I've been reading online about these filters and everybody has something negative to say about them. Are they really that bad? I installed a Fram oil filter on my econo car during my last oil change with Mobil 1 Synthetic. Do you think the filter will hold up driving 5k miles?
2006-08-23 07:55:39 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i dunno alls i ever use are FRAM and i have never had a problem
2006-08-23 07:57:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
It depends on just which Fram oil filter you have and which engine it's on. Some people have reported that some of the oil filters let too much oil drain back, have stories about the engine making tapping noises when using a Fram filter, or have had them fail outright. The biggest issue may be that they use cardboard in locations where other brands use metal parts and that their anti-drainback valves are prone to leaking.
Here is one page from a guy who has cut a dozen or so oil filters apart and thinks Fram's products usually do not measure up:
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html
However, it's worth noting that even he admits that Fram's Tough Guard filter is a decent choice.
2006-08-23 10:37:14 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
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If you think it is the filter, it is cheap and easy to just change the filter and find out... As for the cold weather bit being a filter problem: no, not really. If the filter cannot filter fast enough, it will run the oil through the bypass until it warms up. So the filter should not be the problem unless the bypass valve failed, in which case your engine would probably have seized up a few minutes out of the shop. More likely, you (or whomever changed your oil) used a higher viscosity oil than recommended. I don't know what you drive, but most cars in the last 20 or 30 years recommend nothing "heavier" than 5w30, many are even down to 5w20. Going with higher viscosity oils based on the 1960s lore that heavier weight oils will burn less is not only wrong, but downright detrimental to your engine. Firstly, the flashpoint of oil is pretty much independent of viscosity ratings. Besides, the VAST MAJORITY of wear happens at the first few seconds after a cold startup, and heavier oils don't get to all the various corners of the engine and begin lubricating anywhere near as quickly as newer "thinner" oils. Lastly, the engineers designed the oil pump and passages around the new, thinner oils, which are light years better than what was used for lubrication when that myth was born. Of course, this is all pure guesswork. You didn't tell us what you drive, or any other specifics that could affect. If you have a Subaru, you may be hearing piston slap, which is common and not to be worried about. If you have an older Mitsubishi, you probably just need your valve lash adjusted (actually, a lot of older cars, but Mitsus were famous for it). Could be a million things...well, at least there are several likely possibilities.
2016-04-09 11:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got 329,000 miles on a '93 Ford Escort using mostly Fram oil filters with a few Bosch filters. When Fram came out with the Tough Guard that is what I used. After warranty I changed oil and filter at 10,000 mile intervals using Mobil 1. The engine was still running fine and used little oil when I got rid of the car but the car had other issues by then. The Fram filters worked for me and that little 1.9L engine. It got 40 mpg, 3 mpg better than I could ever get with with the Focus I replaced it with.
2014-12-13 23:45:06 · answer #4 · answered by Roger 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you've ever seen the inside of different oil filters, you might get an idea. Fram uses a thicker filter material, which migh restrict oil flow in a high-performance situation. Wix, another brand, Uses more filter material than fram, but the material is thinner. allowing for easier flow of the oil.
What does this mean to the average driver? Not much. Either filter will do. As long as you are using synthetic oil 5k won't be a problem. If the car doesn't smoke or leak oil you could get away with more mileage even. Most synthectic oil maker actually recommend 7,500 miles.
2006-08-23 08:06:49 · answer #5 · answered by soaplakegirl 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Why are FRAM oil filters bad?
I've been reading online about these filters and everybody has something negative to say about them. Are they really that bad? I installed a Fram oil filter on my econo car during my last oil change with Mobil 1 Synthetic. Do you think the filter will hold up driving 5k miles?
2015-08-06 16:13:04 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard the bad news for years! I have used Fram oil filters for around 30+ years and so for have not had one problem. I have them on 4 autos, 1 lawnmower, 2 tractors. I guess if you are a off road racer or just need to spend more money for a Nicer Name. Just buy the ones that works for you. But I am happy with mine so for.
2015-10-01 09:18:58 · answer #7 · answered by Phillip 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Glued on cardboard endcaps.... (this has to hold up to alot of oil pressure, you'll see better brands using metal that is very firmly glued on)
The filter media is usually warped and mishapen.. and thin.., the nitrile adbv's (anti drain back valves) are mostly defective....
I can usually still see on some, metal shavings on the threads as well.... they are 3k oil filters, sold at a price much higher than they're cheap quality qualifies for..... you'll hear many saying they've never had a problem with them...., and you or them may not... But I certainly ain't paying the price for a cruddy fram when I could have something that actually backs they're name up..... I mainly use wix (napa gold's) or purolators.... fram is more name than anything....
2006-08-23 11:25:48 · answer #8 · answered by 572ci. 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Whoever sells other brands than Fram will say Fram is bad.
Fram is not bad filters. Except for high performance racing stuff oil filters are all the same.
2006-08-23 07:59:01 · answer #9 · answered by frigon_p 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I've been using Fram oil filters, air filters, and fuel filters for at least 15 years and I have never had a problem yet. I've used them on mid-sized and full-sized new Chevrolet trucks and that is what my HUMMER H2 will be using when it gets time to change the oil in it probably next week. The oil filters have black rubbery stuff called an "easy grip" and that makes it even easier to put on and remove. They make engines run smooth too. Whoever told you that Fram products suck, does not know anything about vehicles. Mobil and Mopar products will destroy an engine.
2006-08-23 08:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by ROCK 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Do not Listen to figonP OIl fiters are not all the same with his thinkg he probaly thinks that "motor oil is just Motor Oil" all the Same. Fram is one of the better brands of filters out there what you want to stay away from are the "house Branded" filter's out there these filters are made by whoever offers the cheapest price to buld. Stick with names like Wix, Fram, Motorcraft,Purlator and you will never have an engine problem because of Fitler failure.
2006-08-27 06:57:48 · answer #11 · answered by iamright2 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