FRAM "orange cans of death"?

jest2525 · Post by **jest2525** » 06 Aug 2010, 15:23

This question is not specific to any one model. It's more for general knowledge. I've noticed in a few posts Fram oil filters being referred to as "orange cans of death". Why is that? I've been using them for many years in many, many vehicles and have never experienced a problem with a single one.

My '87 245 has been using them forever and now has over 365,000 miles on it. What have I missed?

~ John

Post by **igel513** » 06 Aug 2010, 16:37

I've also been using Fram since the early 90s and haven't had any prob. w/ them

Volvofix1 · Post by **Volvofix1** » 07 Aug 2010, 11:10

All oil filters are not created equal.the original Volvo oil filter is made by Mann&Hummel in Germanyand has certain features such as a check valve and a special filter media that insures proper oil flow and volume.If you carefully cut filters open and examine them the difference will be obvious. If you reasearch how many applications the orange filer has and then compare with a Mann you can see it is very specfic for Volvo. Also consider that in the state you live in I would also reccomend the use of 20/50 motor oil. You may have used the orange filter and gotten away lucky,experienced Volvo techs use an 0E or Mann filter. Volvo came out with a brochure about this 10-12 years ago and in my shop I always use the best

Dick K. from Fla.

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Aug 2010, 11:20

I've always used Fram's as well, on any of my cars. I believe they make them with the check valves, but it's an "Elite" version or called something different. I've actually used several on my car, and never got any knocking. But I've gone back to the Mann ones; I ordered a case of 12 and it should last me a while. NAPA Auto parts stocks the Mann filters if you're in need of one.

jest2525 · Post by **jest2525** » 10 Aug 2010, 10:24

The bottom line? Does anyone out there have any actual experience with any problems caused directly by a Fram filter. All that info regarding the Mann filters is well, informative, but it is not convincing that they are any better than any other brand.

Interestingly, I have a independent Volvo mechanic (I use sparingly) who blames any problems he is unable to fix on some non-Volvo part. That's pretty convenient.

As I've said, I've been using them for many, many years with not a single issue. Any experiences?

Post by **billofdurham** » 10 Aug 2010, 11:24

I have used Fram oil and air filters since the 1960s on every car I have owned and have never experienced any problems.

I also know an independent Volvo mechanic who uses nothing else unless specified by the customer. He was very pleased when he went independent as he was able to pass on any savings on parts to the customer. He has always said, "The majority of Volvo parts are only Volvo parts because they come in a Volvo box. How much do you want to pay for the box?"

Bill.

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 10 Aug 2010, 11:24

The oil filter in the 4 cylinder 240 and 740 sits at an angle that makes the top higher than the bottom...If the filter does not have the check valve built in, the oil drains out of the filter when the engine is not running...During the first few seconds after the car is started you are running WITHOUT oil pressure until the filter fills up...If you listen closely, especially with an older engine, you can hear the bearings knocking until the pressure comes up...

A close examination of the filter cartridge will tell the story...On the bottom of the filter there is a ring of small holes running around the center threaded hole...If one looks into these holes and the filter DOES have the check valve, the holes will be blocked by a black rubber membrane...If it does NOT have the check valve, you can see right down into the filter can...I cannot vouch for the latest Fram filters, but back when I still had my 1986 245, Fram did not have the check valve, and I got a service bulletin mailing from Volvo warning about after market filters...

jest2525 · Post by **jest2525** » 10 Aug 2010, 14:54

As I've said my '87 has had Fram filters for years and does not have the knocking you speak of... and this car has over 385,000 miles on without the engine ever being opened up for anything. Are you sure it is a problem?

My experience says there is not... even if Volvo says there is. My 245 supports that.

Thanks to all your insight though.

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 12 Aug 2010, 06:16

The knock does not last long, only the first couple of RPM...I had been using them myself up until that bulletin came out, then I switched to Purolator...As I said, I cannot vouch for the newest Frams, and I don't have the car anymore anyway...I was not defending Volvo,I was answering the question about where that theory came from...

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 12 Aug 2010, 14:16

There are sites that list oil filter tests. Fram filters are at the bottom of the totem pole for quality. If you want to use a Purolator filter and want a higher capacity filter for a B230FT, try a Purolator filter for a 1983 Audi 4000 with a 1.6 liter Turbo diesel. This same filter is used on a Volvo 245 with D24 diesel engine. This filter holds an extra pint of oil and will fit on a B230FT in a 1988 760.