oil filter

[grasshopper]

Can I use a Fram ph 16 oil filter on my Fiat Spider ? I could not find Fram ph 43 that I usually use.
Thanks for any info,,

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I don't think so. While an oil filter might appear to "spin on OK", that doesn't mean it's right for the application. I couldn't find anything online that would suggest that a PH16 is OK for a '76 Fiat spider. Might fit, but probably not OK.

Back when Fram PH7 filters were readily available, I used those. Thick 'n' meaty in terms of size, but not so common anymore (or ridiculously expensive). It looks like Fram still recommends this for your '76, if you can find them. Personally, I'd just go with any oil filter that is specified for a '76 Fiat spider, and not lose any sleep over it.

-Bryan

[grasshopper]

Thanks for the reply. I will not use the ph16.

[samakijoe]

If I were you I would take a look at some of the reviews on oil filters on YouTube. All of the testers agree that the Fram filter
is crap. I know I'm going to get flak but that's OK

[RRoller123]

A forum member did an extensive test on many brands, taking them apart, etc, a lot of good work! Bravo. The results were posted here a year or so back (might be longer.... ) Well worth reviewing. The K&N came out very high, that is what many of us use.

[Ragno124]

I use Wix 51189 or NAPA Gold 1189 which is the same Wix branded for NAPA.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

A member of this forum (baltobernie) did a comparison of various oil filters several years ago:

http://dcfiats.org/tech/tech.html
(Click on the top link on this page)

I've never had a problem with any of the oil filters I've used over the years, at least a problem that could be traced to the oil filter. However, your mileage may vary, and I'd certainly pay more attention to oil filters for engines that see a lot of hard use (racing, lots of stop and go traffic, temperature extremes, etc.).

-Bryan

[baltobernie]

Thanks for the shout-out. I did this comparison out of curiosity more than anything. I still avoid those brands that appeared to be of lower quality than others, but at a couple of thousand miles per year/filter, probably anything that fits is good enough. Same with motor oil. Correct viscosity and level, change once per season, go on down the road.

[MikeHynes]

I don't think so. While an oil filter might appear to "spin on OK", that doesn't mean it's right for the application. I couldn't find anything online that would suggest that a PH16 is OK for a '76 Fiat spider. Might fit, but probably not OK.

Back when Fram PH7 filters were readily available, I used those. Thick 'n' meaty in terms of size, but not so common anymore (or ridiculously expensive). It looks like Fram still recommends this for your '76, if you can find them. Personally, I'd just go with any oil filter that is specified for a '76 Fiat spider, and not lose any sleep over it.

-Bryan

Don't use Fram, they are junk. Of course not many folks cut their filters open, so not many folks see the difference between filter brands. There are huge differences between filter brands. Two brands that appear to be very similar (and highly recommended) are K&N, and Mobile 1. I do cut every oil filter I use open and the only difference I see between K&N and Mobile 1 is the can itself. I think K&N uses a thicker can with that extra "nut" on the bottom. The Mobile 1 filter is usually cheaper of the two, so that's what I use.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Good to know Mike, thanks. In my case, as my Fiats get driven only occasionally (less than 500 miles per year) and are stored in a garage year-round, I doubt that I'm really stressing my oil filters...! But, I'm glad some people have looked into these matters and found differences that they can share with the group.

-Bryan

[waveygravey]

Several years ago a friend and I bought a large number of Fram PH7 off Ebay.

After all the talk about them being junk I am squeamish about using them. But as mentioned above, I don't really stress my car much so I will use up the Frams and switch to the other recommendations then.

Thanks for the great info.

[redcars]

I have driven cars to 200,000 to 300,000 miles using fram filters and Walmart oil without a problem. I did this for 20 years without a problem. I run my vehicles hard and maintain well . With the cost of filters and oil verses repairs run what makes you comfortable. I only used the higher end Fram. I now use NAPA gold filters, which are the same as Wicks, I buy them on the yearly sale for half price, which makes them cheaper than the Fram filters.