Why are guys so down on FRAM oil filters?

I hear guys say "never use FRAM oil filters" all the time. Are there any documented impartial comparison tests to show that they are not good? I've been using them in my cars for years with good results. Had an 1982 Accord with 400,000 Kms on it. It used less than 1 lt of oil in 12000kms (Honda's recommended oil change interval). Are claims of damage caused by FRAM filters just anecdotal, or are there any scientific studies to back up these claims?

i use what ever i can find and i really have no prefernce myself never had or seen a filter related issue myself and i have been a professional motorcycle mech for almost 20 years i have used stock o.e filters, emgo ,fram,napa,wix amsoil, cci i have used them all the only thing i have really noticed different between brands is the size of the holes in the steel mesh around them and that to me is not really a concern

Galactica wrote:

I hear guys say "never use FRAM oil filters" all the time. Are there any documented impartial comparison tests to show that they are not good? I've been using them in my cars for years with good results. Had an 1982 Accord with 400,000 Kms on it. It used less than 1 lt of oil in 12000kms (Honda's recommended oil change interval). Are claims of damage caused by FRAM filters just anecdotal, or are there any scientific studies to back up these claims?

12,000 kms? holy toledo! well I guess if that oil change interval got you to 400,000

I used to work parts at a Dodge dealer in a different lifetime, and at the time, there were reports of the filter element paper coming apart in the oil on the Cummins Diesel equipped trucks. The paper supposedly would plug small oil galleries and cause the death of your engine.

I must say that I never witnessed this myself, and had used Frams with good success until that time. I did quit using them at the time out of fear, but honestly don't think that there is really an issue. Look at how many people buy their oil change supplies at Wal-Mart. It would be an epidemic if there was really a problem.

i'm pretty sure fram would be out of business by this time if they had that bad of quality control. and never dealt with it.

timebomb33 wrote:

i'm pretty sure fram would be out of business by this time if they had that bad of quality control. and never dealt with it.

+1

We can beat the issue one more time.

Here is some reading.

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...limitstart=20#318943



www.tobycreek.org/oil_filters/

this is my take, years ago I built 2 motors, and used a fram filter on both, they had a lifter knock at start up, which is a sign of oil pressure problems, but when I installed my manuel gauge oil pressuer was fine but it did have a drop on start up.
Talked to a couple of mech friends, both said the same thing, replace the fram filter and add oil to fill.
I only changed the filter and added oil, guess what, no more lifter knock.
I have also seen some fram fuel filters come apart and screw up the fuel pumps, before fuel injection.

These may have been isolated issues, but it was enough for me to say no to fram

Oh I believe they dealt with it. But also did some dubious actions to minimize their damages. I did see examples of collapsed filters and pretty weak quality control. Would I use a Fram today. I guess if I had to. Like was said if they did not fix it they would not be in business today. I have had trouble washing the original taste out of my mouth and have a long and very good memory. But companies do not survive 20 years making junk for automobiles. They'd catch a wrench upsides the head at the very least. But I automatically reach around the Frams. Is my prejudice justified today? Probably not. But I have to deal with it.

I have been using Fram filters for 30 years in my car engines without any issues. Also just put one in the old KZ. I have been working as a mechanic for the same company that I have been with for 16 years, but I have been with the same company now for 32 years. I use Fram here at the shop all the time.

Haven't used Fram in the bike but used Fram PH2951 in a 1986 Toyota Tercel and got 246,000 miles out of it before the transmission died. Changed oil & filter every 2,500 miles, never seemed to have a problem. But I know lots of guys around here don't like them one bit.

I only have anecdotes regarding Fram. Oddly, even though I now use many other brands, I don't have any anecdotes for those.