Hey Everyone!

98' Ranger XLT, 2.5L 4x2 Manual, 102K

I had an oil change done about 60 miles ago and I was getting odd ignition noise so I swapped the oil filter under suspicion that a filter without a back-flow valve was installed.

When I pulled the oil filter out, the oil was much thicker and darker than the oil on the dipstick (sorry no photos).

Should I be concerned about lack of circulation in my oil system? Or is the oil in the filter expected to be waayyy dirtier? The dashboard gauge says I'm getting good operating pressure.

Any thoughts are welcomed!