Hey, thanks for this!! This was 8 months ago, presently (June 2023) the Titanium does not have the metal screen, it is pretty much the same as the current Ultra. Fram's website states metal screen, but a chat agent said no metal mesh screen backing the media, because it stands up by itself. She posted the exploded view & circled the metal core saying that is the metal backing that helps trap more dirt. The Endurance (sold only at Walmart) is now the OG Ultra XG, with full synthetic media and wire mesh backing. New month, new Fram filter design........
I don't know about the titanium, but the Fram synthetic endurance I bought at Walmart( Feb '24) states on the box it does have metal screen backing the filter media.
Surprisingly I like the titanium filter better. Working at Advance I thought the titanium was just the ultra in a different package. In learned something. Great show. Your the best.
It was at one point, company bought out Fram, they redesigned basically all the filters including the current Ultra. The Ultra has already been phased over (stock wise) for the most part where as the Titanium still appears to be the original Ultra.
My 07 Ecotec 2.4 VVT makes SO many of the cheap filters collapse/implode, of sorts. Including basic Fram versions. Titanium holds up well, filter medium comes out structurally intact after about 7500 miles.
do you think it is collapsing from high pressure with high rpms or is it the filter getting clogged at higher miles? have you tried filter at say 5000 to see if they collapse?
The Fram Ultra is a $10.97 filter at Wal Mart. The Fram Titanium costs $12.49, minus the always available 15% coupon code at Advance, which puts it at $10.61. The price difference is negligible though. I had a speedperks coupon, so I bought the Fram Titanium last week. I know on Bob is the Oil Guy forums people say the Titanium is better because it's the Fram Ultra before they decided to cut costs rather than raise the price. I don't really take filters too seriously, but I would probably pay a buck or two more for the Titanium if it's a better quality filter. I only change my oil once every 12K miles or 8 miles or so.
@@WhipCityWrencher Fram Endurance is made Champion labs and they are identical to the Amsoil and Royal Purple filters. He has another video comparing Amsoil to Fram Endurance. I buy Amsoil and Mobil1 filters, but we are slowly seeing Mobil1 products lowering quality in oils, so I hope they don't cut costs on the filters too. Mobil1 filters used to be made by Champion but made by Mann+Hummel now. So, chances are good they aren't the same criteria.
I've seen debis in the treads on Napa filters and some Fram, and occasionally on some other brands. This is from poor quality control at the factory. The supervisor needs to be replaced or retrained. Needless to say, dirt and debris is why we use filters in the first place.
Excess glue isn't as worrisome as excess metal shavings in the threads. For a company that makes so many filters, they should have better quality control. Fram should mention that on their website.
several years ago I watched a few videos on oil filters and comparing the different makes , and what surprised me that every review i watched , most by professional techs said bar none the Fram filters were the worst filters for quality and manufacturing materials , one video i watched ( i wish I could remember the gentlemens name ) tore 50 fram filters apart and tested the quality of the filter material inside and found 50% of their filters started to come apart inside the filter housing within 1000 miles of use . I was so utterly shocked by that , I now refuse to even put a Fram filter in my car or truck . the NAPA GOLD was filters were hands down one of the best rated filters out there .
QC has never been Fram’s calling card. Price has always sold their products. Wix has relied upon a reputation for heavy duty quality to justify their normally higher prices. It’s just two different ways to market products. Wix built their reputation providing filtration for heavy duty diesel engines costing more than many people’s homes. They have an extremely loyal customer base because of that. Building filters for a $300,000 diesel engine demands not cutting corners like cardboard endcaps, leaf springs, and cheap media. Those things can be done in automotive applications without issues 99.9% of the time.
After using the OEM Toyota Filter for my 2016 Corolla I'm trying out the FRAM Titanium filter for the first time with my recent oil change to see how it goes after seeing alot of good reviews especially for smaller cars like the Toyota Corolla and Civic
Everybody keeps talking about “metal shavings” in the threads, but please point to where that was proven? Yes, there is cutting grease / residue, but I see that in most filters. That’s why I ALWAYS take a rag with clean oil and wipe the base plate inside & out on every new filter I buy. FRAM isn’t the only company that has this issue. And the magnet he took to the threads in the beginning certainly didn’t pick anything up. Also, the Titanium is just the old Ultra, whereas the new Ultra’s filter media does not require the metal backing, and is more synthetic. New Ultra for me!
I'm going to go look at that filter again and see if I can find anything in the threads recording the whole time, if I find any I'll post the video. If not then whatever it was is lost, it sure looked like a piece of metal to me. I'm not trying to bash the Fram Ultra, I think it's a good oil filter. I saw what looks to be a piece of metal so I tried to remove it but it didn't work out too well. Like I said in the video you should check your filters, (I meant all filters). 13:26 I should have also said metal shavings in the threads could possibly be found in any oil filter.
👍🏻😎 That's why I always wipe the threads out with a gun cleaning patch with some motor oil on it. I will never pay $16 for an oil filter though. I'll stick with my Motorcraft filters for my Ford. I refuse to use anything else. Sorry, Fram.
The particles in the threads are probably the result of a dull thread tap. They are most likely changed on a regular basis during the manufacturing run and this one happened to come up dull before being caught by QC. I would bet these are assembled by an automatic line and parts are checked randomly. When you are manufacturing several hundred of these an hour, there are going to be a few that are out of spec and don't get caught.
Is it our job to wipe the threads clean, or the factory that makes them? All taps produce metal shavings and chips. Even rolled threads need to be cleaned. So if it is our job, or the mechanic, the instructions should say so.
Titanium....FTW! To me, it looks to be the OG Ultra filter with odd inlet holes. Superior two ply full synthetic wire back media. Just wish they would bring the price in line with Ultra. But, filter alone, not a close call, AAP Titanium. Thanks for the vid. First Brands/Fram needs to clean up the threads.
Yep, looks like the original Ultra. Funny they still claim the new Ultra is a better filter, even though its basically the original Tough Guard at this point. Than you have to wonder if it is superior why is it selling for half the price of the older 'worse' filter. Really seems they renamed every filter calling it the tier above, than put the original Ultra at a new tier with a higher price. Sucks when a good company gets bought out and quality drops sharply ...
The new fram endurance appears to be the old ultra, you're absolutely correct like they simply did a name change and moved everything up to the next name lol
Why do you think the wire mesh does anything? It surely has nothing to do with filtering. Is your engine that tough on the oil filter? I'd rather have a more free flowing filter with better filtering.
@@robertmceuen3630 Clearly you don't understand the purpose of wire backing, why it's needed. Full synthetic media oil filters require a backing of some type for support, in this case it's wire backing. Purolator and Wix now choose a polymer type backing for their full synthetic filters, Platinum and XP. The Fram Ultra XG used to be two ply full synthetic wire backed media. They a have since cheapened the media, thin synthetic layer, backed by blended media layer. Not near the filter it once was. Topic Titanium uses the OG Ultra two ply full synthetic media, thus the wire backing. Flow not an issue with either filter, so that point just a strawman.
It looks like High-Flow is the only difference. That's why it has the bigger holes. The weight is irrelevant. The less folding of the filter itself, mean it lets the oil go through it faster. It's just a high-flow system. Thank you for making the video. I know now what the difference is.
I think I'd run a small pointed pick through those threads while holding the filter upside down so the debris doesn't fall into the filter. Then as another stated run a oiled paper towel through the threads to collect fine particles.
@@dontblameme6328 You haven't been paying attention. All of the brands have been found to have faults these days. Split seams, excessive glue, change in bypass valves, the list goes on. Large corporations are purchasing the top brands and cheapening them up with different parts or a different lower standard production process. Don't think Wix has escaped this either. They got purchased and the quality isn't what it once was.
@@dontblameme6328 I used both wix xp and K&N exclusively for a long time, there are issues with those at times too - the fram ultra is an excellent value I am happy with them
Yep, a few days ago I bought a Fram Ultra XG16 for an upcoming oil change, but I haven't installed it yet. So, after seeing this video, I went out to the garage and checked the threads on the filter. Sure enough, there was junk in the threads. Mine had a small chunk of orange material in the threads. Maybe, a piece of the ADBV? I'm not sure, but here's the problem, we can wipe out the threads with a rag, but who knows what kind of particles are hiding inside the filter?
