Starting issue ... but resolved!
 

I wanted to share a recent experience regarding a starting issue I was having.

I was experiencing long starting times (3+ seconds) and decided to research possible reasons. The truck is new to me, so I'm still trying to get familiar with her. Since I had a Cummins before this, I was not impressed with the longer starting times, since the Cummins sparked to life the moment I turned the key. I've had the truck since January and have noticed the length of time the engine is cycling before starting was getting longer and longer.

I learned that aftermarket oil filters can cause starting issues and lead to injector failure. I honestly doubted that, but recalled the shop that had done the last oil change used an aftermarket ... so, I decided to freshen her up with an oil change done by yours-truly.

Well, I have to say, WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I used a Motorcraft filter and Motorcraft oil. I don't care what anyone says, OEM filter and oil is the shit! The truck springs to life almost immediately ... not quite as quickly as the Cummins, but damn close.

Anyway, for those who might be overlooking this basic maintenance item when diagnosing a starting issue, give it a try ... you might be pleasantly surprised!

Oil choice is up to the user, as there are a lot of good oils out there, but for oil filters, it should definitely be OEM Ford (or international, or Fram, I knose those are all the same filter).

I hope you you didn't have any injector damage because of this!!!

As far as the oil filters being the same. Ford claims that there are NO filters that match the OEM. According to the literature I read, Ford has a patented design that cannot be copied. Only the Motorcraft name can possess the patented design. Even the manufacturer of the Motorcraft filter, be it Wix, Donaldson, Racor, or whoever, cannot sell the Motorcraft filter under a different name.

Just what I read ... don't kill the messenger!

Go to Wal-Mart, they sell Fram and Motorcraft, pull the filters out of the box's and tell me what's different... they even share the same part number. Fram is $1 less than Motorcraft as well. They are identical filters. Same numbers, same everything.

i would still get the motorcraft. i was told fram is bad news for 7.3 but idk about 6.0. as for oil remember your injectors get it so its important. i prefer rotella but that is kind of a thing that was passed down to me

Hey, like I said, don't kill the messenger. I'm only quoting what I read. Of course it was Ford propaganda, so take from it what you will ... but, for a dollar, that would be a no-brainer for me ... Motorcraft all the way! There would have to be a substantial difference in price for me to select an off brand over OEM.

I have always used Rotella ... good oil! I just decided to go with the OEM stuff to give it a try and have been pleasantly surprised. I will probably stick with this setup, since it's giving me such good results.

Update:

I did some research on what you were saying and you might just be right. According to a few posts I read, Racor has the patent, not Ford, and is supplying the filter to other companies. Still, for a dollar???

be thankful Racor is selling under other names, the oil filter used to cost $49 from Ford and that was the only place you could get them for at least a year or 2, like said before once you see that they are made in Germany and have the exact same part number you can see that they are the same filter

I guess they moved the manufacturing to the USA, since now the filter says made in USA. That was mentioned in one of the forums I read.

Yes, you're right, fortunately the filter is available from multiple sources, which has brought down the price of the OEM filter.

Just a quick note: the filter I removed from my vehicle was identical to the OEM. I was unable to see the numbers on the underside, but, in comparison, it appeared identical ... obviously, performance was not identical!

Most of the aftermarket oil filters you want to stay away from are the ones that use their own caps. I've also used Amsoil oil filters in the past and had great luck with them, but they're $30 a piece.

I'm not saying go buy the FRAM, I'm a die hard Fram HATER, but they are the exact same filter as what's in the motorcraft box, IN THIS CASE! I always spend the extra $1 and get the motorcraft too, just so we're clear, but if they were out of the MC one's, you bet your butt I'd be getting the Fram unit.

Good stuff ... I appreciate the info! :tu: