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I started a thread down in the Oil and Lube section and then updated it with my failure. Around the Jan ‘18 timeframe.
Who knows if Ford knows or doesn’t know (or cares/doesn’t care) about the Purolator problem. With the million of filters they make every year of each model, maybe this is within their quality tolerances. There are a few Purolator brands that appear to have much higher failure rates (than the Motorcraft branded filters) given all the posts on BITOG. But if we’re honest, it’s still such a small sample size the actual failure rate is unknown. The guys that cut open their filters is a small group on BITOG, which is already a small forum, in a corner of the internet. Kind of the 1% of the 1%’ers.
I did an oil analysis on the oil that came from the cycle with the failed filter. It didn’t show any differences to the half dozen other reports I’ve done. So while I don’t use MC filters anymore because of the failures (of the four I’ve cut open, one failed), it’s more of a “I’m not paying for that poor quality” protest. I’d use one in a pinch if needed for one cycle.
onug I remember your posts now. I was honestly hoping that the tear would have caused more of an issue... my apologies. I would hate for something to happen to your truck. But it just goes to show that your engine is clean and taken care of. If it was not in as good of shape the failure may have caused more of an issue by continuing to let that dirty contaminated oil being sent through the system. Or if the tear sent bits of paper through which would clog up vct passages. Like one of the websites I posted - the guy had that happen and it starved his 5.0 of oil because of the motorcraft failure. Which makes a strong case for the Fram Ultra with its wire mesh backed synthetic media. I’ve taken many apart and it’s hard to do compared to a motorcraft. Much more solidly built. Even the filter media doesn’t like to rip. My motorcrafts would just fall apart in my hands.
Excellent filter, perhaps the best currently on the market. Bargain priced at Walmart.
When I used to do my own oil changes I used Fram filters all the time. I've never had a failure. Nowadays, we use what the Ford (or Toyota) dealer puts in there until the warranty expires. After that, we have a local mechanic that does the maintenance at a reasonable fee. We don't tell him what to use, and we've never had an issue.
I will continue using the Motorcraft or whatever the Quick Lane I go to uses. Since they are tied to a dealership, if I have a problem due to a faulty filter I have the records to show who, what, when and where the maintenance was done.
I quit using the orange Fram (OCOD) when I had my 2001 SuprCrew 5.4. It would rattle on start up after I used that filter. There was only a rubber, not silicone, anti drain back valve back then that caused the start up rattle.
I quit using the orange Fram (OCOD) when I had my 2001 SuprCrew 5.4. It would rattle on start up after I used that filter. There was only a rubber, not silicone, anti drain back valve back then that caused the start up rattle.
the orange cans now have a silicone anti drain back valve. Things change, they have evolved. Sadly the motorcraft changed too. But not for the better.
Excellent filter, perhaps the best currently on the market. Bargain priced at Walmart.
It's kind of funny that Fram was demonized as being of poor quality because the used cardboard end caps as apposed to metal. Nobody cared about the quality of glue certain manufacturer used or the fact that cardboard was at the end of a paper media. On the vehicles with a filter located where oil drain back was a concern, the Purolator/Morocraft silicon anti drain back was superior to everything else IMO. I had seen reports of Purolator failure on my previous Nissan truck also. I do use motorcraft cartridge filters on my 2.7 and they all look good when I take them out.....
I have been using Mobil 1 and OEM filters for decades and never had a failure. Been a Ford Owner for 15 years and always use Mobil 1 and OEM Motorcraft filters and again have never had a failure.
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I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't run the OEM filter, especially if your engine is being covered under the Powertrain warranty.
They are absolutely as good or better than any other filter.
.
Depends upon what you’re measuring to say “they’re better. If you think it’s a better filter because it’s $3 cheaper, then you’re right. But for quality, longevity, and filtering they’re not better. Don’t forget the OEM has to prove your aftermarket filter caused a warranty problem. They don’t just see a Fram on the block and decline warranty coverage. I think this fear mongering gets blown way out of proportion. My dealer sells and installs non-Motorcraft filters (engine and oil). Heck, they advertise how great they are I the waiting room (where I’ve spent way too much time).
Originally Posted by ArmamentDawg
I have been using Mobil 1 and OEM filters for decades and never had a failure. Been a Ford Owner for 15 years and always use Mobil 1 and OEM Motorcraft filters and again have never had a failure.
Have you cut them all open and inspected the filter? A failure of the anti-drain back valve can often be heard (by a rattle) or noticed when zero oil is retained in the filter. But any failure related to the media has to be visually inspected.
