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Anyone else have this problem with Fram Oil filters?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 26Tudor, Mar 27, 2012.

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  1. Okay, I have been using Fram Filters since almost before I can remember. I've read a few things about how they have gone downhill in quality over the last couple of years...
    I changed the oil pan on the Model T Sunday, so I now have more than 2-1/2 inches of clearance on a cast aluminum pan (yeah, it's a Chevy V6, it's what I had, and it was cheap, and hell, it's 3/4 of a SBC anyway...)
    So I get everything buttoned up, spin on the new Fram Oil Filter, fill the engine full of oil, and fire it up. Great, no leaks, everything looks good...my buddy Dave says "give it a little gas" so I went to about 2,000-2500....I saw the look in his eyes, and was reaching for the key before he had a chance to shout "SHUT IT OFF!!!!"

    The oil filter had blown off. I mean it came right off the threaded insert in the block.
    I checked the filter, looked at the threads, they "looked" okay, so I stuck it back on
    (after I cleaned up the Model T Valdez on the garage floor). I KNOW I had a good 10-12 threads on that thing, and got it good and snug, seated and an extra 1/2 turn. Tried it again. Hit 2,000 rpm (about 65 psi) and POW off it came again.
    Cleaned up THAT mess, went to the parts store, got a Wix filter, screwed it on, and no more problems. No leaks, and didn't blow off.
    I looked at the threads, and there's nothing obviously wrong with them, but that Fram filter went right into the trash.
    Anyone else have troubles like this?
     
  2. zman
    Joined: Apr 2, 2001
    Posts: 16,730

    zman
    Member
    from Garner, NC

    If you do a search there are a few threads about Fram problems. Now what happened to you is exactly what happened to a whole bunch of their motorcycle filters in the 90's. It was bad enough that a couple of racing sanctioning bodies wouldn't allow Fram filters.
     
  3. Years ago, make that decades ago, Fram filters were highly regarded and accepted as the filter to use. Then they quietly off shored them to Mexico and they've been crap since. Pay the extra for a WIX or Napa Gold which I think are the same thing.
     
  4. Yep lost a motor myself.Fram is now junk your problem according to many experienced mechanics is the poor quality threading process ( along with lots of other issues ) is sloppy loose.
     

  5. iFlip
    Joined: Jul 8, 2010
    Posts: 173

    iFlip
    Member
    from San Angelo

    I've always been told to stay away from fram for as long as i can remember.
     
  6. tfeverfred
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 15,791

    tfeverfred
    Member Emeritus

    WORST. FILTER. EVER. My experience is on an OT car. Filter blew right off in the way you described! Guys at the parts store thought it was funny. Then I told 'em I'd never be back. Got a refund and a new, different filter. Haven't looked back.
     
  7. tooljunkie
    Joined: Oct 18, 2010
    Posts: 209

    tooljunkie
    Member
    from manitoba

    fram filters have been top on my list of things not to buy.seals stick to block when removed.quite often so stuck they need to be demolished to remove.
    the filter media is less than any other on the market-just weigh one compared to another brand.
    the blow off issue may be filters incorrectly labelled.
    i have had more bad experiences with fram than any other brands.
     
  8. Your not the only one, just do a search. I'm surprised they are still allowed to sell that crap.
     
  9. tommyd
    Joined: Dec 10, 2010
    Posts: 11,946

    tommyd
    Member
    from South Indy

    They are the filter of choice for all Wal Mart tire,lube express shops.....need I say more? And dang it!, they dumped Cory Mac as their T/F driver.:mad:
     
  10. boutlaw
    Joined: Apr 30, 2010
    Posts: 1,239

    boutlaw
    Member

    Used Fram for years, never had a problem, but after reading all the problems people were having, I changed all the filters on my vehicles to NAPA Gold, and at the same time decided to cut open a Fram, which only had about 50 miles on it, and check out the number of filter accordian folds and structure. The surface area of the Fram filter folds was practically non existant vs what I was used to when inspecting Champion oil filters removed from aircraft for many years. I could not believe how few accordian folds were present in the filter. I never had a Fram failure, but after seeing the lack of filter surface area, I am convinced that the filtering capability suffers. I won't ever use Fram again. I heard the Fram HP's were a better quality filter, but have not cut one open to investigate. I will cut open the NAPA Gold at the next filter change to compare, and I expect it to be much better in quality. Back in the day, Fram was THE filter, apparently profit margin trumps quality these days in the Fram coporate world.
     
  11. von zipper
    Joined: Nov 23, 2008
    Posts: 1,015

    von zipper
    Member

    I shudder every time I see one on a car! GARBAGE!!!
     
  12. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    when you go to O'Reily's the filter wall is a sea of orange, Fram everywhere you look. had to ask at the counter to get something else... I think I got a WIX but I forget now.

    I used Fram filters on all my cars since the 70's with no problems ever. Never heard about them being inferior until I had a 289 built for an OT car I had. I ran into the machinist driving around before the hood was on. he looks at my beautiful new restored engine compartment and all he can say is "I can't believe you put a Fram on that motor, get a WIX."

    so between him and the HAMB, I have stopped using them.
     