I’m pretty sure they would machine the end caps separately so I would believe there wouldn’t be any shavings in the filter material.Until maby when you screw in on.I wonder if they make a tight fitting bolt or a tap would be better and screw this in the filter with some grease on it to make the shavings stick to it when being back out.
@@dennisgood2108 Dennis you were spot on I am a machinist and there's no way they would cut threads with the canister together they were done separately good call Buddy thank you whip
The Titanium looks exactly the same, as the old version of the ultra. Much better than the new new Ultra. Unfortunately, I cant get the titanium in Canada. What a shame, they changed the ultra. It was such a good filter for the money.
Well the good part about the updated Ultra is that it actually has a higher filtering efficiency on below 20 micron sized particles versus the previous Ultra so the new Ultra actually slightly out-performs the Titanium when it comes to particle filtration below 20 microns.
@@JA-rn5qv Meh. "For me", the cheapening of the new Ultra media far outweighs the First Brands 'promoted' slight improvement in efficiency below 20um. Seen many cut open post use new Ultra far short of 20k mi., not great pleating. OG Ultra proved itself to its rated 20k mi. many times.
It seems now in Canada some of the Ultra (XG) filters are actually Titanium, i.e. not pure synthetics media but cellulose/syndetic blend. It seems Fram is cheapening their Ultra line.
I noticed some of the big retailers are not carrying the XG’s in certain models anymore and have instead started carrying the Titanium’s in the same model. You pay a premium for the Titanium so good to see it’s good quality.
So it looks like the titanium uses the same filter media and wire backing that the ultra used to use. So now you have to pay $15 or $16 to get the same media you used to get for $8.97 at Chinamart.
Oh no no no. You can't just leave off the black grippy texture. 99% of people are using a wrench to remove filters so they put that textured finish there for what reason again??? Perhaps to help remove a stuck filter installed by someone who shouldn't be doing their own oil changes. I do agree with the black color though.
So the Titanium has thicker media, but does that mean it will filter better? Since the Ultra has more total sq in, I think it may even out. To me it seems like both are stout filters. While I also like the wire mesh backing for piece of mind, is there a benefit? It’s odd that the Ultra is about 40% cheaper than the Titanium, at least for my vehicles that I checked on.
I use the Titanium, whenever I use a Fram. I always check for shavings/debis anymore. I bought some Baldwins from Rockauto a few months back that were horrible with shavings. Great video! Always enjoy them!!
A few months ago I purchased several *Baldwin B1431* filters (however, I did it through the Zoro online store- Really I think it is doesn’t matter ) And, right now, I reviewed all 8 remaining filters: there is nothing on the thread on any of debris. No thread cutting chips, no dirt. Have you filed a complaint with the manufacturer?
@@Andrew__Smith no I didn’t. I guess I should have. I never thought to do so. But you bring up a good point. I just tossed them in the trash. Kind of wasteful I know.
@@aaronhansen8037 I don't blame you, not at all. I just got three Baldwin B243 filters for a truck I do oil changes on. Nothing wrong with them on the outside inspection and using reading glasses nothing to note on the inside. But what lurks within is always a mystery until cut open.
About the metal shavings on the threads at the 2:58 point in the video, this is what they think caused the infamous Corvette engine problems GM investigated in 2015. We need to check for this when doing our own oil changes. Little chance an oil change technician at Quicky-Lube or a dealership would check it though. ... GM told all new Corvette owners to change their oil early at 500 miles just in case some the OEM AC-Delco blue oil filters had metal on it's threads, assuming it could maybe be flushed out.
Yep, when I saw that piece of metal I cringed. It kinda sucks when you have to buy, shake and check the whole oil filter over with a fine tooth comb. But that's what is made these days. Thanks for sharing!
😳 In theory, such small pieces of metal (filter base plates are made of mild, non-hardened steel) should not cause any significant damage to the engine, and then, after passing through the entire engine, settle in the engine oil pan.
Stock oil and filter should be dumped at 500 miles max anyway. 300 would be better. The first change is where all the break in shavings are. Then change filter at 1000 and top off. Dump both again at 2K.
@@Andrew__Smith In my opinion, it could. The bearings are made of lead and other very soft metals, so steel could easily score the bearings as tight as their clearances are. And once the metal goes through the bearing(s), it as well as whatever wear particles were created will end up going through the oil pump. Since most oil pumps have aluminium housings and steel is harder than aluminium, that's bad news.
One of my cars went 288K miles, and my small pickup went 296K miles. Neither had engine issues, and I only run Fram basic filters. No Ultra, no Platinum, no jewel encrusted, just orange filters. Yes, many family members tell me they are crap, and also that Penzoil sludges up your engine. Yea, not what I have seen. In 40 years, I have done all but two of my oil changes. In those two "Jiffy"-type places, first, they could not figure out how to get the hood open on a 1985 Honda Accord. The most popular car on the road at the time, and they were beating on the hood... with me watching through the picture frame glassed window in waiting room. That should tell you, it is NOT the filter causing your problems. The second pass with an oil change place, I asked them point blank, "Can I only get the oil and filter changed, not the 14 point fluids, etc., checked?" He said yes, but asked why I didn't want the complete service. I told him that is 14 points when they could foul up my truck. Anyway, I pulled in, and the vehicle was 'swarmed' with lube techs. One yells out, "You have a flat tire!, I can hear it leaking." Another hollers from underneath, "You have an oil leak!" From my cab, I could see them looking at all my fluids. To the closest guy, I said, "You're done. Everybody back away, I am pulling through."
Inspect and wipe out the threads. They're always filthy. And take a quick look at the louvers inside the can and make sure they're all open. I've seen many filters that weren't machined correctly and have closed louvers which makes it run in bypass mode way more than it should
As a man who has built numerous engines that tiny piece of metal would scare me. Ive Been thinking about the titanium as of lately as ford racing filters are expensive. My Mustang engine daily has to survive at 7700rpm. Great video it gives me information i would never have. Especially the microscope.
@@SlikLizrd He is another storyteller who drove his Mustang at 7700 rpm. Not only the COPS, but even all the coolest blacks dudes in the hood are afraid of him. Old school, lol.
@@Andrew__Smith He ain't nothin', Smitty -- I gots a Hemi-powered Helicopter with twin-turbos and jet- assist, Solar-powered hydrogen converter, and a smokin'-hot college girl to make it all work. CHEERS !
@@WhipCityWrencher I wish you would have used a paint stripper on a small section to remove the paint then measured the can thickness. I'm pretty sure they're going to be the same though. I think the black paint is a good thing but I don't care for the additive to make it grippy. I've seen filters where the paint got messy and ended up where it shouldn't have been. The paint alone isn't much of a problem but the added material to make it grippy going through the engine... Can't see that as a good thing. bobis site has some really sloppy paint examples on Purolator filters.
Interesting to see what the differences are between all the different lines that fram offers and with fram being part of 1st brands group i wonder how much they will carry over from Champ and Luber -finer names. If you ever get a chance try to get a Fram HD line filter since that would be what they push for Industrial to compete with fleetguard and baldwin
Thread machining process left a couple of burrs behind, appears to be. Stiff toothbrush would rub those out, held upside down to allow particles to fall. None of those bits would ever make it through the filter, but I believe the oil flows out of the filter in the center post, not into it.
the new Fram T filter is what the Ultra used to be , just cost more now, Ultra filters now seem to be TG with metal caps - Thanks again enjoy the videos
Its always good to inspect inside the filter and the base plate ! Ive seen alot with paint chips - one actually cross threaded and one had a big dead spider in it ! I do like the titanium for the metal backing and i like the fram ultra for the price ! Just a matter of preference and cost ! Nice vid whip !!!
Good to check each filter before buying. I’ve even noticed such debris on other brands of filters. I’ve read that it may be caused by a worn out tap during the manufacturing process. This is why I wouldn’t buy ANY filter online. Too many unknowns. Better to go to a brick and mortar and inspect it yourself! That said, the ultra looks like a solid filter. I think I’ll try it out
Thickness of filter media could relate to flow; thicker media = more resistance. Since both are rated at 20 microns, the filter with more sq" should be superior.
