Heads up about Motorcraft oil filters

[01yellercobra]

While working on my daughter's car today we found the oil filter really loose. Normally I'd chalk it up to one of those things that happens. Except that I had a similar problem with my truck a month or so ago. I had an oil spot under it and it's never leaked since I owned it. I found the filter loose on that one as well.

When I did the oil change in my Cobra in 2022 I used a Motorcraft HP and apparently the seal was bad as it leaked from the get go. Not bad, but enough to leave a couple drops. I swapped it to a K&N and all was good. So I went with a K&N this year as well.

But 3 different vehicles with 3 different filters all having a similar issue. You might want to keep an eye on your filters.

 

[IllCobra]

Good looking out. I changed the oil on my mom's Lincoln MKX last month, pretty sure I used a motorcraft filer so I will need to check it out for leaks

 

[CobraBob]

I know you're careful about tightening oil filters, but some may not know that oil filters should be “hand tight” and then given a one-quarter turn to securely fasten without being too tight. And don't use an oil filter wrench to tighten an oil filter — only to remove it. Overtightening the filter can damage the gasket, causing a leak.

Using Google search, I found that Motorcraft filter leaks are more common than I expected due to multiple causes. Some due to improper installation and others related to the filter itself. Switching to K&N filters, Bob, seemed to be a smart choice.

 

[01yellercobra]

I've always tightened them by hand. Never had an issue until the recent times. When I did some digging I found a few people that had the leaking issue with the filter I use on the Cobra. Some of the diesel guys have been saying they're getting counterfeit filters. I don't know how they can tell, but it keeps me suspicious.

 

[cobracide]

Motorcraft have a bypass valve. I'd make sure that your replacement filter at least has that feature. Summit has a search selection for that.

I tighten to specs with oil film on the seal and done. Amsoil filter. Never leaks, has bypass.

 

[Captain Chris]

Yeah good idea to check. I had an issue as well after I did an oil change last September. Checked under the car after installing a brand new Motorcraft filter and it was leaking like crazy. Tried re-tightening and it wasn't much better. I only hand tighten my filters as well, maybe it was still too much? Bought the same filter again and it was fine. Not sure if it could've been a bad gasket. May need to try a different brand next time...

 

[IllCobra]

I've always tightened them by hand. Never had an issue until the recent times. When I did some digging I found a few people that had the leaking issue with the filter I use on the Cobra. Some of the diesel guys have been saying they're getting counterfeit filters. I don't know how they can tell, but it keeps me suspicious.

They must be buying them on eBay. eBay is hit or miss these days on supposed OEM products. But Amazon is getting bad too. One item I would especially avoid buying from either eBay or Amazon are spark plugs. They have been making counterfeit spark plugs and selling them on these sites for years - just look up counterfeit spark plugs on youtube and you'll see. And they're hard to spot unless you have a real one with you. Pretty soon the only places you can trust is going to be actual car parts stores like Rockauto, Summit, Napa, etc.

 

[CobraBob]

Counterfeiting is definitely a growing issue on both Amazon.com and eBay.

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

i pretty much quit buying car parts on amazon for that reason.

I guess I should re-check the filter on the Mach, I thought it was odd it seemed to drip after putting it on hand tight. I believe I ended up snugging it with a filter wrench and it quit but not something that usually happens

 

[Blkkbgt]

If people are having problems with Motorcraft filters that means people should be mindful of Purolator too.

They are the same filter with different paint. There is one other brand that's the same also but I can't remember at the moment.

 

[01yellercobra]

They must be buying them on eBay. eBay is hit or miss these days on supposed OEM products. But Amazon is getting bad too. One item I would especially avoid buying from either eBay or Amazon are spark plugs. They have been making counterfeit spark plugs and selling them on these sites for years - just look up counterfeit spark plugs on youtube and you'll see. And they're hard to spot unless you have a real one with you. Pretty soon the only places you can trust is going to be actual car parts stores like Rockauto, Summit, Napa, etc.

I think they were getting them from Amazon.

 

[Lambeau]

@01yellercobra

Thanks! I'll check mine.

If people are having problems with Motorcraft filters that means people should be mindful of Purolator too.

They are the same filter with different paint. There is one other brand that's the same also but I can't remember at the moment.

IIRC, Chrysler OEM filters are Purolator.

 

[Blkkbgt]

@01yellercobra

Thanks! I'll check mine.



IIRC, Chrysler OEM filters are Purolator.

Yes but i was referring to another brand filter that fits our cars that is also made by Purolator.

 

[01yellercobra]

Isn't Wix part of Purolator?

 

[Lambeau]

@01yellercobra

Know what filter #?

 

[Blkkbgt]

Isn't Wix part of Purolator?

I don’t think so but I am not 100% sure.

I know they make filters for Napa though.

 

[98 svt]

I watched an episode of Engine Masters where they did a complete oil filter test.
K&N, Wix, Motorcraft etc.
The Motorcraft was in the top 3 if I remember right, but the K&N Gold outflowed them all by a large margin. I wish I could find the episode.

 

[01yellercobra]

I watched an episode of Engine Masters where they did a complete oil filter test.
K&N, Wix, Motorcraft etc.
The Motorcraft was in the top 3 if I remember right, but the K&N Gold outflowed them all by a large margin. I wish I could find the episode.

Flow doesn't do much good if the filter leaks and loosens up.

 

[98 svt]

Flow doesn't do much good if the filter leaks and loosens up.

I concur. That's my reasoning for recommending the K&N Gold.

 

[01yellercobra]

I concur. That's my reasoning for recommending the K&N Gold.

I have a k&n on the bench for the next oil change in my truck. But it's no longer my daily so that's going to be awhile.