Has anybody ever had a breakdown related to the quality of the filter? Seems to me that most people change their oil and filter between 3,000 and 7,000 miles. A filter would have to be pretty bad to cause a breakdown in that short of time. Although the info on the Fram filters leads me to believe it might break down and clog itself causing a loss of oil flow. I run an Amsoil filter and haven't had a breakdown related with that after 12,500 miles on each filter change. Oil tests show it to be filtering fine. I think if you change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles you could use any filter and be OK. I would stay away from the Fram though.

 

Ok, kind of going out on a limb here, so if I am wrong someone please correct me. The Fram filter from what I understand has a check value that lets the oil drain back to the pain where as a better filter like Motorcraft does not have that problem. Since the oil stays in the filter you don’t have as much as a dry start and hear knocking for a moment after starting, like you might with Fram.

I might have something wrong there, but I do recall reading there was a huge difference between just any filter and a quality filter like Motorcraft and some of the others. Fram being the cheap crap. So you could possible do some damage in the long run, not with just one filter, but using the same less then quality filter.

Hopefully someone will come along, understand what I am trying to say and back it up with their experience and/or some facts. Until then trust me and do NOT use the Fram, use a Motorcraft or other good quality filter many have mentioned here.

 

It's the better filters that have the check valve. Without the check valve the oil in the upper regions of the engine drains back into oil pan because of gravity.

When you start your engine it will run at high idle for a short time while the oil makes it way up to the top of the engine. This starves your engine of oil when it needs it the most, on a cold start where 90% of engine wear occurs.

The check valve holds the oil from draining back so that when you start the engine it's already filled with oil in all of the passages and becomes presurized much faster, reducing wear & tear at start up significantly.

In the better filters the material used for the check valve and filter seal is compatible w/ synthetic oils and is more heat resistant.

Hope this helps some.

 

My 12 year old son changed the oil in my SuperCrew today and put a Mobil 1 on it. He's very knowledgeable and swears by them.