Hello, I have a 2000 Ranger 2.5L 2wd 5sp with 114,000 miles.

I change the oil about 2 weeks ago and have driven about 200 miles since then. I just realized that I put on the wrong oil filter. It is supposed to take a FL-400s but I put on a FL-910s that I had in my garage intended for my mom's Ford Fusion. The bolt pattern was apparantly the same and it seemed to seat on the engine fine, so I didn't notice that I grabbed the wrong filter. The FL-910s is a bit shorter so that should have been an indication but I guess I was in a hurry. Do you think it should be ok to leave this filter on the truck or should I change it right away? Looking online the difference I can find between the two filters, besides size, is that the Fl-910s has an anti-drainback valve to prevent dry starts wheras the FL-400s does not. If you do recommend changing the filter right away, would it be ok to reuse the oil currently in there or do you think the wrong filter would cause tearing of the filter elements that would contaminate the oil?

Thanks.

 

You will be just fine. The 400S definitely has an anti drainback valve--the S suffix means it has a silicone ADB valve, which is what the 910S has.

Here's a reference:
FL400S changed to FL-910 - The Ranger Station Forums

In short, your engine will be absolutely fine with the 910S and I'd just keep it on through this full oil change cycle. Seems like all oil filters are shrinking these days because of smaller spaces around the engine. If you did want to change it, you could just remove the 910 and put on the 400, add half a quart of oil, and that would be fine as well...I changed filters right after an oil change once on my van because the dealer put a non-Motorcraft filter on and I got bad startup noise because of a lousy anti drainback valve.

But I would not bother changing....no worries, and have a great holiday and New Year, my friend.

George

 

Yeah, if it seals and your oil level is where it should be, you're good to go!

A smaller filter might be easier to handle at the next oil change.

 

Thanks George and Dave for the great info.

Happy Holidays.
Tom