i really hate to start this back up again...but shadey, you want numbers? how about the 7-8 guys on this single thread that have personally experienced frams low quality?
Ok. How about the millions of us who use the product without problems? My number is bigger than your number.
Some of the problems I see with filters, and not just Fram, are:
The filter is on much too tight. In some instances you have to punch a hole in the filter and crowbar the damn thing off.
No lubricant used on the seal, and when it is tightened it will not slip and damages the seal. Or, doesn't allow the filter to tighten all the way, and it leaks.
Not cleaning the seal surface, or dropping dirt into the filter on re-installation.
Wrong filter used.
When the above problems occur, guess what gets the blame? That is why I don't give much credence to these problems unless it is verified in some manner. Many of these same people that screw the filter up on installation are the ones telling everyone else it is a bad filter, and not to use it. From some of the posts I read here, some of these guys can **** up a steel ball with a rubber mallet.
But, that is how human nature is, pay heed to the 7 or 8 who have problems, and ignore the million with no problems. It happens all the time.
Plus this little gem: Some dufus cuts a filter open, and THINKS it can't do a good job of filtration by the way it LOOKS. Classic.
The toilet paper filters were being used on automobiles as late as the early/mid 60's. A couple of lawsuits finally saw their demise. shady