Filters don't just go into bypass when they're "plugged up". Cold starts, for example, can go into bypass. That's my understanding, at least.Thank you SOOO much for substantiating your answer! Now let me see if I understand.
When a filter gets plugged up the dirty oil gets bypassed so the motor doesn't get low on oil, correct? So Ford filters put the bypass right at the top so that the dirty oil is at least not picking up more dirt before going back into the motor?
Do you mind sharing some pictures of the filters you have cut open?
Here's an example of one of my filters. I believe I've posted others, as well, which you can search for...
Motorcraft FL-820S, ~9000 miles
This filter came off my Expedition. I have about 107K miles on it. Always run M1 of some kind, currently M1 5W-20 Truck & SUV. I normally change right at 7500 miles, but we took a road trip this month and I pushed about 1500 miles past that. The ADBV still worked great. Despite having left it...
bobistheoilguy.com