This may seem like a simple question but where can I find a decent oil filter? I had previously used a Fram and got the upper end clacking noise. The dlr said that the Volvo filter had a baffle or 2 that kept the oil in the upper end that prevented it. Sure enough, the clacking noise went away. I have subsequently bought them at the Volvo dlr but at $11 a pop and an hour round trip I would prefer to buy them somewhere else. Does Fram or others have a comparable filter or should I just keep going to the dealer?

Thanks,

The topic of Volvo/Mann vs. others is clear to me.

Does anyone know where RAMAC Industries (NV) gets the filters they sell to jobbers? Those are the ones I use, and I get them through a dealer friend.

the Bosch brand is a very fine oil filter and be bought at Autozone for 5 bucks. it's made by Champion Labs who also happen to make the Mobil 1 oil filter.

Interesting topic but just out of curiosity how about the Bosch or Deutsch filters? I have a Bosch on now.

Yes Amsoil Filters are better. But they are expensive at $11 a pop retail. (about $8 preferred customer). The antidrainback valve is a bit heartier than the already good Mann/Volvo, but the real plus is the filter media is not "paper". (OK price compared to your dealer price)

That said (and many have asked): I currently use Mann. Why? Because before I became an Amsoil dealer, I bought "a few" cases of Mann on Ebay. (prior to that I used to score them at big discounts, sometimes free by begging with BIG parts orders). Anyhow, even if I don't drain the oil, I swap filters every 3,000 miles or so. Eventually I'll run out use Amsoil oil filters.

I would NEVER put a Fram on my car, and yes I know there are gradations within the Fram family. I just know they are not of superior construction.

I have just found a local source for the Fram Tough Guard, that HAS the anti-drain-back valve, and in the TF-43 size I use. They are on the shelf at $5.99 ea. The low-level Fram has no such valve. When I use up the stock I have I'll look and the Mann alternative.

Good Luck to you. Bob

I could buy the Orange Fram for $4.99. Or I could go across the street and buy the Mann for $4.99. Is this a no-brainer, or will I be hit by an El Camino headed for the tittie bar next door?

"...will I be hit by an El Camino headed for the tittie bar next door?"

It's worth the risk. Go soon, go often.

What retailer "across the street" sells Mann filters for $4.99? I've only been able to obtain Mann filters by mail order, eBay, etc. Would like to find a "brick and mortar" place that sells them retail, off the shelf. Thanks, Robert

I am in Maine. Within 12 miles of my house there are three stores that will sell me a Mann filter for under $6. One is a New England chain. The othes are indies.

Maybe I am spoiled and there aren't auto parts places on every street corner everywhere?

I paid $37 ($31+$6shipping) for a case of 10 Mann oil filters on ebay, so that's just $3.70 per filter. I bought from the ebay seller "redline2k", and the person I dealt with was Alan Miller at alan@redlinecars.com. You should email him and ask if he's got any Mann oil filters (W917, as someone mentioned below). Another good source is the ebay seller "uconn72", who also run auctions for cases of Mann filters (currently Item #574013176 & Item #574013377) that start at $24.99.

With a bit of careful shopping you can buy a tray of 10 Mann filters from one of the BB advertisers, who also sell on eBay. If you're patient you should find 'em for something like $4 per filtere, shipping included.

The only time I'd touch a Fram filter is when throwing it out.

Some obnoxious moron on this board once labeled Fram filters as "The Orange Kiss of Death." I dunno know if he knows much, but I think he was right on that one.

I think he knows much......

Oil filter choice, like oil itself, is a religious issue that often sparks vigorous debate. However, many Volvophiles prefer Mann filters, which are the same as the Volvo brand (Mann makes them for Volvo). They are available from such places as IPD for usually around $4-6 apiece. Some people buy them off of ebay. You want the W917 model number. I purchased a case of 10 from www.alleuro.com for about $4.50 apiece, including shipping. But they can be purchased by just about every vendor that advertises on the Brickboard. (never hurts to support your sponsors)

Supposedly there's a Beck Arnley brand part that can be ordered at most autoparts stores that carry Beck Arnley parts that's actually a Mann filter in a Beck Arnley box, but I don't know what the part number is.

Some people prefer Mobil 1 brand filters and Paul Seminara of course loves his Amsoil filters. Both are well respected brands for use with synthetic oils.

Then there are other deviants who prefer Fram, Purolator, Wix or other brands. Below is a URL that is a review of many brands of oil filters. Unfortunately, it's geared toward Mopar vehicles so the Mann/Volvo filter isn't reviewed. But it makes for interesting reading anyway.

http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html

Having said all this, I personally prefer the Mann filters because it's what Volvo recomends and "Volvo Knows Best". :) Ok, they don't always know best, but in this case it seems like a reasonable choice.

But ultimately, like choosing an oil, it's a decision that you should make based on your own knowledge and research. That way you can flame the idiots that disagree with you. :)

Volvo filters are made by Mann so that gives you an alternative. eBay many times has filters for sale by the carton (search Volvo in Parts). You can mail order them from the Volvo dealers who give significant discounts. Many of the advertisers here on the Brickboard sell the Mann filters.

Randy

I have been using Mann filters in my 745 and 765T for several years and they are fine. I did however dissect a Volvo & a Mann filter and compared them visually only. They only difference I could see was a thicker ,firmer antidrain back valve. Performance wise, the oil pressure light goes out right away upon starting-hot or cold. I only use Mobil 1, 10w-30, with 5-6k oil changes. The Mann is a good value.