Switching too synthetic......

[schwinn]

It is well worth the extra few dollars to go with a quality oil filter. Most of the parts store branded filters (NAPA, Carquest) are actually made by WIX. They make an excellent quality filter with good flow. FRAM is popular, but is plainly an inferior product when compared to a WIX filter http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/614803-great-cutaway-fram-vs-other-filter.html Otherwise, you can never go wrong with the OE Subaru filter, which is now made by Honeywell.

There was a youtube video a while ago from a guy who tore apart a recent Subaru filter versus the matching Fram... they were pretty much the same inside (I think the rubber material for the ADB was different?)

 

In addition, Fram was made by Allied Signal, which has recently merged with Honeywell... so it makes sense that the new Subaru filters are (essentially) Frams.

 

The video was taken down, but there is the relevant thread from BITOG here: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1783790&page=1

[JoeFromPA]

When a recent engine failure can be shown to be caused by a OEM or fram oil filter running an oil interval it was designed for, I'll believe they cause problems.

 

With the frequent oem oil intervals, your engine is staying clean and the filter is fine.

 

If you want to stretch intervals, a purolator pure one PL14610 is a great choice.

 

Regarding people who make statements like, "My friend runs this and he loves it." I always ask, "Based upon what?"

 

We've got people on here with 100k+ LGTs who have been running the cheapest possible dino for 3k intervals, others running nothing but synthetic, and still others running long-drain intervals with more expensive oils....some people have UOAs showing results, others don't care.

 

And you know what, almost everyone says they are very happy with their regime.

[rao]

It seems like oil filters are more trouble than they are worth. Does anybody sell a kit so you don't have to use a filter. A quality synthetic oil shouldn't need a filter since it is engineered to be clean.

[subie_dude05]

I have found the best way to keep the oil clean is by not letting it ever enter the motor!!!

 

http://kalecoauto.com/images/EBypass.jpg

 

Modern synthetic oil is very expensive - so why run the risk of getting it dirty by running it through your motor block? KaleCoAuto bypass kit comes with everything you need to run the oil around your motor block where it will do more good. Oil runs cooler, and as a result, there may be horsepower gains!

 

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8

[rao]

That makes a lot of sense.

[Dergara]

Use regular motor oil and change it every 3000 miles. If you have to use a synthetic use only a blend so you can switch back if needed. I have heard that pure synthetics can cause some issues with seals if you were to switch back to regular oil.

[rao]

That sounds bad. I always thought that synthetic blends only gave you approximately 50% of the benefits of a pure synthetic, depending on what group the true synthetic was based upon.

[schwinn]

When a recent engine failure can be shown to be caused by a OEM or fram oil filter running an oil interval it was designed for, I'll believe they cause problems.

I made no statement about how good/bad the Fram is... but I simply wanted to point out to the Fram-haters that the new Subaru filter is made by Fram (Honeywell/Allied Signal)

 

As for the actual problems with Fram, I provide these references:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f4/47364-best-oil-filter-2.html#post848027

http://www.tobycreek.org/oil_filters/fram.shtml talks about one person seeing damage from carboard/glue coming off the filter. It also references some recalls, though those were due to the filter coming off the motor (thread improperly made).

 

Not oil filter related, but Fram air filters falling apart (granted, only two people reported this, but still, makes you wonder about quality control): http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-engines/396554-dealership-blaming-noise-fram-oil-filter-11.html

 

Granted, these are just "people on the internet" so you have to doubt the veracity of the information, but considering they are the ONLY company to use cardboard end caps, it makes you wonder why. For a few extra bucks, I find it's worth it to use a non-Fram filter.

 

The rest of your statement is certainly valid... I'm not saying you're wrong in any way. Just that I know I prefer to NOT use Fram, considering this information, and the teardowns that others have done.