This Motorcraft FL1A oil filter was installed on my Cobra replica's 427 Ford side-oiler engine about two years ago and served for about 1,000 miles of driving on suburban and rural roads -- mostly 20- to 30-mile Sunday rides during summer months. While this filter was in service, the seven-quart sump was filled with 5W-40 Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO).
The filter autopsy revealed healthy components. The back plate was robust and the gasket was in good condition. The nitrile anti-drainback valve was still very pliable. The filter media looked good. My only gripe is that I found some excess glue residue on one of the end caps, no doubt caused by sloppy application when this filter was manufactured.
Looking into the center tube, I found cleanly punched holes instead of the louvers we're seeing on many of today's oil filters.
To me, it looks like this filter did its job, so I replaced it with another Motorcraft FL1A. This time, I filled the sump with Mobil 1 15w-50 synthetic motor oil. Because of its cramped quarters, this engine tends to run a little hot and the higher viscosity of the 15w-50 oil should help maintain oil pressure a bit better.
See photos below:
The filter autopsy revealed healthy components. The back plate was robust and the gasket was in good condition. The nitrile anti-drainback valve was still very pliable. The filter media looked good. My only gripe is that I found some excess glue residue on one of the end caps, no doubt caused by sloppy application when this filter was manufactured.
Looking into the center tube, I found cleanly punched holes instead of the louvers we're seeing on many of today's oil filters.
To me, it looks like this filter did its job, so I replaced it with another Motorcraft FL1A. This time, I filled the sump with Mobil 1 15w-50 synthetic motor oil. Because of its cramped quarters, this engine tends to run a little hot and the higher viscosity of the 15w-50 oil should help maintain oil pressure a bit better.
See photos below: