Bigger FL-1A oil filter should fit 3.0 V6
#1
10-27-2003, 07:49 AM
Bigger FL-1A oil filter should fit 3.0 V6
This is about an Aerostar 3.0, buy also should apply to all 3.0 Rangers:
For some time I have suspected the bigger FL-1A would fit my wife's 3.0 Aerostar, which is specified to get the tiny FL-400S (S apparently stands for small). Last night I pulled the 400S and using calipers measured the FL-1A gasket and found it will fit the gasket mating surface of the 3.0 V6. The only problem was the starter hot cable stuck out near the filter and it would fit but be too close for comfort. No problem, I disconnected the negative cable from the battery, loosened the hot lead, swung the hot cable around about 90 degrees, and retightened the lead. Now the lead is not sticking out by the filter. I screwed a FL-1A on for fitment and it is perfect. No clearance problems, at least 5/8 inches all the way around, easy to tighten by hand, and about 1 inch clearance to exhaust pipe. But since I had another 400S and was only part way through an oil change, I put the new 400S on and will start the FL-1As next oil change. The FL1A is about 2/3 greater capacity. The pleats in the FL-400S are 7/16" deep, whereas the FL-1A pleats are 3/4" deep. Should give much freer flow, I would think. Price is about the same.
Before anyone says you can't do it, here is what I found in the Purolator filter catalog:
92 Aerostar 3.0 oil filter: L20195 (Motorcraft version is FL-400S)
(this should be the same for all 3.0 Aerostars and Rangers)
95 F150 4.9 L oil filter: L30001 (Motorcraft version is FL-1A)
Specifications in back of catalog:
L20195
Connection Size: 3/4-16, UNF-2B
Flow Rate (GPM): 3
Relief Valve Pressure (PSI): 8 - 11
L30001
Connection Size: 3/4-16, UNF-2B
Flow Rate (GPM): 4
Relief Valve Pressure (PSI): 8 - 11
So they are fully interchangable and you get better flow with the larger filter. Same price, I am running the bigger filter.
There is a slight difference in the gasket diameter between the two filters, but I think the smaller filters gasket is a worse fit to the 3.0 than the bigger filter.
BTW, this Purolator spec table is very valuable as there are a number of filters that do not have the bypass valve, presumably the cars they fit have it built into the oil filter mount.
For some time I have suspected the bigger FL-1A would fit my wife's 3.0 Aerostar, which is specified to get the tiny FL-400S (S apparently stands for small). Last night I pulled the 400S and using calipers measured the FL-1A gasket and found it will fit the gasket mating surface of the 3.0 V6. The only problem was the starter hot cable stuck out near the filter and it would fit but be too close for comfort. No problem, I disconnected the negative cable from the battery, loosened the hot lead, swung the hot cable around about 90 degrees, and retightened the lead. Now the lead is not sticking out by the filter. I screwed a FL-1A on for fitment and it is perfect. No clearance problems, at least 5/8 inches all the way around, easy to tighten by hand, and about 1 inch clearance to exhaust pipe. But since I had another 400S and was only part way through an oil change, I put the new 400S on and will start the FL-1As next oil change. The FL1A is about 2/3 greater capacity. The pleats in the FL-400S are 7/16" deep, whereas the FL-1A pleats are 3/4" deep. Should give much freer flow, I would think. Price is about the same.
Before anyone says you can't do it, here is what I found in the Purolator filter catalog:
92 Aerostar 3.0 oil filter: L20195 (Motorcraft version is FL-400S)
(this should be the same for all 3.0 Aerostars and Rangers)
95 F150 4.9 L oil filter: L30001 (Motorcraft version is FL-1A)
Specifications in back of catalog:
L20195
Connection Size: 3/4-16, UNF-2B
Flow Rate (GPM): 3
Relief Valve Pressure (PSI): 8 - 11
L30001
Connection Size: 3/4-16, UNF-2B
Flow Rate (GPM): 4
Relief Valve Pressure (PSI): 8 - 11
So they are fully interchangable and you get better flow with the larger filter. Same price, I am running the bigger filter.
There is a slight difference in the gasket diameter between the two filters, but I think the smaller filters gasket is a worse fit to the 3.0 than the bigger filter.
BTW, this Purolator spec table is very valuable as there are a number of filters that do not have the bypass valve, presumably the cars they fit have it built into the oil filter mount.
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