Fram oil filters

[Kitt]

Hi folks...

I've used these filters for years now and I have no issues so far, however, i've been told that those are the worst filters ever, but want to make sure I am not doing a long term damage to the engine by using it.

[ricardocanedo621]

I think it depends on the oil change intervals. 3,000 to 5,000 mile intervals should be okay. But there are better alternatives like Denso or Purolator. I use the DENSO 150-1000 oil filter and it is the same as OEM Toyota but has better filtration media, silicone anti drain back valve and more durable housing.

[fnkngrv]

Personally I would never use a Fram filter. You can Google and find al sorts of information on them. The only filters I have used for 5 years are from Amsoil or Mann and they have been great. Denso as well is a solid choice as it is the OEM filter.

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[ricardocanedo621]

Denso First Time Fit

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/uploads/post-19672-1160352502.jpg

Toyota OEM

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/uploads/post-19672-1160352520.jpg

Fram

https://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii49/BogusSVO/1985%20Thunderbird%20Turbo%20coupe/oil%20filters/DSCF4637.jpg

[shepd]

Some have found defective Fram filters (eg: The media isn't stuck together right out of the box), but we'll ignore those as they are the minority. What is normal with the cheap Frams (not the higher end ones) is that the filter ends are made of cardboard. This seems like (to most people) a bad idea since cardboard likes to dissolve in liquid. Other companies typically crimp with steel. Also the drainback valve design on Fram filters can be poor. These issues can, in some unusual circumstances, lead to the filter collapsing.

That being said, there's many who have used their filters without issues for decades. I only use Fram filters when they are significantly cheaper, because they are built like a cheap discount filter, they should be sold at that price. However, sometimes Fram filters are sold at "normal" prices, in which case, why buy not just buy something made better for the exact same price?

Only in one circumstance would I flat out refuse to use a Fram filter: If I were trying to minimize the number of oil changes I have to do. If I were using synthetic oil to try to get those crazy 10,000+ mile oil changes some people do, I think a discount filter is a very bad idea!

[IllusionX]

I've never had issues with fram filters, but they have ends made of cardboard, this is an issue when comes reliability.

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[Rigaud]

Fram = cheap!!! It's a hit and miss!!!

No thanks for me.

[bairjo]

Mobile1....blows them all away in capicity and quality. As for fram, you may as well put a roll of toilet paper in a a coffee can with an adapter to the oil filter threads.....

[LTHatch]

Used Fram on my last oil change, not a fan after hearing an odd taping on warm idle(after about 1500miles). Back to the OEM filter, noise is gone. Used Mobil 1 before, that filter was absolutely bad ass, 5K miles and the oil was clear just like when i first put it in.

If your wallet allows, try out Mobil 1 and go for 7k+ intervals with full synthetic.

[bronsin]

FRAM filters look crudely made to the general public, but they are tested in a lab to work. If they resulted in engines that wore out prematurely by this time they would be out of business.

Strangely they cost more than Purolator filters! :eek:

As long as you aren't going 10,000 miles between oil changes I think youll be fine.

[Rigaud]

FRAM filters look crudely made to the general public, but they are tested in a lab to work. If they resulted in engines that wore out prematurely by this time they would be out of business.

Strangely they cost more than Purolator filters! :eek:

As long as you aren't going 10,000 miles between oil changes I think youll be fine.

Yes however their the least effective filter to use. Don't know about you but I don't use cheap filters.

[nortonfb]

I've been using Denso (or Mann). Never saw the first time kit.
There is a number ( Denso 150-1006?) which is for the Yaris.
Since all the filters must meet SAE specs, I would be surprised to see a problem,
as long as they are used as intended.
I would opt for a better filter if I was running the car hard. Also I have the magnetic
drain plug.

[bronsin]

Yes however their the least effective filter to use. Don't know about you but I don't use cheap filters.

My 1974 VW Beetle had NO oil filter (and 2.5 quarts of oil) and the crank, rods, and camshaft and their bearings went 250,000 miles and still weren't worn out.

And that's an aircooled engine.

Cheap oil filters for me! :headbang:

[bail_w]

I use PureOne oil filters because I change engine oil every 5k miles. It is cheaper than mobile1 and the construction materials are on par with mobile1 (Metal end caps , silicon ADBV etc).

[ricardocanedo621]

I've been using Denso (or Mann). Never saw the first time kit.
There is a number ( Denso 150-1006?) which is for the Yaris.
Since all the filters must meet SAE specs, I would be surprised to see a problem,
as long as they are used as intended.
I would opt for a better filter if I was running the car hard. Also I have the magnetic
drain plug.

