Oil Filters

[Fringe Ryder <Fringe@ai.net>]

I used almost exclusively Fram filters on my '87 Ford Escort (bought new in
'87), except when I took it to a quick-change place (I don't know what they
put in).  I drive the pup hard - even broke the rack, three engine mounts,
several springs, and more - but after 110000, the engine compression is
still with-in original spec.

Fram may be designed cheap, but they do work.  If all's well, you'll never
need the pressure relief valve, and an expensive one won't do better than a
cheap one.  There are cheaper (i.e. less expensive) filters than Fram, but
Fram was rated tops in C.R.  I do agree that it's silly to skimp on the
filter  - if you have any doubts, use the branded one.

Just my $0.02.  

>I have taken few oil filters apart from cars I have changed oil ( I 
>used to work part time at a garage) and have found that the Fram oil 
>filter is one of the cheapest designed and made of all of the ones 
>I've taken apart.  I was getting them free becouse I worked there, 
>but after the discovery I was glad to pay extra for the VW/Audi 
>filters.
>There is only one thin strip of steel acting as the pressure reliefe 
>valve.  God knows how many liters of oil have gone unfiltered due to 
>that thin strip of steel. 
>You can save a few bucks now, but the engine will get you later with 
>a bigger bill!
>Stick to stock or better and do not compromize.
>