Changed air filter today
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Changed air filter today
I'm approaching 12k miles (11,750) and will have my truck serviced at my local Ford dealer this weekend.I decided to check my air filter over this past weekend,and am glad I did; it was nasty!The factory installed filter was an off orange color.I bought a Motorcraft filter from my local dealer ($14.95+ tax) and it is white. Was the factory installed filter of better quality then what my Ford dealer sold me? 
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Originally Posted by bridge
No. They're both overly restrictive pleated paper filters.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Originally Posted by bridge
I don't have a problem with the paper filters. In fact I prefer them over the oiled cotton filters. However, the one Ford uses is a bit small and lacks enough surface area.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
They use the folds or "pleats" to increase the surface area so that more air can make it through the filter in any given moment. It's more efficient than if they just used a flat square filter. Basically by adding the folds you can fit 2 square feet of surface area in a 1 square foot space. But, the Ford filter is still real small and the pleats are too close together in my opinion. The oiled K&N filters allow more air because they are a great deal more porous and the pores are a great deal larger. Hence the need for oil to help out with the filtering process. Unfortunately, some of that oil can gunk up the intake.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
10k on mine and changed it 3 times already, seems it really gets dirty when it rains. Maybe my oversize tires are kicking crud into the fender air intake. Theres always a black spatter on it. I drive alot of dirt roads and eat dust all the time...
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 18
The thing about large-surface area air filter is the reduced pressure across it. With a small filter, the engine still is pulling the same volume of air across it which results in higher pressure. This causes the smaller particles to get sucked through as well as reducing the time it takes for the filter to get clogged. A large-area filter has much lower pressure across it and takes longer to clog up. Just looking at the filter for my 2007 F-150 with 4.2L V6, I was very impressed with the design and surface area. Anyone interested in a great air filter design just needs to look at any lawn mower with the Honda engine - it has a large rectangular pleated filter that probably has fairly low pressure on it. If this filter is 4"x5" (20 sq. in.) for a 160 cc engine, it would have to be 23"x23" (about 525 sq. in.) on my V6 to be equivalent. That's a big filter.
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Air Filters
I read alot of problems that folks have with "Oiled" air filters. Myself, I've never had a problem with either dirt entry into the engine or oil contaninating the MAF. However, I do remove my air inlet tube about every other oil change (5000 mile interval) and clean the throttle body and inspect the intake tube. If it's contaminated, I clean it. When I do clean and oil the filter, I don't use much oil. It doesn't need much. I've seen some people think the filter must be fully coated. However, all it really needs is a film. What I do is to use a small amount on top of each pleat and let it soak down for a few hours.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
The problem with oiled filters is the fact that there is a sesnor very close to the filter, the oil can mess up this sensor and will end needing replacement. I is better to go with a dry performace filter. I am trying out the puralotor PPA filter which is above the paper filter but not as good as a performance filter. Better this then replacing the sensor.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Ford designed the truck with the Motorcraft filter, not an expensive K&N one.
Keep the paper filter and replace it when dirty.
I removed my junk K&N from my FSB, cleaned the MAF and the truck runs better now than it did with the K&N.
All my trucks will get Motorcraft from now on - except the carbbed Bronco that is.
Keep the paper filter and replace it when dirty.
I removed my junk K&N from my FSB, cleaned the MAF and the truck runs better now than it did with the K&N.
All my trucks will get Motorcraft from now on - except the carbbed Bronco that is.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
yes, Ford did design the truck with the paper filter, but IMO, it was just to save a few pennies. ($40). X 1million trucks = $40,000,000. My sensor is approx 3' from the K&N CAI. Just dont get crazy with the oil when you clean it. I prefer the newer kit that has the aerosol oil spray instead of the squeeze bottle. Much faster, and better coverage.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Hey BOF, you probably already know where I stand on this issue, but wanted to chime in anyways.
Regarding the oiled media filter issue.....
I have used one on my previsouly owned 2000 model (sold at 170,000 miles) and my current 2005 model (with 120,000 miles). Both = 4.2 V6.
I have never had any problem with the MAF.
I have used oil analysis results showing numbers as good as, or better than results obtained with paper element filters.
I like not having to buy new filters. (The oiled media filter has more than paid for itsself).
I generally check the inside of the intake plenum when I take the filter off, and have never found ANY signs of dust - on either truck.
I respect everybody's decision to buy what they want for their truck. But do like to offer my real world experience for others to consider.
Thanks!
Regarding the oiled media filter issue.....
I have used one on my previsouly owned 2000 model (sold at 170,000 miles) and my current 2005 model (with 120,000 miles). Both = 4.2 V6.
I have never had any problem with the MAF.
I have used oil analysis results showing numbers as good as, or better than results obtained with paper element filters.
I like not having to buy new filters. (The oiled media filter has more than paid for itsself).
I generally check the inside of the intake plenum when I take the filter off, and have never found ANY signs of dust - on either truck.
I respect everybody's decision to buy what they want for their truck. But do like to offer my real world experience for others to consider.
Thanks!
Last edited by BrianA; Jan 5, 2008 at 11:10 PM.