Fram oil filter 6017A

Just curious about the above. Lots of bad press on here about Fram filters. I have used them in cars and trucks for years with no problems. I have had other brands leak and swell to the point of splitting but never a Fram filter.

Bad Fram filters

Some quote the above link. But upon reading I find that it is from 1999 and quotes problems from 1995-96.

Is it not likely that if the problems existed they would have been corrected long before now?

My first change I used a 6017A and have had no problems. Just wondering. Maybe filters have gotten as subjective/ flamable as OIL?

I have never used fram filters on my Silver Wing so I can't say. Honda uses the same oil filter for several models. A friend of mile, also a long distance rider had a shop change his oil and used a generic filter that specs said would fit he had the oil light come on 350 miles from home. He had some oil, googled a shop. They discovered that the filter was a fraction short and would not seal.
Deep in the left storage pocket on my Silver Wing is a new Honda OME oil filter so I can make an oil change at any stop or shop along my travels.

The post elsewhere on the forum that seems to indicate a Fram filter failure may have caused an engine failure got me thinking. I am using my 2nd Fram 6017-A on my SWing, both purchased at Wal-Mart.

I went to my local Wal-Mart to investigate oil filters and a few things I noticed:

The Purolator filters I saw did NOT have bypass valves but are cheap.

My Wal-Mart does not carry SuperTech filters but does have Fram 6607 and 7317 models (both mentioned on forums as replacements for our Hondas). Note however that these are listed as automotive filters NOT bike filters. The 6017-A is a specific motorcycle filter and is longer than the 6607 but not as long as the 7317. Just by visual inspection the 6017-A seems much better built than the car filters. The 6017-A runs $6.97 USD; the other Fram's are less.

http://www.fram.com/sites/default/f/uploads/en/warranty.pdf

Wal-Mart carries a Bosch (3323) that will fit the SWings but it is Nearly 13 bucks; for that might as well go to Honda.

If I have the capability (proper tools) I will cut open my 6017-A and post the pictures on the forum for information sake.

Currently I have over 2K on this oil and filter; I intend to visually inspect the filter; the oil is still VERY clean.

Just for the record I have NO stock in Fram! But the nearest Honda dealer is a good distance and if the Fram is OK it is a VERY cost-effective option. But if the current Fram has issues we need CURRENT information not 13 year old accusations! If you do a search on Amazon you will find good reviews on the 6017-A but most motorcycle forums diss the Fram and quote the ancient reports.

OK will put my soap-box away and suffice to say I will keep you all posted!!!

The PureOne filters from Purolator have anti-drainback valves. A lot of the guys on the Shadow forums use them rather than the Honda ones. After having to punch the Honda to get it off, I switched myself.

I did complete a quick visual inspection of my filter. Looks fine with no leaks or bulges of any kind. I will keep an eye on it but will not pull it off until next oil change, just see no point. Also I will not go 7500 miles on the oil/filter combo even though Honda says it can...

And just so all will not think that only Fram filters are recalled note this from the Challenger Forum:

"The Napa Gold Oil Filter #7144 has been recalled. It has been replaced with filter #7526...."

I am sure that there are others as well...

FWIW The NAPA 7144 & 7526 are cartridge filter inserts. Not the same as the spin on filters our Silverwings & most cars use. I doubt too that those cartridge inserts have pressure relief or anti-drain back valves either.

Tim

Just use Fram 6017A----that is what Fram chart recommends for SilverWing.

WalMart seems to be cheapest and most convenient source----I use WalMart 10-40 oil,too....and have over 500,000 successful 2 wheel miles with it in variety of bikes/scooters.

WalMart house brand oil filter no longer seems to be available for Hondas.

Most Fram filters don't fail but there have been recalls of some that did. The cartridge type filters don't have pressure relief valves since the cannister they go into provides that function usually by a spring that will unseat the filter and bypass it if the input oil pressure rises too high. Better to bypass the filter than block the oil flow. I haven't cut a Fram spin on filter open recently to see if they are still cardboard inside and probably won't have the chance since I don't use them anymore but if any one that does change one would cut them open they could compare them to another brand or to the pictures on the comparison photos already posted. I did get a notice from Chrysler not to use them on my Dodge Cummins diesel pick up but that was a good while ago. They might be better now or might not. For me it's not worth finding out the hard way.

exavid wrote:

For me it's not worth finding out the hard way.

I agree, The cheap Fram filter $5.00 The Highest is a K&N at $15.00, lets do the math you save a BIG $10 ! Is taking a chance worth the extra $10 ? If so go ahead !

I feel as though a nice bike like the Silverwing is worth spending the extra $10 !