About that metal shaving in the ULTRA's threads -- No quality-control system is 100% reliable -- SOME rejects will get through, but there is an ACCEPTABLE LEVEL of defects in these specs. Most US Government specs were at a MAXIMUM of 3%, but not all. Finding a filter with the shaving in the threads is BAD, but it's important that you found JUST ONE -- If you found several with that same problem, it's time to call FRAM -- collect. It would be totally wrong to condemn an entire line of oil filters, based on finding just one reject. Your sharp eye caught the shaving, and now we all know that we should check the threads AT THE STORE, and BEFORE we PAY. I checked the threads of all the oil filters I have on hand -- different brands & different sizes -- all clean. Thanx for calling attention to a potential disaster, and keep up the good work !!
exactly what I suspected, the old Fram ultra media was better than the new Fram ultra, so it was actually a downgrade when they make the change, they just want you to pay more to get the premium media. now we know the truth! thank you, my friend.
Happy TGIF Whip!! Thanks again for your insight and information on all these filters! My day is complete now that I’ve seen your newest video! Have a great weekend and keep up the good work!! Stay Safe and Take Care !!
I find my oil stays cleaner longer with the Fram ultra filters. I hear the Titanium filter is the one with the screen backing they stopped with the ultra.
Interesting Fram Titanium is still using the old screen-backed pink media the Fram Ultra previously had. Unless that Titanium was just NOS. Thought they both switched to the new Ultra media (?). I think they both perform about the same anyway.
My Take is they want a Premium oil filter and charge a Premium price. A lot of people liked the Fram Ultra the way they used to make it but they weren't getting much $$ for it at Walmart. Then again I could be wrong.
@@WhipCityWrencher I think you posted the bobistheoilguy-sourced chart from inside Fram where they showed the New Fram Ultra with no screen-backed media, just a dual-layer, actually slightly filters better. It should be about as durable too. Conclusion: They make the New version cheaper, OK, but it performs about as well as the old design (which the Titanium still uses).
@@softwaresignals Yes I have a chart that someone else posted "said Fram gave it to them" and I posted it also, I'm not saying the Ultra is a bad oil filter, but If I had to choose between the two oil filters I would take the Titanium. JMHO
Nice of John to send you this filter! YaY to John! Both filters look solid and well-built. Wonder if all the Frram filters have the metal shavings inside the metal grooves. Perhaps the other Fram filters have clean threads. Another great video! 👍
Shavings could be from a tap that is getting dull or other variables during the threading process. Whip and others have found shavings in/on other filters as well.
Hi Richard, I never said it was an oil pressure killer, If I did what part of the video did I say that? I dont know for certain that it even affects your oil pressure at all, it may. I dont know for sure.
Not to be a dick, Richard, but it ain't the thickness that counts -- it's the DENSITY. Put another way -- it's about the porousness -- or the lack of it. 😁
Thicker media should increase pressure as it is resistance to flow, but it depends on where that measurement is taken. Before would be higher. After would be lower. But it wouldn't be enough to care much. You can see a pressure change from a 5w30 to a 10w40 both hot and cold.
The Titanium was suppose to be a reboxed Ultra for Advance Auto parts. It may be going that way now. But I actually do appreciate that they chose to try their best to keep quality similar, but to cut costs a bit, while at the same time not raising the prices like everything else going on in the world.
That Sucks! They just can't leave well enough alone, it's always about $$. Someone else posted that they are changing. Without the backing, they are not worth the price that they want at Advance Auto. Best off going to Walmart and getting the Ultra for less.. I just bought some FS8A and they have the metal screen backing. Must be older stock or they haven't changed that size filter yet. Thanks for Sharing!👍
Does anyone know is that coating on the titanium the same as that coating on the ultra? I was always curious why Fram didn’t coat the whole filter instead of just the top.
I’ve always use Fram Ultra for their filtration rating, but I’m kinda turned off of them based off of the metal shavings on the threads. What’s currently your favorite filter based on the testing you’ve done?
What about the latest Fram Endurance? How does it compare to the titanium or Purolator boss in your opinion? I just bought some Amsoil Signature Series 5w30 for my f150 and am looking at filters. Change oil every 5000 miles so I'm not worried about longevity (20000-25000). Just found your channel, really enjoying the content!
@@dannyzamudio1252 Hi danny, Those are all very good oil filters and I would put any one of them on my vehicle. There really isn't a single best, but if I was to change my oil today, I would use a Fram Titanium.
@@WhipCityWrencher It's true, Peter. But, as I said somewhere above, their cartridge filters are not bad, especially *FRAM Synthetic/Ultra Synthetic cartridge Oil Filters* for example *XG11665* or *FS11665* . I use *XG11665* at my previous vehicle Dodge GC - the filter is made very carefully, and the filter media itself is durable and completely synthetic.
Whip, just spotted something kinda interesting. Amazon is presently selling the Purolator Tech (TL14610) for $2.40. Now it won't ship for 1-2 months but it appears to be the Purolator standard oil filter (the red can, L14610) without the silicone anti-drainback valve. I wonder if that's the only difference. If it is that's quite a deal for those who do 5k mile oil changes. Just throwing it out there if you're looking for video ideas.
@@WhipCityWrencher Well, I think I'd compare it to the Purolator L14610 in all ways including the thickness of the filter media as you always do anyway. Silicone ADVs are nice but a total waste if your filter mounts vertically. So if it turns out to be or at least appears to be the identical filter to the red Purolator filters it would make it a deal. I'm also curious if the tech filter is made in America like the other Purolators. If it turns out it's not made in America I'll be disappointed.
@@johnmcsweeney4966 Hi John, Okay, I'll do that. I'll let you know when I make the video and when it will be shown. Kinda depends on when I get the filter from Amazon.
@@WhipCityWrencher Cool. All good. It may prove to be a real deal at that price. I noticed the micron rating is not referenced on their site for the tech filters. Hmmm.
$15 just for an oil filter? Wow. No thanks. For $4 to $5, I just use the 'tried and true' Motorcraft filter. But I change my oil every 5,000 miles and use a full synthetic oil (usually whatever is on sale at the time).
It's not $15. It's $11 at Wal Mart. I paid $8.50 for my car. It's a 20K miles filter, but I usually change mine around 12K miles with the 20K mile extended drain oil. If you're not going 7,500 miles with full synthetic then you're just wasting money. But a lot of people do that. Yeah, it's not hard to change oil, but it's a pain for me. Takes me like an hour to do it and it's messy, so I prefer to change my oil as infrequently as possible.
@@LA_Commander It made sense in the context of my comment that I paid $8.50 for my filter. But I guess you're right, if you just take that sentence by itself, that's what it says.
I'll be opening a used one, and that video will be shown next month. Here's a video I made a while back. czcams.com/video/vFb8OPM5vy0/video.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
The thicker material would be an oil pressure killer! Every car or truck I've changed from Fram to another brand has gained a few pounds of oil pressure. I would not use either of these filters.
No. They've done delta p testing on the synthetic media, in OG Ultra and Titanium. It is actually lower than the thinner cellulose and blend media. Titanium "flows" just fine.
"Avoid the orange can Avoid the FRAM " Especially when they come with metal shavings inside, that's definitely a killer,no wonder why FRAM is known as the Orange can of death....even when not painted Orange
Interesting. The Ultra filter for my application (Toyota 3.5L) is reddish and thick like the Titanium in this video. I wonder if they consolidated production?
Both of these had the orange ADBV in them. Wonder if they really work? Like to see how much oil if any oil stays in the filter . . . when used in a Inverted (Base Down) Position with the engine turned off . . . such as in the case of been used on a Subaru boxer engine.
Hi James they do work. I have a used filter video coming out Tuesday, April 4th. It's not a Fram oil filter but you'll see the silicone anti-drain back valves do work.
Great camera work, Whip -- the BEST in the business !! Keep 'em coming !! The Black cannister cools the oil better than the Gold. The Titanium is an Advance Auto exclusive. Unavailable to most consumers. The Fram Ultra has 20% MORE filter area. The Fram Ultra is available almost everywhere. Same Gaskets. Same Core Tube. Same Retainer. Same By-Pass Valve. Same Silicone ADBV. The Fram UIltra would be my choice between these two (2) filters, but I prefer the Bosch Premium oil filters for my own use.
