2009 FX4, 5.4L, 82,500 miles. Last month the "check engine" light came on and the engine was running rough. I was close to a Ford dealer (not one I would normally use), so I pulled in to see what the problem was. Two new sets of cam phasers later, along with assorted belts, and sensors, and I got the truck back after a week. It still ran like a diesel and they kept it one more night. The next day the mechanic said that"he zeroed out the software" and that the engine would smooth out after a couple hundred miles and after the software re-learned the engine operation. Sounded like bull****, but I wanted out of there, so I left with the truck. After driving the truck for 2,000 miles, the engine still ran rough, but I figured I could live with it. One morning last week while driving to work I smelled a burning - like wiring overheating. I pulled over and smoke was coming out from under the hood. I opened the hood but could not identify where the smoke was coming from. I figured that it was probably a leaking head gasket since the first dealer had to break down the engine to replace the phasers. I was able to drive the truck to another dealer - my local dealer - where I bought the truck, and where I trust their service. They did a quick diagnostic which showed a reduced compression in one of the heads, and they informed me that the first dealer misdiagnosed the problem. The only way to fix the problem is with a new engine. It's been a week since they ordered the new engine and installed it. I picked up the truck this afternoon. It purrs like a kitten and runs just like it did before all these problems started. So far I'm happy and hoping the new engine has no issues in the future. I had an extended Ford warranty, so all it cost me was $100 deductible. BTW, one of the first questions the dealer has to answer to Ford before getting approval for a new engine is "what oil filter is on the truck"? If its a Fram, you're SOL.

 

Glad your headache is over...$100 is cheap for a new motor...

 

Good deal man, service sells!!!

 

Thats unreal. $100 aint bad one bit.

 

Anyone else notice that it's been a LONG time since the Fram rep has posted here defending his junk? Between the "orange can of death" and Autolite plugs in the 97-03 Tritons that are the wrong heat range, his job is cut out for him.

 

One quick question. Arent Fram, FoMoCo, and Racor filters all the same? I looked at them and they all have the same part numbers, patent numbers and so on. Just curious if this is all true or not. And if it is true, why would a Fram filter void the warrenty work?

 

No there not the same. they use simular part numbers for ease of substitution.
Here a motorcraft filter is compared to a fram..
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/55

 

fram is JUNK!!! ive had a bad experience with their air filter, and will not be using their products

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS_BY...&feature=inbox

 

I apologize for the incorrect post. I was under the impression they were the same. Thanks for clearing that up!

 

First let me say I won't use Fram oil filters either after reading the warnings on here. But I don't know how a warranty company can deny a claim just because the engine has a Fram oil filter on it UNLESS it states something to that effect in the policy OR they would have later sent you a registered letter saying so.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Fram WAS a decent filter at one time, but that "one time" is a LONG time ago! What a piece of absolute garbage! How could even the Fram defenders EVER use one of those "trash can specials" after seeing those pictures. Wonder if Fram will even make filters for cars once ALL cars have gone to the "cartridge" type filters (one of those "green" things, Ya know). I'm for it, not against it, saves a lot of steel. They sure wouldn't dare build what they do now, and are able to hide in that "Orange Can of Death".

 

Though Fram may technically meet Ford's standards (though I have NO idea how!) The problem is you'd probably have to sue Ford (and cost you a ton of money) and PROVE it wasn't the Fram filter that caused the problem, though it is supposed to be Ford's job to prove a filter that meets the standards DID cause the problem. Trust me, Ford dealers have had more than just a hand full on the driveway, of all the vehicles that they've built since Fram "dumbed down" their filter. Ford knows this and has had an #*& full of Fram failing and causing Ford to look bad and pay the bill. I don't blame them at all! Think Ford has never cut apart ALL of the filters that are spec'd for Fords? Oh Yea, and they knew a long time ago what garbage Fram's are.

 

I'm pretty sure its illegal to deny based solely on the filter. Not unless they find filter media where it shouldn't be or whatever.. They can make you prove maintenance history so you would have to have all your receipts. In Canada and other country's they can deny if you dont use motorcraft oil filters and the service department. If a person was to be denied because of the filter in the US they would need to get a lawyer and there is a law against that. Looking at the filter Ford should be able to deny based on it. There is a law against that though.

 

I worked over 20 years on engines that were pulled by dealers and sent back to us at the factory. We had to write final analysis reports for each engine and I sent these reports to Dearborn and whoever else within the company wanted to review them. I never once witnessed a warranty denial because of the oil filter brand. It does not state anywhere in the owners manual that warranty will be denied if a Fram filter is used therefore they cannot void your warranty for this reason. Just my experience.

I'll add to this: We did regularly perform oil anaylsis and cut filters of any brand to inspect for debris/contamination and we did find original oil filters (they are marked) on vehicles with 35,000 miles and more. The warranties were void on those vehicles. Abuse was also a warranty void issue and yes Ford has lawyers that address these concerns. I have seen oil filters on engines from God only knows who and they were not a claim issue as long as the engine had been maintained properly. Believe me we had the resources to determine abuse be it lack of regular maintainance, Nitrus, Blowers, you name it and Ford would void the warranties when we determined the abuse. Oil filter brand alone was never a warranty claim breaker.