oil filters

[lyndon sharpton]

anyone here use Fram oil filters, are everyone just use AC Delco parts? the reason I was asking is that Fram has a new filter in the PF 25 size that is for older high milage engines, that has something in the filter that it put into the oil as it flows through it. the filter is called HM30. they/Fram says it is a additied. I am wondering if it is like STP? any one know?

[Patrick H.]

Re: oil filters

I wouldn't put a Fram on any of my cars:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

[Donald B.]

Re: oil filters

I have used Fram filters, almost exclusively, in my two Toyotas. One has 300k+ and the other 200k+. Neither has ever had the engine even touched ! I change the oil and filter every 2,500 miles.

[Jack W.]

Re: oil filters [I will never use Fram]

ditto - as a motorcycle (sportbike) rider, I have a long memory for such things like Fram oil filters failing (and after blowing off, your bike's engine was left to spew oil, not a good thing if you are counting on just two wheels' worth of traction), which led to some motorcycle tracks banning their use for a time. All of this is a part of history now, I know, but still you have to draw the line sometimes and stick to it . . . .

[Tom S.]

Re: oil filters [I will never use Fram]

I have been in the filter bussiness for many year's. I have been to all the filter manufacturers facility's. And I will tell you one thing for certain. There are only [4 ] MAJOR filter manufacturer's in the U.S. They all tool up to make specific part numbers and then proceed to trade part number's with each other.As far as air filter manufacturers there are only [2] Major's.The last I knew the AC filters were made by Fleetgaurd which is owned by Cummin's engine company.That is not to say all part number's of the AC line.Cat filter's are made by Fleetguard, and Mack's filter's are made by Fram.Then the manufacturer's bid out thier filter production every so often so you don't know who is making the supposed O E filter at any given time.This has been my experience since begining in the part's bussiness in 1967. Tom

[Terry M.]

Re: oil filters

I thought Champion Labs made most of the AC Delco oil filters.
So long as Fram doesn't make the AC Delco oil filters, I don't care

[Tom S.]

Re: oil filters

Terry
Champion might have the contract at this time.By the way Fram never did have it as far back as I can remember.But you also have to remember that Fram, Wix, and the other's make the filter's to manufacturers spec's, so I would not be afraid of an AC filter no matter who made it for them. Tom

[Terry M.]

Re: oil filters

Good point. It is the specifications that determine the quality of the product. I wouldn't be surprised if a different manufacturer makes the black UPF filters (I forget what they call them), as an added complication.
There was a time, and might still be, when the filters installed on the engines at the assembly plant were different specifications (and not just the paint color) than the service oil filters. That also could have changed.

[Jack W.]

Re: oil filters [I will never use Fram]

time to find the oil filter study links, you are right about a few manufacturers making the bulk of the filters sold by others:

http://www.oilfilterstudy.com

and this one

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

are the two best known. always interesting.

as for my Fram (Allied Signal) issues, I admit it is an irrational emotional position, but so was buying my 65 Vette

[Terry M.]

more oil filters

Too bad we can't edit. For more than you would ever want to know about oil, and oil filters see:

www.bobistheoilguy.com

That group is to oil, grease, lubricants and filters (oil & air) as we are to Corvettes.

[Scott S.]

Re: oil filters [I will never use Fram]

Donaldson makes a lot of the Cat filters. They also make them for Detroit Diesel as well as for Mack. This comes directly from our Donaldson rep.

[Tom S.]

Re: oil filters [I will never use Fram]

Scott
I am sure that Donaldson does make some filter's for Detroit and Mack as well as Cat. As I said earlier no 1 filter manufacturer makes all the different part numbers. They all swap numbers back and forth with each other.My point is the average consumer doesn't know what brand of filter he is taking out of the box.Just because the box say's Donaldson it doesn't mean Donaldson manufactured the filter.And it is a 25-50% chance that they didn't. I was at the Fleetguard plant at Cookville Tn. not to long ago and on that particular day they were running Cat and Detroit filter's,side by side.Tom

[Duke W.]

What about Baldwin?

I use a Baldwin PA640 in my Cosworth Vega. It's an ancient design that is used by Clark Equipment forklifts and Thermo King refrigeration units. Compared to the PA 640 the AC and Fram equivalents look like junk and the PA 640 fits the filter housing better.

Baldwin is located in Keaney, Nebraska and AFAIK their products are American made. They are a respected name in the medium and HD truck trade.

Duke

[Tom S.]

Re: What about Baldwin?

Duke
Baldwin is a very good quality filter. As a matter of fact all the major U.S. filter are pretty good quality. I have some that I prefer over other's. And some part number's in certain brand's are suprior to other brand's of the application.Fleetguard is a very good filter in all part number's that I have checked.it is as I said owened by Cummin's engine co. I don't know anyone much more knowledgeable than a major engine co.But again they also swap number's with other manufacturer's. Tom