Cheap filters

[smitht@unb.ca (Tim Smith)]

> > 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 

Generally accepted not to use FRAM filters on VW and Porsche.  The FRAMS are
too restrictive to flow and can build up sufficient internal pressure to not
only blow the gasket but split the can wide.  This has been mentioned on
P-files list and vanagon list.  FRAMs constriction also causes the main oil
bypass valve in the block to open, and it may jam open if pushed really far,
like on a sudden downshift.  What then happens is that at idle the bypass is
still open, pressure is essentially zero.  Know one Jetta with that problem,
guy didn't heed the warning lights, as he had just had fresh oil and filter
put in. Spun the mains.  Jetta was still under warranty, VW walked away from
it, so did FRAM, owner SOL. He save about $3 over an OEM filter.  FRAMS will
also trigger the low pres. warning in vanagons when hot and pulling off the
highway, constriction is enough to drop sender pressure to <9psi with hot
oil at lower RPMs.  VW-Porsche-Audi isn't it? See a trend?  Tim Smith