Fram TG3985 filters found

[Ccmano]

In Marc Haibecks 1997 and 2006 articles on oil filters he came to the conclusion that the Fram TG3985 filter was the best performing oil filter based on both filtration and more importantly the quality of the check valve. This to prevent loss of oil from the filter and shorten oil pressure build up on start up. The articles can be found here.

http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20W...es%20index.htm

(not to be confused with the PH3985 and the HM3985, both of which also fit our cars)

In 2005 he wrote that the TG3985 was no longer available from Fram, at least in the Chicago area. Many of us found that to be true all over the country.

While looking on-line today I found that PepBoys, of all places, listed the TG3985. Assuming this is the same TG3985, I went down to my local PepBoys and sure enough they had 2 in stock. I bought both. I'm going to install one on my car today and see how it performs. I have not been happy with the Bosch 3401 on the car now, although I suspect it's just the particular one that's on there now. Previous ones have been fine.

So if your looking for a TG3985, check out your local PepBoys, they may just have it.
H

[XfireZ51]

Hans,

What is it about the 3401 that would have you looking for another filter?

[IowaZR-1]

Fram TG3985 is available at OReilly Auto Parts also.
http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductD...Type=1&PTSet=A

this link has all the applications for that filter
http://www.oilfiltersonline.com/prod...em_code=TG3985

[tomtom72]

Hans,

have you noticed that every once in awhile you get a 3401 that doesn't hold oil as well as some of the others? Also that the time to build oil pressure varies from one filter to the next?
I thought that it could have been my imagination


Tom

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

Hans,

have you noticed that every once in awhile you get a 3401 that doesn't hold oil as well as some of the others? Also that the time to build oil pressure varies from one filter to the next?
I thought that it could have been my imagination


Tom

That's exactly why I started looking into this. I was getting intermittant episodes of what I considered excessive time to build oil pressure on start up, both hot and cold. Not to mention the ensuing clatter. I only drove the car briefly yesterday, so no conclusions yet.
H

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

Hans,

have you noticed that every once in awhile you get a 3401 that doesn't hold oil as well as some of the others? Also that the time to build oil pressure varies from one filter to the next?
I thought that it could have been my imagination


Tom

Same here ... seems that there is a "slight" inconsistency from filter to filter.

[tomtom72]

....does anyone remember maybe two yrs ago the M1 M207 filters had these very symptoms? A lot of us switched to the 3401's at that time....I maybe off on the time frame, but I remember these symptoms from a batch of the new black vs gray M207's...or was it just the gray ones?

I'm thinking quality control issues at the plant?

Why does it seem to much to ask that parts just work like they are supposed to work? I must be getting short of patience the older I become?

[jrd1990zr1]

I just picked up two of the Fram TG3985 filters at the local Pep-Boys. They didn't have any more there but when I was talking to the counter guy he claimed there were 19 more in their warehouse in Indiana. He asked me if I wanted to order any more.

I didn't, but it sounds like there are a bunch out there!

[xlr8nflorida]

It sure is an ugly looking filter

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by xlr8nflorida

It sure is an ugly looking filter

True... Black krinkle top with a light gray body . I suppose you could always paint it black.
H