@@WhipCityWrencher "Between the two I think I like the Titanium better." Great call. New Ultra uses a cheaper synthetic blend media, Titanium is the better filter.
The coating on the Titanium’s entire cannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnister seems to serve no purpose other than to make it look different than other filters. Must see if it’s on Fram’s website.
Doesn't the ultra also have a wire mesh as well? I have seen recent videos with the Fram ultra having metal mesh. I wonder if they all do or don't have the wire mesh on the ultra filters
Same with oil prices. Cost of manufacturing I'm guessing. Not to mention shipping of parts. Used to be able to do oil and filter with full synthetic and a wix filter for $26. Now the filter alone is over $11 depending where I buy.
Question: When mentioning Micron Ratings, the standard is the ISO4548-12 spec -- BUT -- is "AT 20 Microns" the same as "Greater Than 20 Microns" ?? The Bosch Premium's box says "AT 20 Microns" which, to me, is smaller than "Greater Than 20 Microns" where I come from. These filter makers use some very subtle tactics in order to fool us.
@@WhipCityWrencher What "they say" is f**king goofy, Whip !! From your videos, we've seen claims of 21, 23, 25, 30, & 35 Microns made by different filter makers. ALL of those numbers are "greater than 20 Microns", so we're left to wonder WTF these people are talking about. The way I read it is : "Greater Then 20 Microns" means that we don't know what we're gettting -- 30, 40, 50 Microns, who knows ?? BOSCH is the only filter maker that has "AT 20 Microns" written right on the box, and it's made here in the good ol' U.S.A.
@@SlikLizrd Hi Chuck, Yep, your filter "Bosch" is one of the ones that make that claim, I think Amsoil does too, which gets their filters from Champion, which in turn makes Walmart Supertech oil filters. I could be wrong though, every day one company buys another one so who knows? What happens if Bosch goes to Mexico and I open one up and glue everywhere plus a coil spring? LOL😊
@@WhipCityWrencher Just checkin' 'em -- Bosch = 99 % At 20 Microns. Amsoil = 98.7 % At 20 Microns. WixXP = 98 % At 35 Microns. Mexico ?? Coil Spring ?? Wasn't it you that just did a review of a WIX, "hecho en Mexico", and with a coil spring ?? I know it wasn't a U.S.A.- made Bosch. 😁
The hole in the middle of the base plate with the threads is actually the outlet hole where filtered oil gets pushed back into the engine. So, if one of those metal shavings came loose when you screwed the filter on to your engine, it would get pumped into your engine with the oil the first time you started your engine.
Hey, thanks for this!! This was 8 months ago, presently (June 2023) the Titanium does not have the metal screen, it is pretty much the same as the current Ultra. Fram's website states metal screen, but a chat agent said no metal mesh screen backing the media, because it stands up by itself. She posted the exploded view & circled the metal core saying that is the metal backing that helps trap more dirt. The Endurance (sold only at Walmart) is now the OG Ultra XG, with full synthetic media and wire mesh backing. New month, new Fram filter design........
Hi Bob,
That's what I've been hearing also,
Thanks for the update.👍
The titanium does have a middle screen
The titanium does have a metal screen
@@joetripi3255 It has a metal tube but no wire screen supporting the media
I don't know about the titanium, but the Fram synthetic endurance I bought at Walmart( Feb '24) states on the box it does have metal screen backing the filter media.
Surprisingly I like the titanium filter better. Working at Advance I thought the titanium was just the ultra in a different package. In learned something. Great show. Your the best.
Thank You!
It was at one point, company bought out Fram, they redesigned basically all the filters including the current Ultra. The Ultra has already been phased over (stock wise) for the most part where as the Titanium still appears to be the original Ultra.
My 07 Ecotec 2.4 VVT makes SO many of the cheap filters collapse/implode, of sorts. Including basic Fram versions. Titanium holds up well, filter medium comes out structurally intact after about 7500 miles.
Thanks for Sharing👍
do you think it is collapsing from high pressure with high rpms or is it the filter getting clogged at higher miles? have you tried filter at say 5000 to see if they collapse?
Not only check the threads, but take a rag, dab it in oil, and rub the threads out to collect any dirt or particles embedded in them.
Good Advice!
Sad, but true...
AND SCREW COUNTER-CLOCKWISE WITH THAT RAG , SO THE JUNK COMES OUT OF THE FILTER INSTEAD OF IN.
I've always done just that.
I do that anyway. Take a blue shop towel & one finger the threads. Always leaves some deposit on the towel.
Excellent comparison. I used the titanium, so I'm glad to see that it's well built
The Fram Ultra is a $10.97 filter at Wal Mart. The Fram Titanium costs $12.49, minus the always available 15% coupon code at Advance, which puts it at $10.61. The price difference is negligible though. I had a speedperks coupon, so I bought the Fram Titanium last week. I know on Bob is the Oil Guy forums people say the Titanium is better because it's the Fram Ultra before they decided to cut costs rather than raise the price. I don't really take filters too seriously, but I would probably pay a buck or two more for the Titanium if it's a better quality filter. I only change my oil once every 12K miles or 8 miles or so.
The Titanium is losing the wire backing, so I would go with the New Endurance filter at Walmart.
@@WhipCityWrencher Fram Endurance is made Champion labs and they are identical to the Amsoil and Royal Purple filters. He has another video comparing Amsoil to Fram Endurance. I buy Amsoil and Mobil1 filters, but we are slowly seeing Mobil1 products lowering quality in oils, so I hope they don't cut costs on the filters too. Mobil1 filters used to be made by Champion but made by Mann+Hummel now. So, chances are good they aren't the same criteria.
The Best filter reviews on the Internet 💯👍
Thanks, Walter!
I've seen debis in the treads on Napa filters and some Fram, and occasionally on some other brands. This is from poor quality control at the factory. The supervisor needs to be replaced or retrained.
Needless to say, dirt and debris is why we use filters in the first place.
Darn I never have checked the thread.......I WILL NOW!!!!!!
Excess glue isn't as worrisome as excess metal shavings in the threads. For a company that makes so many filters, they should have better quality control. Fram should mention that on their website.
👍
several years ago I watched a few videos on oil filters and comparing the different makes , and what surprised me that every review i watched , most by professional techs said bar none the Fram filters were the worst filters for quality and manufacturing materials , one video i watched ( i wish I could remember the gentlemens name ) tore 50 fram filters apart and tested the quality of the filter material inside and found 50% of their filters started to come apart inside the filter housing within 1000 miles of use . I was so utterly shocked by that , I now refuse to even put a Fram filter in my car or truck . the NAPA GOLD was filters were hands down one of the best rated filters out there .
@@wildthing1609 Maybe the orange cans yeah. But certainly not the tg or xg variants
QC has never been Fram’s calling card. Price has always sold their products. Wix has relied upon a reputation for heavy duty quality to justify their normally higher prices. It’s just two different ways to market products. Wix built their reputation providing filtration for heavy duty diesel engines costing more than many people’s homes. They have an extremely loyal customer base because of that. Building filters for a $300,000 diesel engine demands not cutting corners like cardboard endcaps, leaf springs, and cheap media. Those things can be done in automotive applications without issues 99.9% of the time.
After using the OEM Toyota Filter for my 2016 Corolla I'm trying out the FRAM Titanium filter for the first time with my recent oil change to see how it goes after seeing alot of good reviews especially for smaller cars like the Toyota Corolla and Civic
Hi Chris,
This is an older video, from what I heard the New Titaniums are now being made without the metal screen backing.
Everybody keeps talking about “metal shavings” in the threads, but please point to where that was proven? Yes, there is cutting grease / residue, but I see that in most filters. That’s why I ALWAYS take a rag with clean oil and wipe the base plate inside & out on every new filter I buy. FRAM isn’t the only company that has this issue. And the magnet he took to the threads in the beginning certainly didn’t pick anything up.
Also, the Titanium is just the old Ultra, whereas the new Ultra’s filter media does not require the metal backing, and is more synthetic. New Ultra for me!
