MC FL-500s | ~3,900 Miles [Cut Open]

[UNC151]

Below are some photos from the retail version of the FL-300s that I changed at the last OCI on my Explorer. You can compare to the OEM (factory version) here.

Having used countless MC filters through the years, this is the first one that had a partial failure in my book--the base end bypass cap was not adequately glued to the filter. Will it cause me to change filter brands? No, but I did find it interesting as well as the waviness of the seam pleat for a filter only in use for ~3,900 miles.

Enjoy..

 

[Maxima97]

Such a waste for a perfect filter. MC filter can last 10k miles with regular use.

 

[dustyroads]

Thanks for pics! While I currently have the fram ultra on my taurus, it's nice to see the inside of the motorcraft version. Maybe I'll try the fl-500s next time.

Thanks again!

 

[KCJeep]

Never seen one of these, great to see one. We just had a Motorcraft FL-400s posted on here that the endcap popped off on as well, also 4k of use on that one. Not sure what is going on with that.

Probably not much of an issue in actual use BUT still disconcerting.

As always, thanks for cutting and posting.

 

[Hootbro]

Interesting. That is a pretty big center tube.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: Maxima97
Such a waste for a perfect filter. MC filter can last 10k miles with regular use.
Let me suppress my sarcasm by simply saying an MC filter can go 15K and I have ran them that long. However, this was the second short OCI due to break-in and thus the reason for the short run.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

was you OEM installed filter marked FoMoCo and did appear to be a Champion? I had the better luck with the OE unit on my 2.3L mazda-ford dohc than the Purolator, but ford wouldn't sell me the (superior?) Champion OE unit. I had posted pics back in 2012. Wonder if some of the FM now used in certain GF5 oil acts as plasticizer and soften the bond. This could kill some TC guides.
At least the assy spring would hold the stack together.

 

[OVERKILL]

Looks like it held up well. I wouldn't be concerned about the cap coming off upon disassembly, as under spring pressure it would have been fine.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
was you OEM installed filter marked FoMoCo and did appear to be a Champion?
Yes; check the link in the OP.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Those pleats are barely wavy, nothing to worry about. Seem many Purolators with much more wavy pleats than that post here.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Those pleats are barely wavy, nothing to worry about. Seem many Purolators with much more wavy pleats than that post here.
It was just the seam pleat that seemed wavy for such low miles. I have 8 more on deck; my confidence has not diminished.

 

[SatinSilver]

How long are you going to run those filters for?

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
Originally Posted By: ZeeOSix
Those pleats are barely wavy, nothing to worry about. Seem many Purolators with much more wavy pleats than that post here.
It was just the seam pleat that seemed wavy for such low miles. I have 8 more on deck; my confidence has not diminished.

Fwiw, I agree with Overkill and ZO6's comments. And I like your rational ie., not over-reactionary, attitude.

Thanks for the pics.

 

[walk23]

I've been following your post. Thanks for the pictures. Will you be doing used oil analysis on the Explorer too? I am on the last of two cases of the GT-1 0w20 by Kendall and am curious and plan to get a sample analysed at the end of this run.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
How long are you going to run those filters for?
It depends on the iOLM; but I am guessing that it will be in the neighborhood of 10K. I have a 100K warranty on the Explorer so I will be running MC filters on it.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: walk23
I've been following your post. Thanks for the pictures. Will you be doing used oil analysis on the Explorer too? I am on the last of two cases of the GT-1 0w20 by Kendall and am curious and plan to get a sample analysed at the end of this run.
Yes; I will be so that I can see how well the iOLM works versus the readings of the UOA. I plan to run this fill of Kendall until the iOLM indicates that it should be changed and will sample to see where it stands.

 

[gregk24]

Does anybody else see the piece of metal in the filter element?? As for the filter, problems happen to the best of them, but this doesn't inspire confidence.

 

[UNC151]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
Does anybody else see the piece of metal in the filter element?? As for the filter, problems happen to the best of them, but this doesn't inspire confidence.

It is from the filter cutter; there is no metal in the filter element.

 

[dnewton3]

Slight waves in the pleats do not scare me whatsoever.

Filter is fine. I'd continue to use them up to 15k miles. The OP has, and it's been successful for him. I, too, have run 15k miles on a FL400S and seen nothing of concern at all. We understand that this isn't for everyone; not all people are comfortable using facts, data and detailed experimentation with teardown analysis to make decisions. Some prefer to SWAG it based upon emotion. Somt stick to the OEM schedules; ultra conservative but assured to not be a risk genearlly. Others will "stretch" the boundaries. To each his own.

 

[AHC]

Seems like Purolator is going to [censored].