I have a '95 Bronco with a 351. The book says the oil filter to use is a FL-820S. A friend of mine has a '93 F-150 with a 351 also, but his uses the FL-1A oil filter instead. Now granted, his is a 2 wheel drive, and a couple of years older. But can there be any difference really?
I am interested in using the FL-1A filter instead of the FL-820S because it is bigger...longer. I figure that the larger the more the oil is filtered, and therefore the better. Right? So my question is can I use the FL-1A oil filter on my Bronco?

Thanks!

Scott

'95 E.B. Bronco
'01 Explorer Limited w/ 5.0

 

A lot of 4x4's use a smaller oil filters sometimes because there is less danger of it being damaged offroad or because of the added parts of a 4x4 makes its easier to remove & install a smaller oil filter . If the FL-1A is the same diameter as the other & it will fit then I dont think it will hurt to use it .

 

You know, I'd be curious to find out the specs between the two. Flow rate, bypass valve specs. The 820s on my V10 is eentsy weensty. I'd like a bigger filter, too. Any suggestions on where to start my quest for knowledge?

 

Ford started using a different filter in '95. The threads are not the same between the two filters. I believe the FL-820S has metric threads.

'90 F-150 351 AOD "The General"
'78 F-250 460 C-6 "Old Green"
'93 Mustang LX 5.0 HO

 

I wondered if the oil filter insert threads were different . If the threads on part of the insert that screws into the block are SAE then you could probably remove it , install an insert that would accept the FL1A & install it . Do those engines that use the FL820 have an oil cooler as part of the oil filter mounting area ?

 

I have never understood it. My Explorer has the 5.0, and uses the 820. And it does have the oil cooler. My dad's 98 Ranger w/ 4.0 still uses the 1A's. I have never tried to exchange, but am going to this weekend. See just what is entailed in this. My friend at Ford is checking into the parts to see what is different...

I will let ya know...

 

I use the FL-1A or equivalent on my 351w because that's what is specified for my '81. That's all I've ever used for any Ford truck engine, I-6 or V-8. I'm sure things are different now with the introduction of the new modular engines.

For my other vehicles, the current oil filters made for those model's are smaller than the original filter. So I always ask for the filter's by the original filter number instead of say asking for a filter for a '91 Volvo 740.

 

Looks like I am not the only one to wonder about this!
My wife's Explorer has the 5 Liter and uses the same FL-820S. So I can't understand why a 4 Liter would use the FL-1A...it is from the modular engine family. My '97 T-bird had the 4.6, and used the FL-820S, but I think that is more a matter of space constraints. The same friend with the '93 F-150 has a '00 H.D. F-150...yeah, he has great toys! It uses the FL-820 also, but he said that space is the problem here.
I am trying to find someone from Ford that can give me an answer on this, but I haven't had any luck yet. I think I might go the same route as "CobraXP" and just try it. I have the space, if it will work. Great thing about Bronco's...lots of room! I am only worried about it threading on...and then blowing off later!

Thanks for the replies though! Let me know what you all find out.

Scott

'95 E.B. Bronco w/ 5.8
'01 Explorer Limited w/ 5.0

 

if you look on fram filters near the threads there are letters that correspond to the type of thread its going to thread 2. alot of the filters are the same, just differt sizes.


dave
92 f150 4x4 i-6

 

The 4.0 is not from the modular family, its from 2.8, 2.9, 4.0 family of cologne engines and all use FL-1A

 

FL-1A corresponds to the FRam PH8A. FL-820S corresponds to the Fram PH2. The differences are threads, metric and standard. starting in about mid 90's, SUV's and trucks started using the Ph2, based on size and because some people like metric than standard(don't ask me why). Now all of the new trucks use Ph2's, although the 4.0L explorer's still use PH8a. They don't cross. Different threads. I believe the inside parts are the same, but the threads are different anyway, so there's no point. As far as a bigger filter, your best bet is a relocator kit and dual filters, because working at a lube shop, I have all the filter types and numbers memorized, and there's nothing that has more surface area thats gonna work for a PH2. Hope that helps.

FordmanSLO
Hard-working Jiffy Lube employee

 

I may be wrong on this, so would someone correct me if so.
It was my understanding that the "s" in fl-820-s stood for silicon valve. This would be used on the modular engines because of the overhead cams.or any other ford overhead cam engine. This would provide instant oil to the cam when the engine is first started.
I don't think an fl-1a has this.
Does anyone know if this is true?

 

Well - I don't know about anything but the 302 in the Explorers on this topic, but an FL-1A will not fit. Not enough room without rerouting some lines and worrying if the fan is going to get it. The filter on it does not hang vertically, but almost horizontally pointed at the bottom of the radiator.

I didn't even make it to the thread problem because I didn't have time to mess around this weekend. Will answer that one in the next 3000 miles...

 

most if not all of motorcrafts filters are purolator pure one filters.
these are excellent filters with the more expensive silicone anti-drain back valve and excellent filtering ability.However even these valves are not foolproof.I know most you people like to stay with motorcraft but i have found that Baldwin filters are some of the best.
steel spring activated anti-drain back, spring activated by-pass valve
and a combo of synthetic and natural filtering media. plus they make different sizes for each application, my 5.4 takes a 820s but i put on a 2 qt. baldwin filter and bumped up my oil cap. to almost 8qts.
anyway good luck