I'm going to go look at that filter again and see if I can find anything in the threads recording the whole time, if I find any I'll post the video. If not then whatever it was is lost, it sure looked like a piece of metal to me. I'm not trying to bash the Fram Ultra, I think it's a good oil filter. I saw what looks to be a piece of metal so I tried to remove it but it didn't work out too well. Like I said in the video you should check your filters, (I meant all filters). 13:26
I should have also said metal shavings in the threads could possibly be found in any oil filter.
@@WhipCityWrencher That sure looked like metal shavings to me. It is something to look for. You gave some good advice.
@@m8s4lif Thank You👍
👍🏻😎 That's why I always wipe the threads out with a gun cleaning patch with some motor oil on it. I will never pay $16 for an oil filter though. I'll stick with my Motorcraft filters for my Ford. I refuse to use anything else. Sorry, Fram.
The particles in the threads are probably the result of a dull thread tap. They are most likely changed on a regular basis during the manufacturing run and this one happened to come up dull before being caught by QC. I would bet these are assembled by an automatic line and parts are checked randomly. When you are manufacturing several hundred of these an hour, there are going to be a few that are out of spec and don't get caught.
True, that's why it's a good idea to check them before installing them.
Thanks for your feedback!👍
I bought one a year or two ago and it actually had no threads cut at all. Not sure what happened there but they of course exchanged it no problem.
Is it our job to wipe the threads clean, or the factory that makes them? All taps produce metal shavings and chips. Even rolled threads need to be cleaned.
So if it is our job, or the mechanic, the instructions should say so.
Titanium....FTW! To me, it looks to be the OG Ultra filter with odd inlet holes. Superior two ply full synthetic wire back media. Just wish they would bring the price in line with Ultra. But, filter alone, not a close call, AAP Titanium. Thanks for the vid. First Brands/Fram needs to clean up the threads.
Yep, looks like the original Ultra.
Funny they still claim the new Ultra is a better filter, even though its basically the original Tough Guard at this point. Than you have to wonder if it is superior why is it selling for half the price of the older 'worse' filter.
Really seems they renamed every filter calling it the tier above, than put the original Ultra at a new tier with a higher price.
Sucks when a good company gets bought out and quality drops sharply ...
The new fram endurance appears to be the old ultra, you're absolutely correct like they simply did a name change and moved everything up to the next name lol
Why do you think the wire mesh does anything? It surely has nothing to do with filtering. Is your engine that tough on the oil filter? I'd rather have a more free flowing filter with better filtering.
@@robertmceuen3630 Clearly you don't understand the purpose of wire backing, why it's needed. Full synthetic media oil filters require a backing of some type for support, in this case it's wire backing. Purolator and Wix now choose a polymer type backing for their full synthetic filters, Platinum and XP. The Fram Ultra XG used to be two ply full synthetic wire backed media. They a have since cheapened the media, thin synthetic layer, backed by blended media layer. Not near the filter it once was. Topic Titanium uses the OG Ultra two ply full synthetic media, thus the wire backing. Flow not an issue with either filter, so that point just a strawman.
Ya, that wire backing is really needed. Oil filters won't work without it. Please no long replies needed.
I'm 65 years old I love Fram I've had nothing but long-running Engines But of course Each his own thank you for bringing these videos...
You're Welcome
It looks like High-Flow is the only difference. That's why it has the bigger holes. The weight is irrelevant. The less folding of the filter itself, mean it lets the oil go through it faster. It's just a high-flow system. Thank you for making the video. I know now what the difference is.
You're Welcome!👍
I think I'd run a small pointed pick through those threads while holding the filter upside down so the debris doesn't fall into the filter.
Then as another stated run a oiled paper towel through the threads to collect fine particles.
Or... Don't buy junk Fram filters.
@@dontblameme6328 You haven't been paying attention. All of the brands have been found to have faults these days. Split seams, excessive glue, change in bypass valves, the list goes on. Large corporations are purchasing the top brands and cheapening them up with different parts or a different lower standard production process. Don't think Wix has escaped this either. They got purchased and the quality isn't what it once was.
@@dontblameme6328 I used both wix xp and K&N exclusively for a long time, there are issues with those at times too - the fram ultra is an excellent value I am happy with them
Yep, a few days ago I bought a Fram Ultra XG16 for an upcoming oil change, but I haven't installed it yet. So, after seeing this video, I went out to the garage and checked the threads on the filter. Sure enough, there was junk in the threads. Mine had a small chunk of orange material in the threads. Maybe, a piece of the ADBV? I'm not sure, but here's the problem, we can wipe out the threads with a rag, but who knows what kind of particles are hiding inside the filter?
Hi Save,
Hopefully, the rest of the filter is good. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have no problems.
100% SPOT ON COMMENT!
Who knows what else is inside that filter.
I’m pretty sure they would machine the end caps separately so I would believe there wouldn’t be any shavings in the filter material.Until maby when you screw in on.I wonder if they make a tight fitting bolt or a tap would be better and screw this in the filter with some grease on it to make the shavings stick to it when being back out.
@@dennisgood2108 Dennis you were spot on I am a machinist and there's no way they would cut threads with the canister together they were done separately good call Buddy thank you whip
Anything inside would get trapped by the media......you can see inside the open core section, the return to stud part.
Titanium for the win.💪👍👍
The Titanium looks exactly the same, as the old version of the ultra. Much better than the new new Ultra. Unfortunately, I cant get the titanium in Canada. What a shame, they changed the ultra. It was such a good filter for the money.
So true!👍
Well the good part about the updated Ultra is that it actually has a higher filtering efficiency on below 20 micron sized particles versus the previous Ultra so the new Ultra actually slightly out-performs the Titanium when it comes to particle filtration below 20 microns.
@@JA-rn5qv Meh. "For me", the cheapening of the new Ultra media far outweighs the First Brands 'promoted' slight improvement in efficiency below 20um. Seen many cut open post use new Ultra far short of 20k mi., not great pleating. OG Ultra proved itself to its rated 20k mi. many times.
It seems now in Canada some of the Ultra (XG) filters are actually Titanium, i.e. not pure synthetics media but cellulose/syndetic blend. It seems Fram is cheapening their Ultra line.
And Endurance line is not available in Canada.
Those are burrs from cutting the threads.They could cut them different to avoid this but that’s what happens in mass production.
Fram is so confident in their filter, they send a 21 Micron piece of metal shaving, just to prove a point ? ! :)
LOL 🤣
I noticed some of the big retailers are not carrying the XG’s in certain models anymore and have instead started carrying the Titanium’s in the same model. You pay a premium for the Titanium so good to see it’s good quality.
So it looks like the titanium uses the same filter media and wire backing that the ultra used to use. So now you have to pay $15 or $16 to get the same media you used to get for $8.97 at Chinamart.
Yep,
That's a very good assessment of these filters.👍
Oh no no no. You can't just leave off the black grippy texture. 99% of people are using a wrench to remove filters so they put that textured finish there for what reason again???
Perhaps to help remove a stuck filter installed by someone who shouldn't be doing their own oil changes. I do agree with the black color though.
I haven't used ANY Fram filter since 1980...The Orange Filter Of "Engine Death" is the reason why..I'm very Leary Of Any Fram Oil Filter
So the Titanium has thicker media, but does that mean it will filter better? Since the Ultra has more total sq in, I think it may even out. To me it seems like both are stout filters. While I also like the wire mesh backing for piece of mind, is there a benefit? It’s odd that the Ultra is about 40% cheaper than the Titanium, at least for my vehicles that I checked on.
► Oil Filter Friday, watch a New Automotive oil filter inspection video every Friday on this CZcams Channel.
I use the fram ultra on my 5.3 Colorado and amsoil ea15k on the Silverado. Always low insoluble count on oil analysis 👍
I use the Titanium, whenever I use a Fram. I always check for shavings/debis anymore. I bought some Baldwins from Rockauto a few months back that were horrible with shavings. Great video! Always enjoy them!!
Thanks Aaron!
and Thanks for sharing!👍
A few months ago I purchased several *Baldwin B1431* filters (however, I did it through the Zoro online store- Really I think it is doesn’t matter ) And, right now, I reviewed all 8 remaining filters: there is nothing on the thread on any of debris. No thread cutting chips, no dirt. Have you filed a complaint with the manufacturer?
