I contacted NAPA about 2 years ago concerning their 3818 Gold Fuel Filter/Water Separator which is manufactured by WIX (33818) because it lacked the double membrane found on Motorcraft/Raycor filters (as you describe) and received this response:
Thank you for your inquiry.
NAPA Gold fuel filter, part number 3818, is, indeed, a fuel water separator. The OE style filter utilizes a synthetic media outer wrap to remove water. Our filter media contains a resin that allows it to shed water and traps solid contaminants.
I did stop using these filters due to their not having as good a micron rating as the Motorcraft/Raycor 2-part fuel filter for our 7.3 PSD.
The filter element material is definitely different on the Wix/Napa. So there may be some truth to what they are saying. However, I have always felt much more comfortable running the OEM designed filter with external water separator. There is not a huge difference in price. In a bind, I would have no issue using the Wix/Napa setup though. Better than nothing, that is for sure.
You might research the filtration micron rating...
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