Hello, I have an E-250 4.6lt and I have two questions.

First, Is an anti drain back valve actually required since the oil filter sits upright and vertical? I have heard that it is required for these engines but I also read it is not needed when positioned like so.

Secondly, I just purchased this van so the real question is, Do I need to change to a proper oil filter? because... The filter that is installed is a "Defense" brand DL2 filter and I can not seem to find anything on the internet that indicates it has the ADBV!

The charts I found on the internet seem to indicate that the Defense DL2 is usable for my model, but I fear this only means that the thread will fit. And I suspect the oil change was done at a lube shop where the employee would follow a similar chart and picked the cheapest option... The oil is clean as can be and doesn't need changing but I am considering doing it just to have peace of mind and a proper filter with a ADBV.

How important is the valve in this the upright vertical position?
Does anyone know if this filter (Defense DL2) has the ADBV?

Thanks

 

I believe Defense is a cheap Fram filter, just rebranded to not make the Fram brand even worse than it already is. Get a real one instead. Motocraft isn't that much more.

 

I buy these by the dozen:
You won't find a better or lower cost filter no matter how much you search and research this issue. Nearly everyone of us here use these or their variants and have no problems with them.


HTH