@@Andrew__Smith no I didn’t. I guess I should have. I never thought to do so. But you bring up a good point. I just tossed them in the trash. Kind of wasteful I know.
@@aaronhansen8037 I don't blame you, not at all. I just got three Baldwin B243 filters for a truck I do oil changes on. Nothing wrong with them on the outside inspection and using reading glasses nothing to note on the inside. But what lurks within is always a mystery until cut open.
About the metal shavings on the threads at the 2:58 point in the video, this is what they think caused the infamous Corvette engine problems GM investigated in 2015. We need to check for this when doing our own oil changes. Little chance an oil change technician at Quicky-Lube or a dealership would check it though. ... GM told all new Corvette owners to change their oil early at 500 miles just in case some the OEM AC-Delco blue oil filters had metal on it's threads, assuming it could maybe be flushed out.
Yep, when I saw that piece of metal I cringed.
It kinda sucks when you have to buy, shake and check the whole oil filter over with a fine tooth comb.
But that's what is made these days.
Thanks for sharing!
😳 In theory, such small pieces of metal (filter base plates are made of mild, non-hardened steel) should not cause any significant damage to the engine, and then, after passing through the entire engine, settle in the engine oil pan.
Stock oil and filter should be dumped at 500 miles max anyway. 300 would be better. The first change is where all the break in shavings are. Then change filter at 1000 and top off. Dump both again at 2K.
@@Andrew__Smith In my opinion, it could. The bearings are made of lead and other very soft metals, so steel could easily score the bearings as tight as their clearances are. And once the metal goes through the bearing(s), it as well as whatever wear particles were created will end up going through the oil pump. Since most oil pumps have aluminium housings and steel is harder than aluminium, that's bad news.
One of my cars went 288K miles, and my small pickup went 296K miles. Neither had engine issues, and I only run Fram basic filters. No Ultra, no Platinum, no jewel encrusted, just orange filters. Yes, many family members tell me they are crap, and also that Penzoil sludges up your engine. Yea, not what I have seen.
In 40 years, I have done all but two of my oil changes. In those two "Jiffy"-type places, first, they could not figure out how to get the hood open on a 1985 Honda Accord. The most popular car on the road at the time, and they were beating on the hood... with me watching through the picture frame glassed window in waiting room. That should tell you, it is NOT the filter causing your problems. The second pass with an oil change place, I asked them point blank, "Can I only get the oil and filter changed, not the 14 point fluids, etc., checked?" He said yes, but asked why I didn't want the complete service. I told him that is 14 points when they could foul up my truck. Anyway, I pulled in, and the vehicle was 'swarmed' with lube techs. One yells out, "You have a flat tire!, I can hear it leaking." Another hollers from underneath, "You have an oil leak!" From my cab, I could see them looking at all my fluids. To the closest guy, I said, "You're done. Everybody back away, I am pulling through."
Thanks for Sharing, If one can, best to do your own oil changes.👍
Ultra, hands down
Inspect and wipe out the threads. They're always filthy. And take a quick look at the louvers inside the can and make sure they're all open. I've seen many filters that weren't machined correctly and have closed louvers which makes it run in bypass mode way more than it should
Good Tip!
The high end frams are in bypass most of the time except at idle..The bypass valve is only like 12psi and the filter itself has much restriction.
Jay the Florida pool pump motor repair guy When Service Calls Longwood approved ! that was good info 2 know 👨🔧WCW
👍
Both are similar but I would pick the ultra. Good comparison and good review! Another great review. TFS Pete. Take care. Merri :)
Hi Merri!
Thank You!👍
The ultra is a great filter and nice price
Metal shavings are a major deal-breaker for me. Goodbye bearings and cylinder walls.
I've seen those metal shavings on a k&n. I've seen metal shavings in the threads and a pure later just people not doing their job and the plant
Do a flow rate through a piece of the filter material like with a couple ounces of oil and see how long it takes for it to run through or something
I use the Fram T or Ultra, the Boss or the best Wix or Mobil 1 depending what's available. All good since I change my oil 5-7 thousand miles.
Thanks for Sharing👍
As a man who has built numerous engines that tiny piece of metal would scare me. Ive Been thinking about the titanium as of lately as ford racing filters are expensive. My Mustang engine daily has to survive at 7700rpm. Great video it gives me information i would never have. Especially the microscope.
Hi Simba,
Glad you like the video and microscope I'm glad people like that info.
Thanks for Sharing!👍
7700 RPMs -- Daily !??
Where you live at, Man ?? I wanna come down there and listen to hear that motor explode !! 😁
@@SlikLizrd He is another storyteller who drove his Mustang at 7700 rpm. Not only the COPS, but even all the coolest blacks dudes in the hood are afraid of him. Old school, lol.
@@Andrew__Smith He ain't nothin', Smitty --
I gots a Hemi-powered Helicopter with twin-turbos and jet- assist, Solar-powered hydrogen converter, and a smokin'-hot college girl to make it all work.
CHEERS !
@@SlikLizrd 😆
Another great video whip I think the only difference with the cans was the full texture giving you the extra thickness👌
Thanks Ken,
Yep, judging by the weight they are pretty close.
@@WhipCityWrencher I wish you would have used a paint stripper on a small section to remove the paint then measured the can thickness. I'm pretty sure they're going to be the same though.
I think the black paint is a good thing but I don't care for the additive to make it grippy. I've seen filters where the paint got messy and ended up where it shouldn't have been. The paint alone isn't much of a problem but the added material to make it grippy going through the engine... Can't see that as a good thing.
bobis site has some really sloppy paint examples on Purolator filters.
Interesting to see what the differences are between all the different lines that fram offers and with fram being part of 1st brands group i wonder how much they will carry over from Champ and Luber -finer names. If you ever get a chance try to get a Fram HD line filter since that would be what they push for Industrial to compete with fleetguard and baldwin
Thread machining process left a couple of burrs behind, appears to be.
Stiff toothbrush would rub those out, held upside down to allow particles to fall. None of those bits would ever make it through the filter, but I believe the oil flows out of the filter in the center post, not into it.
the new Fram T filter is what the Ultra used to be , just cost more now, Ultra filters now seem to be TG with metal caps - Thanks again enjoy the videos
You're Welcome👍
Its always good to inspect inside the filter and the base plate ! Ive seen alot with paint chips - one actually cross threaded and one had a big dead spider in it ! I do like the titanium for the metal backing and i like the fram ultra for the price ! Just a matter of preference and cost ! Nice vid whip !!!
Thanks, Scotty!
Them Spiders taste My-T-Fine when ya drop 'em in some melted chocolate bars, Scotty -- and they are GREAT with your avocado taost !!! 😁
@@SlikLizrd or clog a timing chain oiler or lifter passageway !
@@SlikLizrd yup, spiders are welcome in my engine anyday
Nice to see that one metal shaving. That one little particle could ruin a new engine build.
Good to check each filter before buying. I’ve even noticed such debris on other brands of filters. I’ve read that it may be caused by a worn out tap during the manufacturing process. This is why I wouldn’t buy ANY filter online. Too many unknowns. Better to go to a brick and mortar and inspect it yourself! That said, the ultra looks like a solid filter. I think I’ll try it out
Hi Christopher,
Thanks, Good Advice!
Thickness of filter media could relate to flow; thicker media = more resistance. Since both are rated at 20 microns, the filter with more sq" should be superior.
Flow rate and filtration are all a trade-off.
@@WhipCityWrencher exactly. I agree.
About that metal shaving in the ULTRA's threads -- No quality-control system is 100% reliable -- SOME rejects will get through, but there is an ACCEPTABLE LEVEL of defects in these specs.
Most US Government specs were at a MAXIMUM of 3%, but not all.
Finding a filter with the shaving in the threads is BAD, but it's important that you found JUST ONE -- If you found several with that same problem, it's time to call FRAM -- collect.
It would be totally wrong to condemn an entire line of oil filters, based on finding just one reject.
Your sharp eye caught the shaving, and now we all know that we should check the threads AT THE STORE, and BEFORE we PAY.
