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Why NOT to use Fram filters... !!!!

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Originally posted by: MAME
it's worth the savings to many people

everyone has bad experiences with any given product
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How much are you saving? $10 at most?

If you fret over $10, then you have bigger problems than what oil filter to use.
 
Originally posted by: J0hnny
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Originally posted by: J0hnny
Honda uses FRAM to make ther OEM filters and I believe other companies have started too.
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Only the cheap dealer filters are Frams at hondas. Just make sure you use Made in Japan ones, or you are getting junk.
And I don;t know anyone else that uses fram right now.
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I think Honeywell/ whatever the name of the parent "FRAM" company makes all honda OEM filters for the US, so if you buy it from ANY dealer, you're buying FRAM.
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This is incorrect, I bought 4 filters from Honda very recently. They were made in Japan by Filtech, the old supplier. So some are Fram, some are Filtech. You just have to look at the filter before you pay.
 
I did some reading after seeing this and found this Oil Filter Review that I thought I'd share with you guys. Compares all of Honda's filters and Fram filters, answers a lot of questions I had.
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: AMDZen
Alright then, so what would be a decent alternative for a comparible price. And has to have the cool gritty surface on top so you can twist it off better after replacement. I think thats patented by Fram, in which case there really isn't another alternative.
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Yeah, becaue a $1.50 filter wrench is so hard to find. :roll: The gritty surface is completely un-necessary. I've never once taken off an oil filter and wished that it had a gritty surface. Besides, if you really wanted it, just take some coarse sandpaper and grab the filter with the sandpaper.

WIX/Dana filters (also marketed as NAPA Gold) are among the best non-synthetic-element filters you can get. Otherwise, Mahle filters for German cars. Mobil 1 Filters are also good.

FRAM filters should never be used. The cardboard end caps have a habit of exploding and the anti-drainback valves are a joke.

ZV
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Actually My Honda has a very small oil filter and the metal band oil filter wrenches don't really work because there's no room to use them. I just liked the fram filters for that, thats all.
 
Originally posted by: Fritzo
I use whatever's on sale at Autozone. Never had a problem.
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If you buy your filters at autozone look at the Vaulecraft ones. Same as the STP just a buck cheaper, and oh yea NOT Fram

 
Originally posted by: SampSon
Originally posted by: MAME
it's worth the savings to many people

everyone has bad experiences with any given product
Click to expand...
How much are you saving? $10 at most?

If you fret over $10, then you have bigger problems than what oil filter to use.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't know their reasons exactly, but it's enough to keep them coming back for more.
 
I used to use Fram, until I noticed that my oil was always really gritty. I started using Napa Gold (Wix) filters, and my oil stays much more clean.
 
If you want a good cheap filter get the Walmart ones. Like someone already said they are made by Champion Lab. For 2 freakin' dollars you can't be it, plus they have good prices on oil too.
 
Originally posted by: AMDZen
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: AMDZen
Alright then, so what would be a decent alternative for a comparible price. And has to have the cool gritty surface on top so you can twist it off better after replacement. I think thats patented by Fram, in which case there really isn't another alternative.
Click to expand...
Yeah, becaue a $1.50 filter wrench is so hard to find. :roll: The gritty surface is completely un-necessary. I've never once taken off an oil filter and wished that it had a gritty surface. Besides, if you really wanted it, just take some coarse sandpaper and grab the filter with the sandpaper.

WIX/Dana filters (also marketed as NAPA Gold) are among the best non-synthetic-element filters you can get. Otherwise, Mahle filters for German cars. Mobil 1 Filters are also good.

FRAM filters should never be used. The cardboard end caps have a habit of exploding and the anti-drainback valves are a joke.

ZV
Click to expand...
Actually My Honda has a very small oil filter and the metal band oil filter wrenches don't really work because there's no room to use them. I just liked the fram filters for that, thats all.
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Never had a problem getting a wrench on the filter of the engine in my old 1988 Accord. And that used a really small filter too. It's just a matter of finding the proper wrench for your filter. NAPA sells filter sockets that work quite well and are dirt cheap. Combine that with a u-joint extention and you're good to go.

ZV
 
In all fairness to Fram, I wouldn't really expect them just to hand over the cost of a new engine, absent clear proof that the filter was at fault. Unfortunately the OP of that thread is as bad a storyteller as he is a photographer.
 
According to this page about the NAPA silvers "This filter now appears to be a Wix filter." This page from 2003, the one above from 2001.

Thing is though the two pages use different filters for their tests, who's to say Brand X has the same construction for all their filters? Suppose I could buy a silver and tear it apart myself to see what's inside, if it actually does look like the WIX filters inside now that'd make it a good deal. Otherwise just get Golds and don't worry about it.

Only thing that sways me towards NAPA filters is they're open late and unlike discount stores they always have something in stock. And they have pretty good sales now and then.

I've used Frams a lot in the past, never have I seen the filter element coming through the body like that. I'd already switched, not defending Fram in any way shape or form, but I wonder if that was a Fram specific problem or just a fluke.
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
In all fairness to Fram, I wouldn't really expect them just to hand over the cost of a new engine, absent clear proof that the filter was at fault. Unfortunately the OP of that thread is as bad a storyteller as he is a photographer.
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He said he sent them the filter and they said they would pay for the damage. But then sent a form letter saying they would not later.
So he did give them a chance, but frams low quality is only matched by their customer service and ability to "stand" behind their product.

 
I have been using Bosch filters, from my understanding they are the same as Mobil 1 (at least last time I looked) at about half the price.
 
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Originally posted by: DonVito
In all fairness to Fram, I wouldn't really expect them just to hand over the cost of a new engine, absent clear proof that the filter was at fault. Unfortunately the OP of that thread is as bad a storyteller as he is a photographer.
Click to expand...

He said he sent them the filter and they said they would pay for the damage. But then sent a form letter saying they would not later.
So he did give them a chance, but frams low quality is only matched by their customer service and ability to "stand" behind their product.
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I betcha they never actually promised anything concretely. Once he sent them the filter, he surrendered all his leverage in negotiation, because he had handed over the lion's share of his evidence of their wrongdoing. In the main, corporations can reasonably be expected to act, well, like corporations (that is, selfish, unfeeling, and amoral), and this is such an instance. He may still get what he's after through persistence, but it'll cost him some time and energy.

This is one of those rare times that it helps to think like a lawyer . . .
 
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