Best Filter for '03 Ford Focus

[qdeezie]

Here's that STP filter I mentioned. The Champ Labs filter is the same one internally (from the looks of it).

 

[jmb3675]

When Ford made the Focus the FL-400S did not exist. There was a FL400 but it did not have an ADBV. The Ztec Focus needs one. The FL-2005 had 2 valves. The single overhead cam used the FL-400. Ford eliminated the FL-400 and FL-2005 and replaced them with the FL-400S which has a single ADBV and is shorter. The Fram XX8316(single ADBV), Wix 51315(double ADBV) and Mobil 1 M1-211(also double ADBV) were specified as replacements for the FL-2005 before it was discontinued. The replacements for the FL-400 are usually the same as the FL-400S. The Fram XX3600, Wix 51516 and Mobil 1 M1-209 are the replacements for the FL-400S, which is the replacement for the FL-2005. They all have a single ADBV. Most parts computers give the number for the original part. Purolator, who makes the Motorcraft, still makes a double ADBV filter for the ZTEC. Ford decided one valve was enough and likely for cost reasons. I have used both styles and I think the double ADBV filters run smoother and quieter at start up, but that could just be a make me feel good thing and there is no real advantage.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: jmb3675
When Ford made the Focus the FL-400S did not exist. There was a FL400 but it did not have an ADBV. The Ztec Focus needs one. The FL-2005 had 2 valves. The single overhead cam used the FL-400. Ford eliminated the FL-400 and FL-2005 and replaced them with the FL-400S which has a single ADBV and is shorter.
-snip-
I have used both styles and I think the double ADBV filters run smoother and quieter at start up, but that could just be a make me feel good thing and there is no real advantage.


Actually, the 400s did exist back then, alongside the 2005. 2002 Focus owners manual, first printing. Go to page 311.

Originally, the 2005 didn't exist when the Contour first came out, and the 400 was specified for the Contour/Mystique Zetec. But after awhile, people found the engine to be grumpy on startup, so Ford added the 2005 with the second ADBV.

I totally agree that the second ADBV is needed. My experience is with the M1-209 (a 400s cross), TG8316 (a 2005 cross, on the car now), and a 51315XP (a 2005 cross). Only the Wix works. When the TG8316 comes out, it will be replaced with another Wix XP (Napa Platinum 41315). I'd love to try the M1-211, but it's not sold in stores.

The Fram 8316 cans are short like the new 400s. The Wix 51315, Purolator 25230, and M1-211 are still the original (longer) length of the old 400s and 2005.

The funny thing is that the Fram 3600 is longer like the old Motorcrafts and the M1-209/Wix 51516/Purolator 20195 filters. Especially since Purolator makes the Motorcraft, but didn't shorten the aftermarket Purolator 20195

 

[Whimsey]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog


Originally, the 2005 didn't exist when the Contour first came out, and the 400 was specified for the Contour/Mystique Zetec. But after awhile, people found the engine to be grumpy on startup, so Ford added the 2005 with the second ADBV.


I have a 1996 2.0L Zetec Contour. The specified filter for mine was the FL200S. Fram was their "16" series and Mobil 1 was M1 204. I think sometime around MY 2008-2009 they changed to a variable intake valve timing requiring the FL2005. The FL200S was discontinued and replaced with the FL300 with a nitrile ADBV.

Whimsey

 

[qdeezie]

Originally Posted By: jmb3675
When Ford made the Focus the FL-400S did not exist. There was a FL400 but it did not have an ADBV. The Ztec Focus needs one. The FL-2005 had 2 valves. The single overhead cam used the FL-400. Ford eliminated the FL-400 and FL-2005 and replaced them with the FL-400S which has a single ADBV and is shorter. The Fram XX8316(single ADBV), Wix 51315(double ADBV) and Mobil 1 M1-211(also double ADBV) were specified as replacements for the FL-2005 before it was discontinued. The replacements for the FL-400 are usually the same as the FL-400S. The Fram XX3600, Wix 51516 and Mobil 1 M1-209 are the replacements for the FL-400S, which is the replacement for the FL-2005. They all have a single ADBV. Most parts computers give the number for the original part. Purolator, who makes the Motorcraft, still makes a double ADBV filter for the ZTEC. Ford decided one valve was enough and likely for cost reasons. I have used both styles and I think the double ADBV filters run smoother and quieter at start up, but that could just be a make me feel good thing and there is no real advantage.


It could very well run quieter at startup, I've never done the comparison, although I have had my eye on some Champ filters (built like the STP filter above) that have the double ADBV setup that I know I'll be trying at some point.

Did Purolator ever start back making PL25230?

 

[jmb3675]

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Originally Posted By: jmb3675
When Ford made the Focus the FL-400S did not exist. There was a FL400 but it did not have an ADBV. The Ztec Focus needs one. The FL-2005 had 2 valves. The single overhead cam used the FL-400. Ford eliminated the FL-400 and FL-2005 and replaced them with the FL-400S which has a single ADBV and is shorter.
-snip-
I have used both styles and I think the double ADBV filters run smoother and quieter at start up, but that could just be a make me feel good thing and there is no real advantage.


Actually, the 400s did exist back then, alongside the 2005. 2002 Focus owners manual, first printing. Go to page 311.

Originally, the 2005 didn't exist when the Contour first came out, and the 400 was specified for the Contour/Mystique Zetec. But after awhile, people found the engine to be grumpy on startup, so Ford added the 2005 with the second ADBV.

I totally agree that the second ADBV is needed. My experience is with the M1-209 (a 400s cross), TG8316 (a 2005 cross, on the car now), and a 51315XP (a 2005 cross). Only the Wix works. When the TG8316 comes out, it will be replaced with another Wix XP (Napa Platinum 41315). I'd love to try the M1-211, but it's not sold in stores.

The Fram 8316 cans are short like the new 400s. The Wix 51315, Purolator 25230, and M1-211 are still the original (longer) length of the old 400s and 2005.

The funny thing is that the Fram 3600 is longer like the old Motorcrafts and the M1-209/Wix 51516/Purolator 20195 filters. Especially since Purolator makes the Motorcraft, but didn't shorten the aftermarket Purolator 20195


Thanks for the correction. I must have heard Ztec and remembered Focus in my head.
I have a M1-211 waiting to go on my Focus that I bought in a local store.