I checked the threads of all the oil filters I have on hand -- different brands & different sizes -- all clean.
Thanx for calling attention to a potential disaster, and keep up the good work !!
Thank You!😊
@@WhipCityWrencher NO, Man -- Thank YOU for doing all the work !!
exactly what I suspected, the old Fram ultra media was better than the new Fram ultra, so it was actually a downgrade when they make the change, they just want you to pay more to get the premium media. now we know the truth! thank you, my friend.
Hi bud,
Your Welcome!
Fram ultra, failure on the deburing. Not what I would expect from a basically top of line filter.
Hey friend I missed this watching now 👍
Happy TGIF Whip!!
Thanks again for your insight and information on all these filters! My day is complete now that I’ve seen your newest video! Have a great weekend and keep up the good work!!
Stay Safe and Take Care !!
Thanks, Steven!😊
Have a Good Weekend!
Had an ultra that wouldn't seat. I sent it back for testing,months
Later got email saying within specs. Done with Fram
Hi Brian,
Sorry to hear that, Thanks for sharing!
I find my oil stays cleaner longer with the Fram ultra filters. I hear the Titanium filter is the one with the screen backing they stopped with the ultra.
Yep, I haven't seen one yet but I heard the Titanium filters are losing the metal screen backing also.
Interesting Fram Titanium is still using the old screen-backed pink media the Fram Ultra previously had. Unless that Titanium was just NOS. Thought they both switched to the new Ultra media (?). I think they both perform about the same anyway.
My Take is they want a Premium oil filter and charge a Premium price.
A lot of people liked the Fram Ultra the way they used to make it but they weren't getting much $$ for it at Walmart. Then again I could be wrong.
@@WhipCityWrencher I think you posted the bobistheoilguy-sourced chart from inside Fram where they showed the New Fram Ultra with no screen-backed media, just a dual-layer, actually slightly filters better. It should be about as durable too. Conclusion: They make the New version cheaper, OK, but it performs about as well as the old design (which the Titanium still uses).
@@softwaresignals Yes I have a chart that someone else posted "said Fram gave it to them" and I posted it also, I'm not saying the Ultra is a bad oil filter, but If I had to choose between the two oil filters I would take the Titanium. JMHO
Great video Whip. Thanks for doing this comparison, its greatly appreciated.
Hi Jonathan,
You're Welcome! Thank You!
That spray-on texturing on these filters is known as "cladding" to prevent rust and/or chemical attack.
Just take an old toothbrush to clean the threads holding the filter with the open end down,
Other than the can the filters should.be the same lets see if im proben right by the end of this
Nice of John to send you this filter! YaY to John! Both filters look solid and well-built. Wonder if all the Frram filters have the metal shavings inside the metal grooves. Perhaps the other Fram filters have clean threads. Another great video! 👍
Shavings could be from a tap that is getting dull or other variables during the threading process. Whip and others have found shavings in/on other filters as well.
Hi Ella,
Thank You!
Yep, both filters are good I just got one of the bad Ultras that were made.
Have a good weekend!
THANKS JOHN
👍
I think you’re right about that oil pressure killer ,thicker medium reduces the oil pressure you do not want that
Hi Richard,
I never said it was an oil pressure killer, If I did what part of the video did I say that? I dont know for certain that it even affects your oil pressure at all, it may. I dont know for sure.
@@WhipCityWrencher no I didn’t say you did I heard it from somewhere else
Not to be a dick, Richard, but it ain't the thickness that counts -- it's the DENSITY.
Put another way -- it's about the porousness -- or the lack of it. 😁
Thicker media should increase pressure as it is resistance to flow, but it depends on where that measurement is taken. Before would be higher. After would be lower. But it wouldn't be enough to care much. You can see a pressure change from a 5w30 to a 10w40 both hot and cold.
Marketing departments. SMH. This was the ultra synthetic. Should have left it alone.
The Titanium was suppose to be a reboxed Ultra for Advance Auto parts. It may be going that way now. But I actually do appreciate that they chose to try their best to keep quality similar, but to cut costs a bit, while at the same time not raising the prices like everything else going on in the world.
So I just purchased 3 titanium filters number FS7317 and it doesn’t have the old wire backed media it has the same media that’s in the fram ultra
That Sucks!
They just can't leave well enough alone, it's always about $$. Someone else posted that they are changing. Without the backing, they are not worth the price that they want at Advance Auto. Best off going to Walmart and getting the Ultra for less.. I just bought some FS8A and they have the metal screen backing. Must be older stock or they haven't changed that size filter yet.
Thanks for Sharing!👍
Yeah I was pissed and because I live in a small town I had to order them online 🤦🏻♂️ oh well I’ll still use them
Having metal shavings on the filter threads is worrisome. Not a good look. I prefer not to use Fram since WIX would be a better alternative.
Now WIX become another piece of junk since was purchased by Mann+Hummel. 😪
same here
Yup...I'll stick with my Wix or Napa gold. I run these on everything I own including my motorcycles.
Does anyone know is that coating on the titanium the same as that coating on the ultra? I was always curious why Fram didn’t coat the whole filter instead of just the top.
Its a different coating, the top of the Fram ultra feels like a thicker rubberized coating.
I have never seen the fram titanium oil filter advertised or at any store
The Fram titanium is an advance auto exclusive item.
Like Mike said,
Advance Auto Only is the only place I have seen them for sale.
I have seen it on Walmart shelf.
Titanium looks good
Thanks, Scott
I think so too.
I’ve always use Fram Ultra for their filtration rating, but I’m kinda turned off of them based off of the metal shavings on the threads. What’s currently your favorite filter based on the testing you’ve done?
I like the Fram Titanium and Purolator Boss. I think they are two very well-made oil filters.
What about the latest Fram Endurance? How does it compare to the titanium or Purolator boss in your opinion? I just bought some Amsoil Signature Series 5w30 for my f150 and am looking at filters. Change oil every 5000 miles so I'm not worried about longevity (20000-25000). Just found your channel, really enjoying the content!
Sorry but metallic shavings is not acceptable in an oil filter. Fram needs some better quality control.
Great job pete! Look like good filters but Fram just seems like low quality control. Another channel found rust in the filters. I cant trust them.
Thank You!
Sad to say but Fram's not the only one, I've opened other filters with problems also. Buyer beware though.
Thanks for your feedback!👍
@@WhipCityWrencher in your opinion. What kind of filter is best.. purolator boss, wix xl, apa platinum, royal purple, amsoil etc..???
@@dannyzamudio1252 Hi danny,
Those are all very good oil filters and I would put any one of them on my vehicle. There really isn't a single best, but if I was to change my oil today, I would use a Fram Titanium.
@@WhipCityWrencher appreciate it
@@WhipCityWrencher i didnt expect titanium to be that good
Good video Pete. You're great. Fram is still crap.
LOL😊
Thanks, John!👍👍
@@WhipCityWrencher It's true, Peter. But, as I said somewhere above, their cartridge filters are not bad, especially *FRAM Synthetic/Ultra Synthetic cartridge Oil Filters* for example *XG11665* or *FS11665* . I use *XG11665* at my previous vehicle Dodge GC - the filter is made very carefully, and the filter media itself is durable and completely synthetic.
My question is does not the bypass valve open up regardless if the filter is new or old under heavy acceleration?
Hi Richard,
I don't know the answer to that, but I would think it might open under hard acceleration and In the winter with cold engine oil.
Fram is garbage to me, I'd never use one of their filters.
Superb review Whip thx
You're Welcome Chris👍
Their cardboard end cap filters are good to 3,000 miles, their metal end cap filters do just fine. However, debris in the threads is not good...
@@lonniebeal6032 I'd just say chose a brand that doesn't make cxxp. Then you're good to go.
I like Hengst, Mahle, Mann, Alco, Wix
Whip, just spotted something kinda interesting. Amazon is presently selling the Purolator Tech (TL14610) for $2.40. Now it won't ship for 1-2 months but it appears to be the Purolator standard oil filter (the red can, L14610) without the silicone anti-drainback valve. I wonder if that's the only difference. If it is that's quite a deal for those who do 5k mile oil changes. Just throwing it out there if you're looking for video ideas.