  13. GeezersP15
    Joined: Dec 4, 2011
    Posts: 555

    GeezersP15
    Member
    from N.E. PA

    Years ago, I always used Fram filters. I never had a problem with them back then, but after reading all the negative reports on them nowadays, I now buy NAPA Gold or Wix filters. No more Fram filters on any of my vehicles, ever. My vehicles are too important to me to use garbage oil filters.:(
     
  14. I'm pretty sure I'm due for a oil change on the roadster, I'm pushing 300 miles on my Fram filter. It's comming off tomorrow, Thanks guys!! :eek:
     
  15. I must have performed the search function wrong, then.
    Like I said, I have been using Fram filters since the 70's, and this is the first one I ever had problems with. Guess I was just lucky.
    Guess I know better know, WIX or NAPA gold for me, from now on.
    Thanks for the info, HAMBer's, and thanks for not giving me any crap about running a V6....
     
  16. B Ramsey
    Joined: Mar 29, 2009
    Posts: 646

    B Ramsey
    Member

    ive had 2 filters blow on my vw, one was a bosch, cant remember the other one. unfolded the seam at the top....now i use k&n's
     
  17. mustang6147
    Joined: Feb 26, 2010
    Posts: 1,847

    mustang6147
    Member
    from Kent, Ohio

    I use NAPA gold ot Mobile 1. Fram sucks. I had a cut out of a fram filter, at it was shocking the carboard an glue used to make them.
     
  18. Don's Hot Rods
    Joined: Oct 7, 2005
    Posts: 8,319

    Don's Hot Rods
    Member
    from florida

    I wouldn't use one on a bet. A few weeks ago I went into Autozone for oil and a filter for my daily driver and as I was looking at the various oils the Manager walked up and asked if I needed any help. I told him I was ok, but he saw the Bosch oil filter in my hand and asked me if I saw their special that had 5 quarts of Valovaline oil and a Fram filter. I said I just won't use a Fram filter and he said "I have the authority to swap another brand filter into that package deal. " So I bought the oil and the Bosch filter, and now I know I can avoid getting a Fram filter when they have that deal again.

    Fram was THE filter to buy at one time, not sure why, but they sure don't have that reputation any more. Our local Advance Auto Parts has a display cut open Fram filter and it is all collapsed inside, which is what I understand happens when they fail.

    Don
     
  19. Beef Stew
    Joined: Oct 9, 2008
    Posts: 1,253

    Beef Stew
    Member
    from So Cal

    i must be one of the lucky few because i've never had a problem with fram filters. the only one problem i did have was one time i had a filter that developed a tick. thought there was a problem with the engine then used the big-screwdriver-to-your-ear stethoscope and pin pointed down to the filter. changed the filter out and no more tick. only problem i've had in 15 years.
     
  20. von zipper
    Joined: Nov 23, 2008
    Posts: 1,015

    von zipper
    Member

    My tech teacher taught me, if you have a Ford(Motorcraft) G.M.(AC-Delco) thats what they were designed to use!
     

  21. Your tic may have been from the bypass due to a collapsed filter.
     
  22. Rocky Famoso
    Joined: Mar 30, 2008
    Posts: 3,000

    Rocky Famoso
    BANNED

    Well, another well established name has been whored out.
    Thanks for the heads up Guys...
    ...
     
  23. Curly5759
    Joined: Jan 23, 2012
    Posts: 66

    Curly5759
    Member
    from Aridzona

    I started using Fram in H.S., never had a problem. Switched to Napa Gold about 5 yrs ago.
    Recently, I went to order a filter for my 59 caddy. Napa price was getting close to $14, Fram was $5. I took a chance and ordered 3. Looked good, so I installed one on my 50 Cad. Filter fit poorly, so I took a closer look. Shorter, missing the o-ring at the top of the filter. Took it out and put in a Napa. Trashed the other filters. Fram = Never again.

    Curly
     
  24. One Finger John
    Joined: Mar 18, 2009
    Posts: 459

    One Finger John
    Member

    Try going to bobistheoilguy.com very informative.
     
  25. deadbeat
    Joined: May 3, 2006
    Posts: 655

    deadbeat
    Member

    Ive been using Fram PH32 on my FE's for ever & only just went to buy one yesterday from my local auto parts store.Was strongly advised not to use one ever again.Thought that was strange(figured he was on a commission for other brand etc) as I have never had any issues with them & now I read this! Thanks for the heads up
     
  26. Just saw a TV ad on (of all places) the Military Channel by Purolator comparing their filter against a "competitior" with an orange case/black textured end. Showed a comparison of the competition's cardboard inner plate versus Purolator's metal one. Pretty obvious to me the competition was a Fram.
     
  27. we WILL NOT use a fram filter in our shop for any reason. too many reported headaches.

    wix is our filter of choice.

    Napa silver and gold are WIX. the silver is the OE equivalent and the gold is the top dog.

    i've found that the napa filter is cheaper than oreilly because at oreilly it comes in a wix box. the oreilly wix filter is the same as a napa gold.
     
  28. slowmotion
    Joined: Nov 21, 2011
    Posts: 3,330

    slowmotion
    Member

    I've probably used hundreds of Frams over the years. Heard the rumblings a few years ago about the quality going in the shitter. Never had an issue, other than maybe a gasket sticking on removal. With reports of filters blowing clean off, I'm done. Thanks for the reality slap.
     
  29. barobert
    Joined: Apr 14, 2010
    Posts: 104

    barobert
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thank's for the informations, I didn't know that.
     
  30. Dan in Pasadena
    Joined: Sep 11, 2009
    Posts: 867

    Dan in Pasadena
    Member

    I've got a Fram on the 283 in my '55 Chevy truck right now. No problems with it but after reading all the negative I'll pull it off this weekend and go looking for a Napa Gold.
     
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