Ok so the topic of oil filters has come up in another post, but it isn't directly related to the topic in that post. So here's the place to discuss it.

My opinion of Fram oil filters is that they are one of the worst filters available. Now this does not include their new X2 line as I have never used them, but have heard some good things about them. My experiences with Fram filters have been with both the Double Guard and their regular line of filters. For use in my Chevelle, I had 2 cases litterally fall off of the filter on initial startup. The filters were filled to the brim with oil and were not over tightened. Two filters in a row failed in this manner. The oil change prior to this failed attempt with Fram had a faulty bypas valve which resulted in unfiltered oil and a fluttering noise which was audible and was traced back to the filter.

You want more to read through. See these reviews and disections of the filters:
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html
http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml

Both are a bit old and the construction may have changed, but when other higher quality and equally priced filters are available, I won't ever go back to using them. Especially with the reports of Fram failures on other boards.

Filters that I would recommend are Purolator Premium Plus, Purolator PureOne, Wix, Napa Gold, Mobil 1, and AC Delco to name a few. Fram would be at the bottom of an already long list along with Bosch oil filters.

Anyone have another side to this story? Some rays of sunshine posted on the net that can be linked to? Please post up with your experiences. I have a feeling this is going to get ugly...

I've use Fram on every oil change and not one prob. My dad has used them for ever and never any problems.
Thant's just my 2 cents.

And that is fine, but if you were to get one of their mistakes, you could have serious problems. My family used to use Fram filters as well until my experiences with my car in HS. I'm just lucky that all of my problems were noticed right away in the shop and could be quickly corrected before any damage was caused. Some may say that I just got a bad batch of filters... Well, if you experienced a bad oil filter, would you continue to purchase them?

The defacto source for pretty much anything oil related is BobIsTheOilGuy.com (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/) and Their Forums (http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php). You'll be hard pressed to find a good review of a Fram filter there.

Hmm... well i've used Fram but not consistantly. Usually I'll go for the AC Delco one first. I've not heard anyone complain about them and theres a lot of mixed feelings about Fram. So I just avoid the problems by avoiding the product I guess. Maybe this >LINK< (http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html) will help? its an interesting read if anything...

Here is a VERY informative thread on BITOG's Forums:
If fram is so bad, then why is it being sold in every store I go to?? (http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=003533)

to be honest, i dont pay much attention...i go into Napa and ask for an oil filter for a 2000 4wd blazer 4.3l Vortec V6 and i let them go get it...and i dont really look @ the box...i just go home and do it up. i never had any problems tho...however im gonna go post a diff problem right now.

never had any problems with fram filters, and we use them pretty much exclusively. started with the basic orange filter, then moved to the toughguards. lately i've been using purolator pureone filters, though.

I have never used a FRAM filter, but simply because I don't want to spend the money on them.

I use the Motomaster one I can buy from Canadian Tire, and I have never had an issue. I'm not sure ifthere is something similar in the States, but I like Motomaster stuff. It's cheap and it works. Buying a FRAM filter wouldn't have been an option for me unless it was on sale in the past, but it might not be an option for me these days because of my new information I've read.

The most interesting statement to me was in that one forum that Kyle posted where the guy said that it might be "good enough".

Eating at McDonalds is "good enough" for putting food in your belly, but is it actually "good" for you?

I was always buying Fram, partly because I was unaware of any trouble with them. Then having been enlightened on this forum I changed to ACDelco for the truck and car. I will say this I didn't notice any significant changes with the truck, but my Srt on cold mornings now doesn't tick like crazy (lifters) to get the oil up. And I credit that to the change in filter. Anybody that is familiar with Mopar and lives in a colder climate knows what I speak of. Anyways, I'm definitely glad I stopped using Fram for that reason alone, and for anybody who does want to make the switch check out ebay; I ordered 12 mix and match (6 for car, 6 for truck) and got them shipped for $16.

Search up Oil Filter Compairson, and in everyone you will see Fram & Pensoil filters are the McDonalds of oil filters. The Pureolator is cheaper and much better filter ACDelco is also a great filter(both rated nearly the best for cold oil flow at startup).

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/06/93/4c/dc_1_b.JPG
Another good idea for oil filters and tranny pans!
eBay Magnet (http://cgi.ebay.com/MAGNET-STRONG-OIL-FILTER-SURPLUS-MAGNETS-2-1-3-DIA_W0QQitemZ7617481691QQcategoryZ26217QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting)

*EDIT by swartlkk* - Made long link into hidden link w/ text description and fixed the picture link

I agree with staying away from fram filters. The last filter I had on crinkled up in removal causing me to need to remove the skid plate below it to take it out. Also on another family car a fram was warped causing oil to leak from the rubber seal on it. They use to be good, but now they are junk made from the cheapest gauge of metal they can find.

wish I would've read this 1 hour ago...lol I just put a new fram on my blazer, but my family too has been using fram for years with no problems (now as I say that it is probably falling off my truck..lol I have bad luck). I will be seitching to a different brand next change. I do not remember the name but they are bought in bulk by Marathon Ashland Petroluem so the refinery employees get a store rebate on them. They are a fail safe filter used on all of the refinery's equipment. Normally $8-$10 each and we can get em for $2.50 each with the suppliers discount... oh well, the fram should last me another 2500 miles....

