Genuine Fram CA-122PL Air Filter

[Darrel Starr]

The only approved round air filter mentioned in the Type Certificate Data Sheet for the PA-18 is a Fram CA-122PL.

Excerpt:
110. Paper air filter installation (Fram CA-122PL) installed in accordance with Piper Dwg. 15013.Eligible on Lycoming O-230 (should be O-320) series engines only. Not eligible when Item 209(b) is installed (Edo Floats).

However, as we know, Fram hasn't made the CA-122PL filter for decades, replacing it with CA122. Wix replacement is 42220 and NAPA is 2220. The CA-122PL filter application sheet shows various 1950s La France trucks and the current CA122 is used on various on-highway trucks.
Anyway, I had never seen an original genuine CA-122PL Fram filter and wondered how it compared to the new ones. So I bought one on eBay, a New Old Stock, CA-122PL that had been on a shelf in Nebraska for a few decades. Anyway, here are some photos of the CA-122PL (with red ends) compared to a NAPA 2220. The old one has MUCH heavier wire mesh and weighs 18.4 oz vs 11.3 oz for the new one. They both have about 100 pleats. I have no idea which is the better filter. I do know that the NAPA is missing circular grooves in the end caps which makes it hard to center the skull cap. The latest Fram, CA122 (also see picture) has mesh of a size in between the other two and does have circular grooves in the end caps. I think that version would be worth a few extra bucks vs the NAPA one especially to get the centering grooves.
View attachment 9254
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And here is the Current Fram Filter CA122

 

[Darrel Starr]

These pictures didn't get added to the first post:

 

[GeeBee]

It is a good think Fram has not produced one in decades. The old Fram was a great company, making a great product of which you probably were able to lay your hands on in the above. IMHO after passing through the hands of various conglomerates their product is wanting. While not air filters, this oil filter study gives you an good indication of where their product line stands versus others

http://billhughes.com/mirror/oilfilterstudy.htm

 

[Ron B.]

I find the fine mesh filter will squish from the skull cap pressure. I would like to find a source for a heavier mesh than the NAPA ones I've been using.
Ron

 

[mike mcs repair]

Someone was asking today about part numbers. Seeing this thread is 7 years old, any new numbers or thoughts of currently available choices? I know Univair was having some made with the grooves. Not that it fit if I remember right... few years ago

 

[JB]

My local NAPA in Alaska didn't have the 2220 filter. I called Anchorage and they said they show no stores that have it.

Bought one from Stoddards and there is a groove but it is 5 1/4" and the dome is 5 7/16 " this causes the dome to fall into the groove on one side and force misalignment.

The napa one is smooth. I would like to have a groove at the 5 7/16" dimension for proper alignment. Anyone have any luck finding a filter that has a groove in it that matches the dome?

 

[JB]

Any stores in alaska carry the Fram CA122?

 

[cubdrvr]

These are the numbers I've had over the years besides FRAM
NAPA 2220
AC 136C
WIX 42220
Purolator AFP 28
AF-31 (?)
and what I use now.......Baldwin PA-653 (made in my hometown)

 

[JB]

Whats the groove measurement on the baldwin?

 

[Steve Pierce]

These are the numbers I've had over the years besides FRAM
NAPA 2220
AC 136C
WIX 42220
Purolator AFP 28
AF-31 (?)
and what I use now.......Baldwin PA-653 (made in my hometown)

I have been getting the Baldwin as well. Didn't know they were made in Yankton.