An oil filter is only as good as the parts used inside and how those parts
are assembled.
There are a lot of different grades of filter paper available. Fram uses an
inexpensive one due to the volumes involved. Therefore it does not filter as
well as the paper used by some other makers. Second, the pleating of a
filter is there to increase the surface area. Fram does not pleat as much as
others. Where the two ends of the filter element meet to create a cylinder
of filter paper, most makers glue the joint to make sure there is no bypass
of the element. Fram simply tucks one end inside a pleat on the other.
Most makers glue the cylinder of filter paper into a stamped metal end cap
filled with a substance called plastisol which goes in hot, the filter is
pushed into it. When it hardens, it is leak proof. Fram glues on a piece of
paper card stock that looks like the back of a note tablet. And when there
is a bypass valve installed in an end cap, most makers spot weld the valve
into the metal end cap, or crimp it at the very least. Fram simply drops it
into a hole in the paper end cap and maybe puts a spring behind it to keep
it in place.
It is the sacrifice of quality to enable a cheap price on the market. Be
aware that Fram is one of the largest private label filter makers out there.
A lot of store brands are made by Fram.
Cut open a few different brands of oil filters and see for yourself.
Larry Steckel
>From: "Michael R. DeBusk" <mdebusk@vt.edu>
>Reply-To: "Michael R. DeBusk" <mdebusk@vt.edu>
>To: autox@autox.team.net
>Subject: Fram Oil Filters
>Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 12:24:51 -0500
>
>I've been running Frams for a long time. Now it sounds like some knowing
>people know a good reason that they're not good. Would those of you who
>possess this secret be willing to enlighten the rest of us? Or are you
>just superstitious about the orange color?
>
>
>_______________________________________________________________
>I'm on AOL Instant Messanger. My screen name is Maxtang 96
>
> 1987 Ford Taurus
> 4 cly. 5-speed, FWD
> (Yes, I Auto-x that thing)
_________________________________________________________________
|