Fram warning

ERA Chas · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 11:31 AM

This is about the Fram HPGC-1 FUEL filter-not oil.

Just bought a fresh one as I change it out every 2nd season. The new one says 'Made in Turkey' -not sure where the 2008 one was made. Well the Turks (wish Turk was still on here

) can't follow engineering drawings any better than the Chinese, Indians, Mexs' or any non-US suppliers.

The stamped recess in each end of the cartridge which receives the rubber sealing washer is smaller by maybe .020" than the 2008 model. The result is the supplied washers are too big for the recess in the new cartridge. You can't get a good seal which is dangerous for leaks.

Amazingly, the OLD washers fit the new cartridge perfectly-maybe because they soaked in gas for 2 seasons.

Since they were in perfect condition I used those on the new filter and it closed up securely.

Just a heads up to users to be sure you have a gas-tight seal.
Here's the filter I'm talking about:

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the heads up. .... Are those copper fuel lines?

WardL · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 01:15 PM

The copper jumped out at me too. You really need to change them to something made for gasoline. Copper is for water. You might think it is better than rubber, but I think it gets brittle and would need replacing at some point.

ERA Chas · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 02:06 PM

Yes, copper. I had tried stainless but couldn't get the bend radius because it's so stiff. I used stainless on the fuel log feed line with much softer radius bends.
Been replaced twice since '96. Inspected carefully each time and they were perfect when removed. Pliable still after use and no cracks.
Thanks for the concern.

jwd · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 06:23 PM

Get rid of that copper line. There's a reason why it isn't approved for fuel line use and has NEVER been approved for use with any manufacturer. It will crack with any vibration. Hope you have good insurance, if they cover you for such a blatant error (some don't). Do it right or don't do it.

Gatorac · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 06:39 PM

I've seen a car on fire from using copper.

Silverback51 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:07 PM

It is pliable, but it will fatigue and then crack.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:33 PM

If copper cracking from vibration is the issue, why is a copper line suitable for the pressure line for the oil pressure gauge?

jwd · #9 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

If copper cracking from vibration is the issue, why is a copper line suitable for the pressure line for the oil pressure gauge?

Don't know what to tell you. The original oil pressure lines on Corvettes are NOT copper. They are steel. Maybe Ford had another of one those "great ideas"

Honestly, never seen any ORIGINAL lines made of copper anywhere in the auto industry, but I've only been restoring cars for 40 years (Fords included).

Jim

Jerry Clayton · #10 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:36 PM

Do I see teflon tape on some inverted flare fittings????

Jerry Clayton · #11 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 07:38 PM

Most lines on oil pressure guages will have a loop to absorb the vibration/work hardening.Remember that years ago we didn't have some of these more modern materials

ratsnst1 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 08:52 PM

I see all the smart guys are on here tonight, I have a question,when I do a panic stop, that meaning stopping as fast as you can, my car wants to die, engine stops running, I checked the float bowls, the fuel is at the very bottom of the window in my 850 demon carb, actually below the site glass, I have to shake the crap out of the car to get the fuel to barely show, I think maybe it needs to be at the middle of site window, if any of you guys no of anything can you please let me know.

OZCOBRA · #13 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 09:14 PM

It's called a CLUTCH..

...Hope those smart fellows can help you out!!

ratsnst1 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZCOBRA

It's called a CLUTCH..

...Hope those smart fellows can help you out!!

I pull the clutch in all ready. thats just commen sense.

OZCOBRA · #15 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 09:42 PM

...NO REALLY!!!!!!
........IT'S CALLED HUMOUR!!!!..

As i said hopefully someone "SMART and not a SMARTARSE" can help!!

ratsnst1 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZCOBRA

...NO REALLY!!!!!!
........IT'S CALLED HUMOUR!!!!..

As i said hopefully someone "SMART and not a SMARTARSE" can help!!

well I am sure I will figure it out, I just think its a fuel issue when stopping hard.

DAVID GAGNARD · #17 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratsnst1

I see all the smart guys are on here tonight, I have a question,when I do a panic stop, that meaning stopping as fast as you can, my car wants to die, engine stops running, I checked the float bowls, the fuel is at the very bottom of the window in my 850 demon carb, actually below the site glass, I have to shake the crap out of the car to get the fuel to barely show, I think maybe it needs to be at the middle of site window, if any of you guys no of anything can you please let me know.

With a Demon carb, you want your fuel level to be at least half the sight glass, 3/4 is acceptable........My race car with a Demon does the same thing in hard stops, so does my street car with a Holley, not too much you can do to prevent this, cept brake hard and at the last possible second, push in the clutch........

Rick is dead-on with what is happeneing, fuel slosh in the bowls,throttle blades closed, and little to no fire= motor dying out on ya.....

David

joyridin' · #18 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVID GAGNARD

With a Demon carb, you want your fuel level to be at least half the sight glass, 3/4 is acceptable........My race car with a Demon does the same thing in hard stops, so does my street car with a Holley, not too much you can do to prevent this, cept brake hard and at the last possible second, push in the clutch........

Rick is dead-on with what is happeneing, fuel slosh in the bowls,throttle blades closed, and little to no fire= motor dying out on ya....

David

Do you have jet extensions? I had the same problem until I installed these in the carb. Never had the problem again. They are made for just this purpose. The best one I have seen are made by QuickFuel. I'm sure Holley makes them also.

ack fia · #19 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010, 06:18 AM

I worked for Fram for years and I have a number of "original" filter elements and parts (including the top castings). If I can help, let me know.
P.S. I do not use Fram oil filters
ACK FIA

ERA Chas · #20 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ack fia

I worked for Fram for years and I have a number of "original" filter elements and parts (including the top castings). If I can help, let me know.
P.S. I do not use Fram oil filters
ACK FIA

Thank you ACK-will keep your offer in mind.
I don't think anybody that can read uses their oil filters either.