I have a 2006 6.0 diesel that I now have 61k miles on. Changing the oil has always been simple. This friday I went to change and when i tried to push the new oil filter down on the oil tube I found the top portion would not compress. After examing, it appear one of the two plastic arms from the top compression spring assembly was broke. So went to Ford dealer and they had to order in new complete assembly: 3C3Z-6C755-AA (~$50). I was able to pick up on Sat even though parts dept was closed. The new assembly was very stiff on the upper spring assembly and took alot of force to get it to compress. (i would of returned if parts dept was open as it did not feel nothing like the one i have worked with for 61k miles; plus i need truck to move a 5th wheel this weekend). So i put new one in and like i said it took force to get it to initially compress. Also tighting the cap also produce a sound of the spring tightening which i never recalled before.

So is it normal a new unit would be so stiff or did i get a bad apple? I have read where oil filters can make a difference, but I have used others besides motocraft during the 61k miles and never had any issues until now. Anyone got any suggestions/opinions? thx in advance.

 

I used a couple of different brands besides Motorcraft on my 05 6.0 and I did notice a different feel in the spring pressure when putting it together. I didn't think anything of it at the time. But when I took both of the off-brands out at the next oil change, the filters came apart when I tried to remove them from the lid. After that, nothing but Motorcraft went in there and had no more problems.