6.7 melted piston, 51,000 miles...Fram filter the cause???

[mwilson]

If the internal seal is out of place I now wonder if your oil pressure relief valve didn't stick for a couple of seconds on start- up. I have seen that damage filters before, and not just the Fram brand.

I am not dismissing a Fram issue by any means but I would really want to know what happened regardless.

 

[GCroyle]

Maybe buy another filter, same exact part number and cut that one open looking for possible source.

 

[fireplanner]

I have, cut open a new one today, the design has changed. Fram no longer has the rubber anti-drainback valve, all steel in the new design.

I spoke with Fram today, they have assigned a claim number to this. They do want the filter and 2 rubber pieces back for "analysis". Before i send anything to them it will be well documented.

 

[DonFitzwater]

They do want the filter and 2 rubber pieces back for "analysis". Before i send anything to them it will be well documented.

Please don't forget about keeping us posted on this.......I'm extremely interested in the resolution.

 

[EDankievitch]

Yes please keep us posted.

 

[TCDiesel]

EGT gauge would not have been observable (temps) on only 1 bad hole, the Piston looks good, no out of bowl markings, I OA the oil, of course its going to be ugly, But I'm sure the oil will show good and the particle count will be skyrocket high this will confirm oil good, More evidence for your cases against Frame.

EGT should only be used as a touchtone intel,you can easily burn down holes even showing good EGTs, it takes several sensor and probes to POST/PRE,intake , drive pressures etc., On our pulling trucks we run temps 2200*+ for only seconds and we tune according to all the intel form several sensor/probes... Keep in mind these are engines cost $100K+ I ***** like heck when the drivers say in them longer then 1 second at the end of the pull, at the night pulls you will see the exhaust manifold's and turbo glow red.

 

[mwilson]

I have, cut open a new one today, the design has changed. Fram no longer has the rubber anti-drainback valve, all steel in the new design.

I spoke with Fram today, they have assigned a claim number to this. They do want the filter and 2 rubber pieces back for "analysis". Before i send anything to them it will be well documented.

Any news??? Do you need me to make a call on your behalf??

Mike.

 

[fireplanner]

The "evidence" will arrive at Fram on Thursday the 12th. I will let you know what happens. In response to the oil statement, I have it still, but it hasn't been "tested" yet to determine quality? but it looks like something on the rubber worm isle at Bass Pro Shops, lots of metal flake, shines nice at night with a flashlight.

On the brighter side, after about 500 miles on the rebuild, we have cut the new filter (Fleetguard) and no rubber and no metal, i am feeling a little better that we did retrieve most, if not all, of the rubber and aluminum, from the engine on the initial rebuild.

 

[TCDiesel]

I here ya fireplanner, but OA is necessary, What if Frame claims the oil had contaminates that caused the material to degrade and decompose the filters integrity thus causing the gasket failure. cover every angle, prepare for the worst hope for the best, it always works.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I agree that an oil analysis would be money well spent. Just extra ammo for the gun!

 

[fireplanner]

Update: FRAM received the filter on 2/12...and according to the letter they sent me back on that same day "...we have concluded our examination of your product liability claim and have turned your claim over to our third party administrator to negotiate a settlement..." Yesterday i was contacted by the claim handeler and even though I haven't received a check yet, it appears FRAM is going to reimburse for the engine damage. I will let you know what the final outcome is, but it has been a pretty easy claim process so far, they haven't given any friction to the matter and apparently they didn't have to spend days looking at the filter...the damage was easy to find.

 

[seafish]

That is excellent news for you…hope that the rest of the claim goes easy…don't forget to claim for vehicle rental while your truck is down…it will give you more room for negotiation.

 

[Wayne M.]

Wow. It won't make me switch from what I'm doing, but that sounds like good biz.

 

[TFucili]

It's a shame you had that happen, but I gotta give credit to a company that stands up and makes it right without putting you through the wringer.

 

[DonFitzwater]

.........and I'll keep using mopar and Fleetguard! Glad to hear they aren't fighting too hard!

 

[Tuesdak]

I am impressed with FRAM standing behind their product. Hopefully the negotiations are a slam dunk.

Bigger question now - what filter you running on the replacement engine?

 

[fireplanner]

Fleetguard :-laf

 

[TDRGuy]

And the final answer is?

Lots of helpful member input. thanks, guys.

RP

 

[fireplanner]

The 3rd party "claim handling" company is a joke, for 3 weeks they haven't been able to return a phone call or an email and that has been with the adjuster, her supervisory (who claims he doesn't deal with FRAM claims), and his manager. I called FRAM today to tell them what a lousy response their claim company has provided, all FRAM could say is they would send an email, but that there were not any notes on my claim that any info was needed from me.

 

[TCDiesel]

I was worry about the 3rd party getting involved, I have dealt with this in this in the past, have a current on going claim of $15K against a party I will not name at this time, they sent the county clerk a notice of legal procurement than show up without legal counsel...Ugh...