Cheap filters....

[Andrew Buc <72220.443@compuserve.com>]

 > Off the top of my head, differences include the following:
 
 > a)  Inside thread
 > b)  Outside diameter
 > c)  Total capacity (1/2 qt. vs. 1 qt. vs other)
 > d)  Anti-drainback valve, or not?
 > e)  Bypass valve, or not?
 > f)   Quality of filtration material.
 > g)  How well the filter gasket is supported.
 
Size of gasket, also. At least according to criteria a) and b), a Fram PH3387A 
should be interchangeable with the more expensive PH2846B, which my Peugeot 
504 takes. Some years ago a Peugeot Owners Club member wrote in the newsletter 
that he'd gotten a leak w/the PH3387A. A couple of months ago I started 
digging through the Fram catalog, and I found that the canisters for the two 
filters were the same size, but the gaskets differed in diameter and 
thickness. I threw the issue out on the Compu$erve Cars forum, and someone who 
seemed to know what he was talking about thought that could well account for 
the leak.
 
 
--Andrew Buc, Seattle, WA; Internet: 72220.443@compuserve.com