Hi John,
I just ordered one. What filter do you think I should compare it to? Thanks for the suggestion.
@@WhipCityWrencher Well, I think I'd compare it to the Purolator L14610 in all ways including the thickness of the filter media as you always do anyway. Silicone ADVs are nice but a total waste if your filter mounts vertically. So if it turns out to be or at least appears to be the identical filter to the red Purolator filters it would make it a deal. I'm also curious if the tech filter is made in America like the other Purolators.
If it turns out it's not made in America I'll be disappointed.
@@johnmcsweeney4966 Hi John,
Okay, I'll do that. I'll let you know when I make the video and when it will be shown. Kinda depends on when I get the filter from Amazon.
@@WhipCityWrencher Cool. All good. It may prove to be a real deal at that price. I noticed the micron rating is not referenced on their site for the tech filters. Hmmm.
Hi john,
I finally got the Purolator filter today. I let you know when I make the video and when it will be shown.
Excellent video. Thanks
You're Welcome and
Thanks!
$15 just for an oil filter? Wow. No thanks. For $4 to $5, I just use the 'tried and true' Motorcraft filter. But I change my oil every 5,000 miles and use a full synthetic oil (usually whatever is on sale at the time).
It's not $15. It's $11 at Wal Mart. I paid $8.50 for my car. It's a 20K miles filter, but I usually change mine around 12K miles with the 20K mile extended drain oil. If you're not going 7,500 miles with full synthetic then you're just wasting money. But a lot of people do that. Yeah, it's not hard to change oil, but it's a pain for me. Takes me like an hour to do it and it's messy, so I prefer to change my oil as infrequently as possible.
@aznnp77 you only paid $8.50 for your car? How did you buy it so cheap?
@@LA_Commander It made sense in the context of my comment that I paid $8.50 for my filter. But I guess you're right, if you just take that sentence by itself, that's what it says.
@@aznnp77 Tell you what, I'll give you 20 bucks for your car right now. You will more than double your money! LOL 🤣
Whip, can you please cut open a OEM Nissan filter?
I'll be opening a used one, and that video will be shown next month. Here's a video I made a while back. czcams.com/video/vFb8OPM5vy0/video.html&ab_channel=WhipCityWrencher
This fits 2010 -12 3.0 Fusion
Now I've seen these two filters cut open before and the filter media was identical. That's kind of weird
Maybe old filter video?
The Fram Ultra changed a couple of years ago.
@@WhipCityWrencher yeah not sure where I seen it at but the filter in side was the same as the other. Might of been an older one from fordboss dude
The thicker material would be an oil pressure killer! Every car or truck I've changed from Fram to another brand has gained a few pounds of oil pressure. I would not use either of these filters.
What’s your go to filter?
No. They've done delta p testing on the synthetic media, in OG Ultra and Titanium. It is actually lower than the thinner cellulose and blend media. Titanium "flows" just fine.
Great video , thank you Brother !!!
Thank You!
Glad you liked it!👍
"Avoid the orange can Avoid the FRAM "
Especially when they come with metal shavings inside, that's definitely a killer,no wonder why FRAM is known as the Orange can of death....even when not painted Orange
Their cartridge one's not bad really.
😊
Interesting. The Ultra filter for my application (Toyota 3.5L) is reddish and thick like the Titanium in this video. I wonder if they consolidated production?
Can you do a cut open of Mopar oil filter MO-041
I'll try, I put it on my to-do list.
Both of these had the orange ADBV in them. Wonder if they really work? Like to see how much oil if any oil stays in the filter . . . when used in a Inverted (Base Down) Position with the engine turned off . . . such as in the case of been used on a Subaru boxer engine.
Hi James they do work. I have a used filter video coming out Tuesday, April 4th. It's not a Fram oil filter but you'll see the silicone anti-drain back valves do work.
Great camera work, Whip -- the BEST in the business !! Keep 'em coming !!
The Black cannister cools the oil better than the Gold.
The Titanium is an Advance Auto exclusive. Unavailable to most consumers.
The Fram Ultra has 20% MORE filter area.
The Fram Ultra is available almost everywhere.
Same Gaskets.
Same Core Tube.
Same Retainer.
Same By-Pass Valve.
Same Silicone ADBV.
The Fram UIltra would be my choice between these two (2) filters, but I prefer the Bosch Premium oil filters for my own use.
Hi Chuck,
Thank You!
Between the two I think I like the Titanium better.
@@WhipCityWrencher "Between the two I think I like the Titanium better."
Great call. New Ultra uses a cheaper synthetic blend media, Titanium is the better filter.
The coating on the Titanium’s entire cannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnister seems to serve no purpose other than to make it look different than other filters. Must see if it’s on Fram’s website.
@@faxmen09 Thanks faxmen09, I agree!
Nice video !
Thanks!👍
Doesn't the ultra also have a wire mesh as well? I have seen recent videos with the Fram ultra having metal mesh. I wonder if they all do or don't have the wire mesh on the ultra filters
The Newer Ultras being made now don't have the metal screen backing. What you probably saw were older filters.
The only real difference between the two is the filtering media. One is a "blend" and the other is cellulose (paper made from wood).
Nice vid and information
Hi Kevin,
Thank You!👍
$15+ for a filter. What's going on with the escalating oil filter prices?
Same with oil prices. Cost of manufacturing I'm guessing. Not to mention shipping of parts. Used to be able to do oil and filter with full synthetic and a wix filter for $26. Now the filter alone is over $11 depending where I buy.
Pete I like your videos would you be interested in a filter from my 2022 ram 1500 with 3430 miles on it in service since 12/14/2021
Hi Peter,
Yes, I would,
I love opening up used oil filters. Please send me an Email: Poker4me007@gmail.com
The box said made in the USA does that mean the filter is or the box is or both are ?.🤔
That tiny metal piece is not going to do any damage
Question: When mentioning Micron Ratings, the standard is the ISO4548-12 spec -- BUT -- is "AT 20 Microns" the same as "Greater Than 20 Microns" ??
The Bosch Premium's box says "AT 20 Microns" which, to me, is smaller than "Greater Than 20 Microns" where I come from.
These filter makers use some very subtle tactics in order to fool us.
Hi Chuck,
Particles greater than 20 microns, that's what they say.
@@WhipCityWrencher What "they say" is f**king goofy, Whip !!
From your videos, we've seen claims of 21, 23, 25, 30, & 35 Microns made by different filter makers.
ALL of those numbers are "greater than 20 Microns", so we're left to wonder WTF these people are talking about.
The way I read it is : "Greater Then 20 Microns" means that we don't know what we're gettting -- 30, 40, 50 Microns, who knows ??
BOSCH is the only filter maker that has "AT 20 Microns" written right on the box, and it's made here in the good ol' U.S.A.
@@SlikLizrd Hi Chuck,
Yep, your filter "Bosch" is one of the ones that make that claim, I think Amsoil does too, which gets their filters from Champion, which in turn makes Walmart Supertech oil filters. I could be wrong though, every day one company buys another one so who knows? What happens if Bosch goes to Mexico and I open one up and glue everywhere plus a coil spring? LOL😊
@@WhipCityWrencher Just checkin' 'em --
Bosch = 99 % At 20 Microns.
Amsoil = 98.7 % At 20 Microns.
WixXP = 98 % At 35 Microns.
Mexico ?? Coil Spring ??
Wasn't it you that just did a review of a WIX, "hecho en Mexico", and with a coil spring ??
I know it wasn't a U.S.A.- made Bosch. 😁
@@SlikLizrd Hi Chuck,
Fleetguard has some filters that are 100% at 30 microns with a coil spring, lol. Does that equal or better 99% at 20 microns? 🤔
🤘🏻 🌟 🤘
Thanks Scott!😊
Maybe Fram doesn't have the best quality inspection on their assembly line.
Question if it does get in the filter will the filter still suck it out?
The hole in the middle of the base plate with the threads is actually the outlet hole where filtered oil gets pushed back into the engine. So, if one of those metal shavings came loose when you screwed the filter on to your engine, it would get pumped into your engine with the oil the first time you started your engine.
Yep, what
"Save16thave" said