Fram HM 3980 cut open

[Stelth]

Got some of these for $1.25 ea. a while back, can't remember where now. This one has ~5300 miles on it. The nitrile ADBV was still pliable, and the construction looks better than the last Fram I opened.

You can see the little "cartridge" that holds the high-mileage glop. It seems to have all dispersed. I was a little concerned about the cartridge causing some flow restriction, but as far as I know, everything was fine. There's about 1/8" space all around it. End caps were secure, and the pleats weren't particularly wavy, either.

 

[Donald]

What is the HM glop? PFTE?

 

[KCJeep]

I remember that deal but I held off, Rock Auto maybe? The HM filter is a rip off at regular pricing IMO but a steal for what you paid for them. This one does not look quite as good as the last 3980 I opened but was certainly servicable. All orange cans are not created equal, but the 3980's are among the better ones.

IIRC Fram won't say exactly whats in the time release gel but has said that the additive will "boost" the oils TBN. If that is the case it can't be PTFE. Time release Boron or some such thing maybe?

 

[dishdude]

At one time it was PTFE, I remember these on the shelves in the 90's.

It just had a weird gel that they squirted in the filter, and not the cartridge.

 

[Stelth]

Here's what Fram says:
Quote:
FRAM High Mileage filter contains a cartridge of proprietary detergents and compounds that maintain viscosity, reduce corrosive wear, neutralize acids and keep engine component cleaner

 

[KCJeep]

Yes the Double Guards are long defunct, thank goodness!

 

[MBS500]

I got about 4 hm frams that will go on the truck in my sig. Could not resist $1 price tag.

 

[Sayjac]

Actually according to their respective websites, the Fram Double Guard filter is still available for purchase at Amazon and JC Whitney. And a google search will reveal that in the early to mid 2000's the DG was being discussed on message boards as a purchase option.

As for the HM, proprietary oil conditioner designed to reduce acids, extend oil life. Certainly can't complain for $1.25 for basically an orange can, but for average everyday Wally price of ~$6.50, another discussion.

 

[jhellwig]

Didn't fram get sued over the filter with teflon in it?

 

[MrQuackers]

The $1.25 deal was Summit Racing

 

[KCJeep]

Originally Posted By: MrQuackers
The $1.25 deal was Summit Racing


Ah yes it was! Good recollection...

Double Guards have long been absent from Fram's website. I did see a recent photograph of pallets worth of old stock in a warehouse somewhere though.