Depends upon what you’re measuring to say “they’re better. If you think it’s a better filter because it’s $3 cheaper, then you’re right. But for quality, longevity, and filtering they’re not better. Don’t forget the OEM has to prove your aftermarket filter caused a warranty problem. They don’t just see a Fram on the block and decline warranty coverage. I think this fear mongering gets blown way out of proportion. My dealer sells and installs non-Motorcraft filters (engine and oil). Heck, they advertise how great they are I the waiting room (where I’ve spent way too much time).
My opinion based upon experience and extensive reading is the OEM filter is as good and often times better than most filters. Hence, I disagree with your opinion.
I would also suggest your dealer made a volume purchase on a filter they can sell you and make a higher profit. It's the only reason they wouldn't use the OEM filter AND oil.
I truly hope you don't believe everything a salesman tells you... and yes, the SA is nothing short of a salesman. The only difference between him and the car salesman is he's selling service rather than a car/truck.
I recently bought and Edge with the 3.5. I changed the oil right after I got it and used a Motorcraft filter. I have to say I was less than impressed with the weight, feel, and looks of the filter. I'm doing another oil change today, my second on this vehicle, and a Mobil 1filter has been purchased to take the Motorcraft's place. A much heavier and more sturdy looking filter. After reading this, I am going to cut the Motorcraft open and see if anything has happened to it.
Have you cut them all open and inspected the filter? A failure of the anti-drain back valve can often be heard (by a rattle) or noticed when zero oil is retained in the filter. But any failure related to the media has to be visually inspected.
Why would I do that? As I stated I have never had one fail. My engines have never made funny rattling noises nor have I had dealerships questioned my use of an OEM oil filter. So I have no need to cut my filters open. I have seen and read about failures of non OEM filters. Plus if a Ford Motorcraft Oil filter fails and damages my Ford engine, it is warrantied. If it is a non OEM filter that fails and damages my Ford engine, chances are way greater that Ford will NOT warranty the engine and their engineers and lawyers will find a way to connect the two. I am well voiced in the Magnusson-Moss warranty act as I have lemon lawed two vehicles in the past so I know what my rights are.
Why would I do that? As I stated I have never had one fail. My engines have never made funny rattling noises nor have I had dealerships questioned my use of an OEM oil filter. So I have no need to cut my filters open. I have seen and read about failures of non OEM filters. Plus if a Ford Motorcraft Oil filter fails and damages my Ford engine, it is warrantied. If it is a non OEM filter that fails and damages my Ford engine, chances are way greater that Ford will NOT warranty the engine and their engineers and lawyers will find a way to connect the two. I am well voiced in the Magnusson-Moss warranty act as I have lemon lawed two vehicles in the past so I know what my rights are.
You wouldn't know if one failed unless you cut one open to see. You will not always get a rattle... we have been seeing many purolator/motorcraft filters that have slits in the adbv which will cause it to not hold oil and you will get a rattle at start up because of it. The main issue which I've posted several examples of is that the media tears. More often then some people would like to admit. And when it does it can cause an issue with unfiltered oil being sent through the system or pieces of filter paper being sent through which will clog and starve the engine of oil. I've posted an example of this as well.
If you think your engine is going to fail.... then sure use a motorcraft so you don't get any questions from the dealer when it does. But if you want to keep it for a long time use a good quality filter like a Fram Ultra that will not fail like the motorcrap.
Well, I changed the oil and took off the Motorcraft filter. It looks ok, but the media really doesn't incite a lot of confidence to me. It seems rather flimsy, but there was no damage to it. I am posting pictures of the front and back side of the media cartridge. It is a Motorcraft FL500S.
It's kind of funny that Fram was demonized as being of poor quality because the used cardboard end caps as apposed to metal. Nobody cared about the quality of glue certain manufacturer used or the fact that cardboard was at the end of a paper media. On the vehicles with a filter located where oil drain back was a concern, the Purolator/Morocraft silicon anti drain back was superior to everything else IMO. I had seen reports of Purolator failure on my previous Nissan truck also. I do use motorcraft cartridge filters on my 2.7 and they all look good when I take them out.....
Some people don't like the fibre end caps, I prefer not to use them because why buy the cheapest offering for my truck when for a few bucks more there is the Ultra with metal end caps, dual layer media, wire mesh backing etc. But in the end nothing really is wrong with their cheapest filter. They work, they filter better then most other filters and they hold up! Many other manufacturers make similar filters and they don't get a bad rap for it. Mann, AC Delco, Honda, Subaru, etc all use fibre end caps.
You don't have any of these issues with your 2.7, I have one as well. Fun little engine. There is not much to hide on those filters, and they do not compare to the crap made motorcraft can style filters which look like junk when you tear the can away... use motorcraft open element filters with confidence. I have yet to see any issues with them. Here is some good info on the fibre end caps of the fram.
