oil filters....wth?

[busa dave]

i was shopping for oil filters yesterday at wallyworld. i always use motorcraft filters, but i decided to pull a fram filter out of the box and visually compare it to a motorcraft filter. the both have the exact same patent numbers printed on them in the exact same places with the exact same print. what gives here? are the fram filters just reboxed racor filters too ?

[bismic]

For some time now, Racor has sold their 6.0L oil filters to Fram.

[HAM_RADIO_MAN]

OK, let me get this straight. NOW it’s OK to use Fram, MotorCraft and Raycor filters. Are there any other filters that are OK to use.

My Amsoil guy has a good deal on Donaldson air filters. I am under the impression these are the same as the MotorCraft air filter, correct?

[BigDogOil]

Yes the Donaldson air filter elements are OEM. There usually a cheaper price from a wholesaler than going to Ford to buy.

[sinner6.0L]

so was the fram filter cheaper?

[bismic]

The thing is that over the years, there have been some inconsistent reports from people that have bought from the aftermarket suppliers (like FRAM). However - It has been a long time that a NON-OEM oil filter was found in a FRAM box. I also verified through Parker-Hannifen sales (Racor) that they supplied FRAM with the correct oil filter.

Personally, I wouldn't be worried about buying a FRAM oil filter, but I know what to look for. However, I will always wonder if a company like FRAM would suddenly switch to a different supplier - just because they were cheaper.

Because of that question, I just buy Racor, International, or Motorcraft. I know those are correct and I don't have to worry ....... it doesn't bother me that I MIGHT HAVE saved a dollar or two shopping different brands.

[kdogg85]

I use wix filters on mine. Come with their own cap and have never had any oil related problems. Plus, I can get them for $13.

[howell_jd]

Therein lies the problem with the "WTF" sort of exclamations from exhortations to use the big three: Racor, International, or Motorcraft...and Fram...maybe others have been licensed too...

I am with Mark on this one - there are KNOWN good filters...don't be "penny wise, dollar foolish."

...Inevitably someone comes along with an aftermarket filter that "gets around" the patent exclusions by incorporating a disposable filter cap with the filter. The disposable cap itself isn't the problem - BUT - too many don't dispose of the disposable cap and the OEM cap usually is "lost" once the disposable cap makes its way onto the oil filter housing. When the subsequent "cheapest" filter is thrown into the filter housing, the disposable cap doesn't fully separate from the filter element so that the new "cheapest" filter element isn't allowed to properly seat and it is CRUSHED into the housing. The broken plastic pieces from the new and old filter elements then are injested to the oil system with dramatic consequences.

Here is a video to review of the importance for fitment:

Motorcraft Power Stroke Diesel Filter Comparison - YouTube

Motorcraft Power Stroke Diesel Filter Comparison - YouTube

...By the way, the Racor oil filter (PFL-2016) is $11.00 at DieselFiltersOnline.com...

Ford 6.0 and 6.4 Liter Turbo Diesel Racor Filtration PFL2016 Oil Filter(FPL-2016) - Diesel Filters,Additives,brake rotors, and brake pads for Chevy, Dodge and Ford Diesel Trucks

The only way to really know if there are "oil related problems" is through spectrometal analysis available through over-the-road truck service centers or from a mail-order laboratory such as:
Blackstone Labs
Oil Analyzers, Inc. - Oil Analysis, Oil Testing Services
Predictive Maintenance Services, Inc.

I've used all three labs and I incorporate bypass oil filtration too...only a report will validate usage of a particular filter (or filters).

Jonathan

[Idahoser]

Originally Posted by kdogg85

I use wix filters on mine. Come with their own cap and have never had any oil related problems. Plus, I can get them for $13.

I get Motorcraft for under $19 at the same place I get my Rotella T6 for $21, Wally World. No way in the world am I risking the trouble to save five bucks per oil change.

If you ever come looking for help with a problem, you're going to be told to change to a real filter before you move to troubleshooting step 2. Why even bother?

[pl77]

Originally Posted by Idahoser

I get Motorcraft for under $19 at the same place I get my Rotella T6 for $21, Wally World. No way in the world am I risking the trouble to save five bucks per oil change.

If you ever come looking for help with a problem, you're going to be told to change to a real filter before you move to troubleshooting step 2. Why even bother?

I just did my first oil change in my 2004 that I bought a couple weeks back. It had a crappy wix filter and adapter on it, which were replaced with Motorcraft filters and a new oil cap. With the T6 synthetic in it and new fuel filters and a clean EGR, it runs noticeably better and I'm getting at least 3mpg better on the lie-o-meter.