Date:         Tue, 18 May 1999 12:16:07 -0700
Reply-To:     Courtney Snow <csnow@FROGNET.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Courtney Snow <csnow@FROGNET.NET>
Organization: here fishy fishy
Subject:      Re: My First Oil Filter Failure
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Michael A. Radtke wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I have followed oil filter testimonials and experiments on this list and in
> the media for years.  While I understood that a better filter is a good
> thing, I couldn't figure out which filter was "better."
>
> This note is about a specific observed failure.
>
> A short time ago, I noticed bearing knock for a second or two just after
> starting my Vanagon after not using it for 10 hours or more.  I immediately
> suspected the anti-drainback valve in the oil filter.  I changed the oil
> filter Saturday, and after the usual startup and check for leaks, the
> Vanagon sat until this morning.  No bearing knock on startup.
>
> I looked at the used filter, and I understand how the anti-drainback valve
> works, but I couldn't see any obvious physical problem with it.  The famous
> Mopar oil filter study says to expect this failure from a Fram (yes it
> was), but I don't see how the Fram design is flawed other than the valve
> flap is a cone shape rather than flat as it is in other filters.  (I
> disregarded the "rough metal backplate" words since the plate referred to
> looks the same as used in other filter brands.)
>
> Thanks for listening.
>
> Mike  '84 GL  '58 Isetta

I just got finished replacing a Fram filter on Otto.  I was driving to
West Virginia on Sunday when I noticed the engine being ecspecially
loud.  On further inspection I found a leak in the filter and only a
quart and a half of oil left in the engine (the rest is all over the
engine compartment and the tailgate).  Changed to a Mobil filter and
evil appears to be punished.  The morals here are:
Don't skimp on the filter
Fram is a product of satan

Happy travels,

Chris Riddle
85 weekender "Otto"
Athens, OH