Made in the USA fuel filters!

[cook03f250]

I thought I would let you all know that Napa has some fuel filters that are made in the USA! Ask for the "Napa Gold" filters. If you don't get the gold you will end up with wong-fong-chingy-dong crap. The kit comes with both filters and O-rings and was $89.
Some things I noticed about the gold filters compared to what was in my truck and the cheap junk at Napa:
New O-rings included.
Filters sealed in plastic to keep them clean, moisture free.
The inside of the big filter was supported with a "cage".
Both filters had a metal bar running from top to bottom in the media to keep it from crushing.
Both had a patented seal that works much better than the other kind. It lets the filter spin as you tighten it.

BTW, I changed mine because I just bought this truck last summer and I didn't know when they were last changed. (If ever.) Not to mention the small filter was twisted!
When I pulled the big filter it had chunks of crud all over it and inside of the housing!

In the pics below you can see the difference between the seals inside the filters. Also, the "cage", the "made in USA" and my twisted filter.

[taskforcefreddy]

Hmm... Not sure if the fuel filters are a patented design like the oil filters are but I would venture to believe that they are. These means that anything other than the Motorcraft will not have a true fit do to the design being patented. Based on the design of the filter housing and observing that it's similar to that of the oil filter, I would think that it is. I'm certain someone with more knowledge will chime in. Bottom line, you might be doing your truck a diservice by using those filters.

[Dave]

NAPA makes a decent filter.

But with a 6.0 do not. I repeat do not run anything but an OEM fuel filter.

[cook03f250]

Originally Posted by Dave

NAPA makes a decent filter.

But with a 6.0 do not. I repeat do not run anything but an OEM fuel filter.

Why? What is the problem?

[Dave]

The lengths of the aftermarket filters are generally slightly shorter not allowing them to filter properly.

Im not sure about the napa gold but most aftermarket fuel filters dont have the proper water separator material either.

[taskforcefreddy]

Originally Posted by cook03f250

Why? What is the problem?

I'm not sure I could've broke it down for you anymore man. I'll try again.

"Hmm... Not sure if the fuel filters are a patented design like the oil filters are but I would venture to believe that they are. These means that anything other than the Motorcraft will not have a true fit do to the design being patented. Based on the design of the filter housing and observing that it's similar to that of the oil filter, I would think that it is. I'm certain someone with more knowledge will chime in. Bottom line, you might be doing your truck a diservice by using those filters."

[cook03f250]

Well, I sat the Gold filters next to the old ones and they were the same size and length. I would venture to say that he patented parts were the seal inside the small filter and the cage in the big one and maybe they steel spine in the media. Everything about them looked better so I guess I'm not worried about it. The way the seal slipped down over everything and spun freely seems like a posative. Plus I like the idea of them being American made.

Maybe you guys should check them out for yourselves before you decide they're no good?

[taskforcefreddy]

Both the Motorcraft fuel and oil filter kits are made in the USA. Stick with OEM. The truck is designed for it and there are documented instances where improper filter fitmernt has led to engine failure of some sort.

[Fox Hunt]

$89? Wow considering you can get Racor fuel filters (the company that makes them for Ford) for less than half that you got way screwed... Racor fuel filter


Plus if you throw in an oil filter you get free shipping.

[Dave]

Holy crap 89 bucks for the napa golds. They must be made of gold or some chit.

I can get OEM motorcrafts all day every day for 52 bucks