Re: Oil filter/Quickie oil changes

[William Elliott <CN=William.Elliott/OU=MKE/OU=CORP/O=MMS#064#MMS%lngw@wtgw.corp.mei.com>]

> > Why are Frams such bad filters?  I have heard this, but am curious why?<<
<SNIP>

> I've done a fair bit of data gathering.  What I've uncovered about Fram
> so far:
>    taking hits, not only from some qlist members but on other lists.
>    Fram is the only "name brand" mentioned in catastrophic filter
>    failures causing a sudden, large loss of oil by failing at the
>    gasket or, in a couple of incidents, they just split open (still
>    trying to verify that engine oil pressure regulator was not the
>    problem).>>

<SNIP>

>  >>  to confuse you, not all Fram comments are bad -  in fact one list
>    had a member who dissected several brands and found Fram to be above
>    average (have not read report in its entirety so I don't know if it
>    has applicability to Fram filters for Audi apps.).>>

<< Just to add a brief comment on filter failures. I used an AC/Delco filter
on my Toyota truck and the engine started clicking at idle. When I changed
the filter, something was rattling around inside of it, I didn't take it
apart, but I'm thinking it was probably the pressure bypass valve, in other
words, the filter became worthless at some point in it's life. I was going
to go after AC/Delco for damage to my engine, but lost interest when other
problems started cropping up and I decided to trade it in.>>

<<I will NEVER buy AC/Delco filters again.>>

I'm on several discussion groups and its true that every single one disparages
FRAM.  But every one also seems to have a favorite filter.  Here it's
the Mann, on the Corvair group... it's the AC/Delco... for obvious reasons.

How about another theory..... Frams are universally maligned because:

1.  They didn't come "stock" on anything.
2.  They are the most common brand at the do-it-yerself autoparts stores.
3.  They are fairly common at the monkey-lads-do-it-to-ya shops.
4.  An oil filter failure, while rare, is catastrophic, often resulting in HUGE 
repair bills.
5.  There is NEVER operator error (overtightening, etc.) so the filter MUST
be to blame. ;-)

I've used Fram and AC/Delco for years... and I have never had (nor witnessed)
an oil filter incident that was not induced by operator error. If Fram (or any 
other
aftermarket manufacturer) had serious quality/design problems, I doubt they'd
still be in business, much less be a dominant force in the marketplace.

Anyway...it's just a theory ....and I don't have any "real" facts... and 
YMMV....

Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI