I bought a motorcraft filter for oil change on the explorer (my first time). I couldn't believe how cheap the thing looked. The print was all faded and looked like some hack job from china (i.e., cheap). Most if not all other filters look like quality filters. If they look like cheap, then maybe they are cheap (i.e., not as good).

This concerns me greatly when it comes to the SD. First oil change coming up. IS Motorcraft worth going with on the SD? Or just go with a brand name?

 

Motorcraft doesn't make the filters for the 6.0, so you are getting a name brand through Ford.. Racor... I buy alot of bulk filters for our fleet (Ford Car/Trucks) and service alot of the trucks that return from the jobs.. Some have had cheaper filters and/or name brand that have been installed a quik lube shops ect, and have had some 'brand X' leaking at the crimp, most not.. I'm more concerned about the 'filtration' quality of the less expensive units than anything else.. I've also serviced a couple of vehicles recently with Ford FL820S spin ons, and had (1) that had no threads tapped into the filter hub, (guess your supposed to drive it on with a hammer) and another that the threads weren't cut deep enough and it didn't pull completely tight against the seal, (although it felt like it did).. Mess!! I still think Ford supplies a good quality product, but as you, I've shaken my head a few times.. I've seen some bulk bolts with no threads ect.. "Some just get through".. There are less expensive filters out there.. Alot of good ones two.. And the prices vary alot (even within the same brand) and are worth shopping around.. 'Best thing' if doing your own service, is to look'm over before the install Any Brand..

.........................HP..................

 

Where did you purchase the filter? There are counterfeit auto parts and you may have bought one. Usually the counterfeits are identical except for paint color and are of inferior quality. If you didn't purchase it from a reliable source trash it and get one from a Ford dealer or a parts jobber that sells quality filters like Napa or Wix.

 

The Motorcraft FL-2016 is a good filter. It should have some patent numbers and "Made in Germany" printed on the bottom.