Are quick lube places like Jiffy Lube using fram filters or are they using the lowest cost unit/whatevers availible?

It all depends on what is the cheapest when they order. The one near me uses a brand called Mighty... Yeah, makes me want to drive right up!

Just my 02, but I have been using fram filters for MANY years and have never had any problems.

Same here never had any problems with them but will start keeping an eye out.

ive never had any problems either, until I started reading this thread... bad things happened... seems I recieved a phone call telling me I was going to die in 7 days...WTF!>!>?!??!?!?!!! j/k

actually when removing my old oil filter yesterday I collapsed it with my hand! Really, should that have happened? I know I have a good grip, but not that good... It was a fram.... I replaced it with another fram.. didnt feel like going back and exchanging..lol

i am on a pontiac forum for my Judge and i have heared nothing but bad things about them. i have $2500 in a set of heads alone not to mention any of the other machine work. ( still not done ) i wouldnt want to rebuild it for a oil filter. my dad is a engineer for general dynamics and had to go to a semminarand the guy that was speaking wrote several books and all that great stuff ( he knows his sh**) and is some big wigworking with filtration. he got off subjectand said purolator filters are the best you can get and it has been proven. ive used them for a logn time before he went to the semminar and i have noticed that it seems like its a lot heavier then a fram after being changed (like it has filtered out a lot more of the bad stuff)

I had a buddy who had to replace the motor in his Dragster cause the AC Delco oil filter failed.But I use AC Delco oil filter every oil change and never had a problem. Of coarse I'm not putting my engine on the same stress as a dragster.Every once in a blue moon you'll get a reject of a part, doesn't matter from what company. Crap happens.

Wix, Napa Gold, Purolator, Baldwin, and (at one time) AC Delco. Pick one based on price and personal preference. I would not use any others. There, that's worth 2 cents. :)

I have had wix, purolator and one time only a AC delco filter fail on me and it was due to a factory defect on the filter rim, it was bent in letting oil flow right out of the filter. I currently am using a fram tough guard and haven't had a problem but refuse to use any of there other filters due to my belief that there poo. I am looking at changing my oil coming soon and am thinking about trying the K&N oil filter to see if it works as good as its air filters!!

have used K&n oil filters on my ZR2, not the first time I've heard a complaint about Fram ( I work in a auto parts store).

Alright well nobody said anything about bosch? I know fram is crap simply because its the only thing offered at walmart.. plus that cheapo grip they use never works for me. So I chose bosch simply because it was a bit more expensive for the quality.

134k miles on my blazer, dont want to ruin it now just because i used a cheapo filter.

bump

:eek:

Bosch filters used to be made by Champion Labs, but now is made by Purolator. The links I posted in the first post in this thread really would answer your questions... THIS PAGE (http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar/oilfilters/opinions.html) in particular.

I Always use Acdelco filters, i have heard very bad things about fram.

I have tried every high end filter I can find here in Canada. The best result I have found is the K&N oil filter. It is like having a Hepa filter taking care of your oil. I notice my oil says translucent longer, does not have a burnt smell, and there is no small metal particles being trapped on my rare Earth magnet oil pan plug ( after market ). The worst filters I have used are the Canadian Tire Motormaster brand and the AC Delco.

After reading all these nightmare stories about Fram, I might justlook into switching filters. Good info Kyle.

I've used delco a couple times and had one fail (cracked along one side)so i've steered away from them kinda since. Used napa golds when I lived up in Page, AZ (napa was the closest store so i used them) and never had any issues. Used mostly Frams for a couple years after that (and before i moved to page) and i stopped using them because the seals would always leak in the last 5 i used. Switched to STP's and Mobil filters and havent had any problems with those.

I have been using Fram in my S10 for the Past 2 years. Fram in the Escort for the past year and Fram in the Datsun for the past 2 years also.

Never have had an issue. My oil lasts a little longer then is should most of the time, don't leak, don't brake, and my oil from the dipstick and when drained is clean (no particales or clumps of any kind.)

I would use STP because it is a few cents cheaper, but I love that Fram has the rough end there for much easier removal and installation, so that is why I get them. I have been thinking of trying a tough guard, but not sure if it is really worth it. They are like double the cost.