A filter by any other name

[GreeCguy]

I was just wondering. I have a whole box of different oil filters that I have gathered over the years. Some have been given to me, some are left over from vehicles that I once owned but own no more, some I have picked up at yard sales for a quarter or 50 cents.

Here is my question: Can I use a filter that has the same threads, same size hole and same size rubber gasket on it as the recommended filter for that given motor.

For example. I have a '93 Ford Taurus GL with the 3.0 V-6. The Fram filter for this engine is the 3600. I have several Fram 3614 filters that are leftover from my daughter's Saturn SL before she wrecked it some years ago. The 3614 is shorter than the 3600, but other than that, it has the same size hole, the same kind of threads and the same size rubber gasket. Other than being shorter, what would happen if I screwed that on my 3.0 V-6? Likewise other filters that are a different size but have the same hole, threads, rubber gasket? Aren't they all basically the same on the inside? Oil goes in dirty and comes out clean.

Comments, observations and insights are welcome.

 

[Bandito440]

The bypass setting is a consideration, but l imagine it'll be fine if its close. The shape of the dome at the bottom of the filter should be close too, so the threads grab sufficiently.

For instance I use the larger PL20195 filter on my Tacoma where the PL10241 is specified.

Additional reading.

 

[motts]

Yes.Make sure you have enough clearance for the longer 3600 ...the valve psi is is in the same range and will not be a problem. I have been using the 3600 instead of 3614 on my Camry for many years. Remember the longer filter will use about half a qt. more oil.

 

[HTSS_TR]

OP wants to know if 3614 can be used in place of 3600, not the other way around.

Yes, it can be used but reduce the oil by 1/3-1/2 pint so that you will not overfill.

 

[Chris142]

3600,3614,16 and ph8a will all interchange if you have room for the can. Threads ,valving and such are all the same.

 

[earlyre]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
3600,3614,16 and ph8a will all interchange if you have room for the can. Threads ,valving and such are all the same.


fairly common filter in general.
I know I can use any of those on, my neon, my brother's 06 dakota, my sister's 08 grand caravan, her 01 windstar, her hubby's 95 dakota, dad's cub cadet riding mower, and...if i'm not mistaken, the 20kw Generac dad just bought.
i think it also fit a friends jeep (4L inline 6), and ford duratec 3.5l (mfg before 01/15/09)

 

[Jarlaxle]

I can confirm the Jeep...I have used several Puro 30001 (PH8A/FL1) filters on my Cherokee. I recall they spec'd the shorter (PH16) simply for packaging. (The longer filter is a tight fit.)

 

[KCJeep]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
3600,3614,16 and ph8a will all interchange if you have room for the can. Threads ,valving and such are all the same.


X2, cans are dramatically difference but those will all interchange nicely, the 3614 being by far the smallest of the lot.