Fram VS Quaker State Oil Filters

[JW657]

I know there's tons of oil filter comparisons out on the internet, but here's one for the hell of it.

Filter Info:

Rebranded Fram filter.
Quaker State filter. Probably made by Purolator, according to what I can find online.

I had the Fram cut open and sitting outside for awhile, so the cardboard end caps deteriorated slightly.

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The End Plates:
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The Fram end plate also serves as the bypass valve. The plate itself has to seal against the cardboard filter. The design seems simple and effective. Some people complain about this part of a Fram filter, but I think it would work fine.

Nothing much to talk about with the Quaker State end plate, it's pretty much just a stamped steel plate, nothing more.

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The Inlet Plate
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The Fram inlet plate has much smaller holes compared to the Quaker State. I can't imagine how this is good for flow, but I guess it works.

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End Caps:
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The Fram looks almost identical on both sides. The Quaker State has a lip that the anti-drainback valve sits on, keeping it in place. The Fram does not, it simply seals against the cardboard. In my opinion, the Fram design is very poor, you will see that in the next pictures.

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End Caps 2:
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The Quaker State has its bypass built right into the steel end cap. The design appears to be very good.

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Filter Pleats:
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From what I can see, I would say the Quaker State has 3 filter pleats for every 2 on the Fram filter. The Fram is a larger filter, though. I will measure the total sq in of the filter media later.

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Anti-Drainback Valve
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The anti-drainback valve on the Fram is crap in my opinion. The filter I cut open had around 6,000 miles on it. The rubber was very shiny and stiff, almost like plastic. I doubt it seals very well at all.

The anti-drainback valve on the Quaker State is very well designed. It is smaller, but it snaps onto the end cap of the filter. The rubber is much softer and more pliable, compared to the Fram.



Other thoughts:

The Fram filter had a thinner gauge steel shell compared to the Quaker State. I didn't make this thread to bash Fram or people who like to use Fram. I am sure they probably work well enough for most people. Personally, I would not buy the Fram considering that it costs roughly the same as the other filter in the comparison. In my opinion, Fram does not give you much for your money, at least compared to what other brands do.

[downhill]

Put a WIX up against the Quacker One. Even more better~~~ Fram not so good, Wix and some others very good.

[JW657]

Originally Posted by downhill

Put a WIX up against the Quacker One. Even more better~~~ Fram not so good, Wix and some others very good.

I'm gonna pick up a wix for the next oil change, so I can cut one open eventually. I'm not set on one oil filter brand, I like trying new stuff.

About 4300 miles until the next change, I got a quaker state on there right now.

[Markcuda]

I just thought that every one knew Fram was junk by now.
How long has the Internet been available,1995ish?

[JW657]

Originally Posted by Markcuda

I just thought that every one knew Fram was junk by now.
How long has the Internet been available,1995ish?

I wouldn't call them junk personally. I don't think they're worth the cost, though. I think the anti-drainback valve is poorly designed on the tough guard filter, but I hear the higher end models are better. If they were $1.99, I would buy them no problem, but I'm not paying more for less. I'm sure they filter the oil and do their job, but not well enough to justify the price. I think people are obsessed with bashing Fram, I try not to jump on that bandwagon.

Also, if everyone knows they're junk, why is Fram one of the most recognizable and popular brands of oil filter out there?

[Markcuda]

Also, if everyone knows they're junk, why is Fram one of the most recognizable and popular brands of oil filter out there?

Because peeps like you still use them

[JW657]

Originally Posted by Markcuda

Because peeps like you still use them

Once in 5 years. Out of maybe 20 oil filters. I tend to think it's because most people have a life and don't tend to care about that stuff, oil filter quality is probably not high on most peoples list of priorities.

[Markcuda]

Well, when I change my oil, or have it changed, I will buy what I think is the best oil filter for my application.
Will I skimp on a oil filter, no way.
But, it all boils down to how much a person values his/her motorized possessions.
It's all good.