Oil Filters-Fram: Why aren't they as good

[Raduque]

I only use Motorcraft on my truck. The one I pulled off when I did my first oil change after buying it was a NAPA, I think.

 

[redgtxdi]

I know this thread is old but after never having given it much thought (I've only ever run what was on sale in ANY of my cars and I now own 4 cars with only 1 of them under 100,000 miles and 2 of them over 200,000).

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mFVNESOwLyk
Now, is this guy being truthful?

We know the arguments against look good. Cardboard looks cheap when you're tearing it. More pleats mean better filtration. But does it really, truly matter? Is fram right? Look at the Toyota oem filter. What about the Bentley filter?

I'm still a fan of Wix for value but wonder if my own experience is testimony enough? (Shrug)

 

[Gillbot]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=34905783&postcount=49

 

[redgtxdi]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=34905783&postcount=49

And that's great and supports the same arguments we've already heard.

But what if they have an argument for plastic vs silicon over 5,000 oci and no significant reason?

In specific you should watch the video if you haven't and listen to his reasoning for the cardboard end caps as well as the utilization of the same or NONE in other products (Bentley included).

???

 

[wirednuts]

It's such an inexpensive and yet critical part of your engine's health system it's hard to not justify the extra $3-5 for a top-o-the-line filter.

more like the extra $2. even the motorcraft filters i buy are $4.30, and thats only a dollar more then a fram. if something oem is basically the same price as aftermarket, ill take oem every time.

 

[Gillbot]

I do my own filter testing and will say without reason, I will NEVER run a fram with cardboard end caps. I've had them completely collapse and block oil flow on my test stand. That's all the data I need.

EDIT: I also put zero faith in a Fram promoted video when there are plenty of 2nd hand testing accounts about the poor quality of Fram filters.

 

[Jimzz]

Don't forget the drain back valves that also never seem to work as well.

I can get a better filter for less than what Fram charges, so why mess with fram?