I just picked up a new FL-400s oil filter and I noticed that they are making them smaller now! On the box it says something like, "Smaller size, same great performance". Why are they making them smaller? What could the advantage be in that? Saving them money in making it maybe? Wouldn't the filter not last as long being smaller like that, or is there some new technology with oil filters I don't know about? Just curious.

 

Well it is actually nothing new in the sense of the Motorcraft Fl 820s filter was reduced in size earlier this year too, so this was the next filter in line to be reduced for their reason it seems (cost savings of the reduction of metal and cardboard, then then the ability to ship more filters in a truck since the case size is smaller if i was to bet. some say for fitment/close tolerances though).

I mention the new Fl820s filter since it is still the same high quality filter as the previous bigger version so i bet the same goes for the Fl400 too.

dont hold me to it but the general agreement on the internet forums is the filter media is smaller but there are more pleats on the filter which results in more surface area of the filter. again this isn't from personal experience from me measuring the filters just from people who have and posted online (820s filter so till a 400s gets cut open i'll assume it applies to them too).