Denso First Time Fit is just a branding its the same as the one you mentioned. Denso 150-1000 is the one for our cars.

[ricardocanedo621]

My 1974 VW Beetle had NO oil filter (and 2.5 quarts of oil) and the crank, rods, and camshaft and their bearings went 250,000 miles and still weren't worn out.

And that's an aircooled engine.

Cheap oil filters for me! :headbang:

Isn't that a boxer engine? So a very different design than our cars with variable valve timing and such that can be damaged from particulates in the oil hence the reason for the oil filter.

[Kitt]

Thanks for the feedback folks, I'll return to denso/oem filters and keep you posted.

[bronsin]

Isn't that a boxer engine? So a very different design than our cars with variable valve timing and such that can be damaged from particulates in the oil hence the reason for the oil filter.

Yes its a boxer engine.

I would argue the fact that ALL the bearings were still in spec after 250k miles and NO oil filter means the modern features of our Yaris's engine wont be damaged either. And lets remember the FRAM filters are laboratory tested to a standard for modern cars. They meet the same standards as every other filter in their class for effectiveness and durability, no matter their dubious looking construction.

The notion that FRAM filters aren't up to snuff is a conclusion of non engineers with no lab to test oil filters and no experience in that field.

And then theres this. After around twelve years and ~125k miles the engine may be doing just fine but the rest of the car is a decade out of style and modern safety and convenience features.

For a lot of people that means new car time...

[shepd]

The start of this video is a good reason to not use Fram. It's one of the (more than just one!) youtubes where people have found the filter failed *before* use!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRRgw4B7R-I

Let's just imagine their engineering is great and that the cardboard is fine. Okay. Sure. Why not. I'd like their engineers to explain how a gap in the filter media is a good idea and why I'm an idiot for thinking it's a stupid idea. :)

[bronsin]

How do we know the filter wasn't damaged during deconstruction? :iono:How do we know the filter wasn't INTENTIONALLY damaged? :iono:

If these allegations are true FRAM is guilty as charged.

But their ass is covered because a defect like that wouldn't lead to catastrophic engine damage even over tens of thousands of miles. What we need here is more research.

Its a moot point for me because FRAM filters where I live are almost $2 more than Purolator filters so I only by FRAM if nothing else is available. Just the fact that FRAMs construction obviously costs less money yet the filters are priced higher is suspicious.

[Kitt]

actually, I did had an issue with a Fram filter. I started up my car in the morning and I noticed a weird noise. Next thing I noticed the oil was all over my garage's floor. I opened the hood and I noticed the filter was in the floor. I did the oil change two days prior to the incident, and I am pretty sure I tightened it well enough (I've changed the oil myself several times) so I changed the oil again and replaced the filter. Again, I am returning to OEM filter.

[bronsin]

I have an issue with a FRAM filter I just remembered!

It was ~1983 and I put a FRAM filter on my 1980 Subaru Hatchback ($4200 OTD) At idle the engine would knock or rattle. After a couple of starts it did this so I removed the FRAM filter and put on a Purolator. Rattle went away.

But I had bought 2 filters so when it was time to change the oil (being frugal) it put the other FRAM filter on. I was ready with another Purolator just in case. Sure enough it rattled at idle but not while driving. This time I changed the filter right away.

I think its worth relating another similar story. ~2008 I bought my son a 2000 ECHO with 117k on it for $3000. The car was like new. The woman selling it drove it to work and back and took it to the dealer for maintenance. But thinking the car was worn out she sold it and bought a new car. I told my son "This car is for while youre in college. After you graduate sell it and get another one."

He didnt do that his girl friend liked it so much they kept it. Unfortunately my son is not as rigorous as me nor does he like changing the oil and things like that. When he would come to visit I always checked the car over. Twice there was no oil on the dipstick! (and many times 15psi in the tires, one of which blew up on him and his gf going 80 on the freeway) Yet when we sold the car a year or so ago it had 200,000 miles on it and the engine ran very well.

So you see...

[mimelio]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIcFgjEikUY

[bronsin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFVNESOwLyk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cttLaWepdL0

[shepd]

Fram damns itself by only using cardboard on their low end filters. The excuse given that they need a deep well to seal the irregularities in the higher end filters is bunk---you and I have both seen how easy it is to make a cup out of cardboard. Why aren't their high end filters using cardboard? It isn't because of what the video stated, because you can do that with cardboard.