In case you might not know, you can increase the oil filtering capacity a little, with Purolator's L30042 filter. It's a direct spin on replacement, for the 3.0L V-6. Usually, I have been using the Motorcraft FL-400s, which is a quality filter, but I am also impressed with Purolator, including their PUREONE line. Avoid Fram, they are junk and cheap. I once hacksawed a Purolator, Motorcraft and Fram oil filter to see how they are built, Fram is junk compared to Purolator. Amsoil makes a decent oil filter as well as K&N oil filters...ED...

 

Ed, how did the Motorcraft look?

Superdave

94 Ford Aerostar XL 3.0L
82 Ford F250 4x4 XLT,400 CID,C-6 A/T,8700lb GVWR. Black & Silver

 

Have always used the Motorcraft filters on my 3.0L
Aerostar and currently also on my Nissan Maxima.
Good to know others think they're fine too. The price is right around here too for the Motorcrafts.

 

The Motorcraft oil filter is good, especially now with it's synthetic filtering media which is superior to the conventional paper pleating. I will use Motorcraft products in the future. Motorcraft diesel truck filters are excellent as well. It kills me, as I can find the FL400-S (Motorcraft) filter for $2.99-$3.99, but the Ford dealer wants $8.99 for the same thing. Getting back to Fram, when I hacksawed through it, it was like going through soft butter, and fell apart. The Motorcraft and Purolator were light years better quality, metal, more and thicker filtering media...Ed

 

If you're interested in reading about oil filters and the quality of different brands, try going here: http://minimopar.simplenet.com/oilfilterstudy.html

 

Thanks, Ed.
I've read this site before now that you've reminded me. I will say that in all the many cars/trucks i've owned over the past 35 years, I've never had a problem caused by any brand of oil filter but I've always stuck with major brands. Several of my engines have reach high miles without problems so take it for what it's worth. I've often used Motorcraft and Autolite filters before them but have also used Fram filters too among several others.
Mark

 

Opps. Sorry. Meant to say "Thanks Mikeman".

 

 

I have used my LAST fram filter. It totally collapsed and ran hot oil down my arm when I put the filter wrench on it. Then it was a major pain getting the rest of it off. They use such a light gauge of sheetmetal and cheap internals, its not worth the hassle. I have since switched over to purolator after seeing a cutaway model of fram,wix,and purolator. The wix seemed to be the one with the most filtering media though.

 

thanks for the tip I will never use fram again!!!!

 

I agree that Motorcraft filters are probably the best bet. I bought them at Autozone for about 3 dollars a piece compared with $2.50 for STP brand etc...

I actually bought them by the boxes since we went through them quite fast with long commutes. Now that Autozone even has free shipping, we can have them delivered to our door. What more can a man ask for?

 

I was once told that the Super Tech filters were the same as STP and were made by Purolator. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

 

Super Tech/STP/most AC-Delco filters are made by Champion labs. A pretty good oil filter line for the price. Some of these are now being made in Mexico, however.
Most of your Motorcraft oil filters are made by Purolator. (Except the original oil filters that come on your new Ford engine. They are made by Champion Labs) Is it complicated yet??!!

 

I do use, Fram, but only the ones with the rubberized grip. I have never had any trouble with one, and you can remove them without an oil filter wrench, which on out Aerostar, is a very good thing. Its kinda tought to move around in there.

 

Thanks for the info! I use some of the Super Tech filters and just assumed that they were OK.