Wix. I just got a Fram from NAPA, I believe. However some mention here that NAPA sells Wix. Where do we get Wix or do we have to shop around to get?

Cheers....Coffeeman

I found that our NAPA store can order the Wix filters, but from what they said the NAPA brand is made by Wix and is the same filter. So, with that said either WIX or NAPA brand filters would be fine from my understanding. I believe you can also order on line...that may be the best bet if you don't have anyone in your area that deals with Wix.

RavensRoost · Jul 24, 2008

You can look up applications and x-overs for Wix filters here:
WIX filters, WIX oil filters, WIX air filters, WIX fuel filters, WIX Heavy Duty Oil Filters : Filter Look-Up

I have had good experience ordering Wix filters from these guys:
Filter1 Wix heavy duty engine, oil, automotive, truck, and tractor filers. . You get better results on their website if you register. (Click Order, then Online Ordering & Quote System, then sign up.)

The OP did not mention model number of his Mahindra, but for example the 3510 takes a 51381 oil filter according to Wix and Filter1 sells it for $3.95. Obviously shipping costs are on top of that, so order several and spread the cost out.

I think Wix makes all of NAPA's GOLD filters, no clue who makes the others for NAPA.

RavensRoost

skipmarcy · Jul 26, 2008

Wix does make the NAPA Gold filters, and I think they also make their Silverline filters too but am not sure on those. I've been using a NAPA 1324 filter on my 4110 for 6 years - I looked it up by dimensions way back then before Mahindra was listed. The 1324 filter is a good bit longer and I would assume more filter media inside than the 1381, I had my NAPA store order the 1381 in for me to look at a few weeks ago. I stayed with the 1324 going on the assumption it has more capacity. The extra length isn't a problem on my tractor.

ray66v · Jul 26, 2008

I have used Fram filters for 30+ years in over 12 different vehicles my family has had, and in my tractors, mowers, and generator. with 5k mile oil changes, several engines went over 150k, before being sold off. Currently we have a Villager with 153k, and a Malibu with 105K. Both run fine. Never had an oil related problem, never had any sludge.

No matter how bad you guys want to say they are, they are still more than good enough to do the job.

Dargo · Jul 27, 2008

ray66v said:
No matter how bad you guys want to say they are, they are still more than good enough to do the job.

Not by any means in my book nor in the estimation of about 90% or more of service technicians. I could not possibly name any nationally available filter that is worse than Fram. If you simply want CHEAP, buy Fram. Personally, I value my equipment more than that.