The Fram tough guard series and the Mobil 1 filters are probably among the
best performing filters out there. While the Mann and Mahle filters are
quality constructed units, oil testing on a number of vehicles has shown me
that they are not that good at actually filtering oil especially for
extended drains and anytime dust can get drawn into the engine. Wear
particles and silica are often above limits when I have customers oil
tested. On my own FOX, the TG filters were giving me 1 year 14,000 mile
changes no problems. With the Mann it could not go 10,00 twice. Of course
the TG series is not the same as the cheapie but I know the man, Mahle is
over rated. I also had the problem with the Mann cartridge filter in my 600
sel. I go to the dealer now for that one. They may be made by the same
company but the element in the box does not look the same.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike S
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 8:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: hidden oil leak ??

At 07:56 PM 1/12/2009, A J wrote...
>the fram filter.

No comment on the rest, but Fram makes what are probably the worst
filters (which have an ill-deserved reputation from an ancient Consumer
Report study on taxicabs, which are the furthest thing from a daily
driver, excepting garage queens). Stick to Mann 719/12 or Mahle OC108
on a Vanagon.