Counterfeit auto part?

[4x4junkie]

I always keep reading/hearing about counterfeit parts being peddled on Ebay, Amazon, and elsewhere (often oil filters, but other things too), so I've always tried to buy from retail establishments when possible...

So I bought this heater control valve for a '98 Ranger 4.0L from a local O'Reilly Auto for $29.99.
The box label says "Majority content made in USA", but on the valve itself is a sticker that says "Made in Mexico", and the valve lacks any Ford or Motorcraft markings (it does have an apparent Ford pt# embossed on it that (almost) matches the # on the box label).
The "Motorcraft" font on the box also seems slightly different than what I remember (but I also know things like that can be revised over time).



The part does seem to be made decently enough, but I was looking for genuine Motorcraft...
Was I duped?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It looks legit to me.

One time we were in a bind at work and ordered a Standard brand coil from O'Rielly. Generally we considered Standard very less than awesome. Low and behold there was a brand new Mopar coil in the standard box.

Ford doesn't have factories to make this stuff, I think if the factory runs out of the correctly marked part they are not above grabbing another identical but different branded part to fill the order.

Avoid Counterfeit Motorcraft Parts With This Helpful Guide

Minimize your chances of getting a bogus Motorcraft part by watching this video from a Ford Master Technician

www.ford-trucks.com

 

[JoshT]

I always keep reading/hearing about counterfeit parts being peddled on Ebay, Amazon, and elsewhere (often oil filters, but other things too), so I've always tried to buy from retail establishments when possible...

So I bought this heater control valve for a '98 Ranger 4.0L from a local O'Reilly Auto for $29.99.
The box label says "Majority content made in USA", but on the valve itself is a sticker that says "Made in Mexico", and the valve lacks any Ford or Motorcraft markings (it does have an apparent Ford pt# embossed on it that (almost) matches the # on the box label).
The "Motorcraft" font on the box also seems slightly different than what I remember (but I also know things like that can be revised over time).

View attachment 108528View attachment 108529View attachment 108533View attachment 108534

The part does seem to be made decently enough, but I was looking for genuine Motorcraft...
Was I duped?

That's probably just as genuine as the part you would have purchased from a Ford dealer. Motorcraft farms out replacement parts just like every one else, especially on a vehicle this age. Both labels could very well be true depending on how they classify the majority content.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I just bought a pair if motorcraft timing chain tensioners for my 4.0L SOHC... from a Ford dealer that listed on eBay.

To my surprise... they come not in a motorcraft box... but a Ford box and one in a plastic bag. Neither had the sealing washers. Says made in Italy.... I guess better then made in China.

I also bought a Motorcraft IAC for my 2.9L.. says made in Mexico. I was suspicious of that... but it works.

Also a cap... rotor and spark plugs... all from Mexico. I'm suspicious of all of it even with correct box... but markings that seem off.

 

[sgtsandman]

I have heard stories about big box stores occasionally getting counterfit parts but it generally isn't a common thing to be worried about like it is on amazon or ebay. So, you probably got a legit part.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Everything is a crapshoot anymore, everyone is outsourcing everything, parts that have been good and solid and readily available for 20 years are now being discontinued or being made cheaper and completely useless even from reputable manufacturers...

I'm with 85 on the SMP thing, it's iffy, some of their parts are perfectly fine and good, others are junk, same with Dorman and everyone else...

Keep your expectations low on anything and be pleasantly surprised if it works well! That and buying the best parts within reason that you can find...

 

[2011Supercab]

The box label says "Majority content made in USA", but on the valve itself is a sticker that says "Made in Mexico",

What it really says "Most pieces made in USA" and "Assembled and packaged in Mexico"

 

[19Walt93]

I just bought a pair if motorcraft timing chain tensioners for my 4.0L SOHC... from a Ford dealer that listed on eBay.

To my surprise... they come not in a motorcraft box... but a Ford box and one in a plastic bag. Neither had the sealing washers. Says made in Italy.... I guess better then made in China.

View attachment 108540

I also bought a Motorcraft IAC for my 2.9L.. says made in Mexico. I was suspicious of that... but it works.

Also a cap... rotor and spark plugs... all from Mexico. I'm suspicious of all of it even with correct box... but markings that seem off.

The 4.0 sohc is from Europe, Italy's in Europe so it makes sense.

 

[4x4junkie]

Alright, cool. Appreciate the reassurance!
Yeah I've had plenty of parts in bags too. The discrepancy in where it was made is mostly what got me suspicious. (someone's left hand at Motorcraft's labeling dept. apparently needs to communicate better with their right hand lol). Interesting that Ford doesn't use their logos on parts anymore, according to the video (I was also used to always seeing at least the Ford oval on parts).

Thanks guys! I'll go ahead and install this thing then.