Fram is not my filter of choice, but they are not as bad as posts in forums make them out to be. I sold filters for about 40 years until Walmart came to town and kept dropping the price until I quit selling them. My preference is a Purolator, but If I had a Fram on an engine, I wouldn't put out the effort of changing it. When times were tough and parts were expensive and labor was cheap, it was common to wash filter elements in gas and reuse them and the old engines survived. If your engine has no other problems, it will survive with a Fram.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

I was nervous about posting a pic with a Fram filter in it!

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to comment.  I too have heard bad things about Fram...but never put enough fear in me to get me to go out of my way to get a different brand.

Never had an oil problem and I've used Fram forever (for some reason I like blaze orange) I'm sure they aren't the best, but how bad can they be? (now i've asked for it!)

Edited*********

Yeah, after a little internet research Fram seems pretty crappy...maybe after initial starting I"ll change it out..probably a good idea anyway since new oil will probably pick up some of the mess under the valve covers.

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan

 

I have a filter wrench that is like a large socket that fits the bottom of the Motorcraft FL-1, it has a 3/8" drive and with a few extensions I can remove the filter without breaking a sweat. I also have 1 for the FL-400 I have on my Windstar, I do not think I could get that one off any other way. They were about $12 each and worth every penny.

Kev: Yes, I've heard the same information about Frams. However, when installed in a tight spot on some engines, they have one thing going for them, the grip setup. Some other filters particularly if installed to tight, are near impossible to get off, due to the slippery case.

Paul

Good job, now get rid of that fram filter and get a Motorcraft FL-1 or it's equivlent from Napa.

Fram is the worst rated filter by several people who have cut the major brands open and examined the construction.

Unfortunately, the rocker panels can't be protected by undercoating or anything else. Dirt gets trapped inside of them and gets wet and doesn't dry out and they rust from the inside out. They even rust out down here in Texas from sand getting trapped inside. This happened to cars that never saw a salted road. The same goes for the front cross member. You were lucky to get the oil filter nut off without modifying a socket. I don't think I ever accomplished it without grinding down a socket.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Yep!  too bad they didn't get the rocker panels coated in oil sludge...they could've used a little more rust protection.

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan

 

Good job Nate!  Looks a little grimey under there but I bet that keeps the rust away there in Wisconsin.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Success!  Didn't have to modify the socket to get it off afterall, just needed the proper length socket extension to get a good set on the nut...and have the wrench sticking down in a good location through all the steering linkage etc.  Also some other photos of under my car for fun! (can you tell what part of the car is under all that sludge?)

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan

 

Just take it slow, if you get the socket too hot it will weaken it.

later,

BP