Big,Fat Filter

c_gloriosus · Mar 8, 2006

Howdy,
I'm taking the plunge and ARXing my 2001 3.0L, 12 valve Taurus. I'd like to use a truly large filter during the rinse phase as I think this is the time most crud gets deposited. The standard oil filter is a Purolator PL20195 or Motorcraft FL-400s (I think ). Is there a larger alternative to these?

Gary Allan · Mar 8, 2006

FL1A/PH8A

There are lots bigger. I believe that the fl400s is the longest in that diameter. If you have room for a bigger diameter can ..there are lots of bigger and longer filters in that thread/gasket size.

Gary Allan · Mar 8, 2006

FL1A/PH8A/Wix 51515/NAPA 1515 fit the Vulcan V6. You may even be able to fit a 51773 Wix. I have a big one (FL1A) on my daughter's Vulcan in here 91 3.0 Taurus.

There are lots bigger. I believe that the fl400s is the longest in that diameter. If you have room for a bigger diameter can ..there are lots of bigger and longer filters in that thread/gasket size.

c_gloriosus · Mar 9, 2006

Thanks Gary Allan. Actually,I may not absolutely need a gigondo filter but, why take chances.

RF Overlord · Mar 9, 2006

*thread hijack*

If the FL1A is an acceptable alternative for the FL400S, why didn't Ford spec it on the Taurus 3.0 in the first place?

I'm not being sarcastic here, I really want to know...why wouldn't Ford use a filter that's been in their catalogue for 40 years?

*thread returned*

ccdhowell · Mar 9, 2006

Gary, what is the Wix 51773? I use the FL1A on my Land Rover, it has plenty of room to spare.

How can I find the specs on that filter?

alreadygone · Mar 9, 2006

RF Overlord,

Always wondered that myself!

Bob

Gary Allan · Mar 9, 2006

It's a big truck filter. It doesn't have a great beta rating. It's 7" long

Part Number: 51773
UPC Number: 765809517738
Principal Application: Ford Trucks, Massey-Ferguson Tractors, Oliver Tractors, VW Eurovan (93-95)
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 6.982
Outer Diameter Top: 3.663
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Burst Pressure-PSI: 225
Max Flow Rate: 7-9 GPM
Nominal Micro Rating: 30

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 1 2.834 2.462 0.200

BigODave found one that is shorter ..but bigger in overall size. I don't recall the number.

I'm not being sarcastic here, I really want to know...why wouldn't Ford use a filter that's been in their catalogue for 40 years?

Got me swinging

It could have more to do with production requirements then service requirements. The FL1A is a bit more awkward to install. It fits without difficulty ..but is more cumbersome to handle. They may also go with a "one size fits all" type spec where the engine may have issues with a FL1A in a windstar ..but not a Taurus (fill in application of choice).

alreadygone · Mar 9, 2006

Gary,

Probably right. Do remember years ago when the "little" filter first showed up, you could install FL1A, but something (memory bad, can't remember what) would rub a hole in it!

Bob

02StangGT4Foam · Mar 9, 2006

You could also use the Wix 51333 that has the EXACT same size and specs as the 51773 except its beta rating is far better (19 Nominal) and its bypass rating is much higher (30psid). The Purolator Premium Plus L40316 is just a tad longer (I think because it has a nut on the end similar to K&N's) and has a bypass rating of 36psid. The L40316 runs $7.49 at my local Pep Boys but don't forget, 2 can be had for $1.99 each minus a $1.98 each rebate for a grand total of $0.01 EACH!!! At that price, give 'em a try and see what happens. What do you have to lose?!?! Just keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge for a while. Hope this helps.

Gary Allan · Mar 9, 2006

quote:

How can I find the specs on that filter?

My manners (shameful look)

Any filter that you can think of ..you can find what WIX spec's as its equivalent. WIX filter lookup Click in the number/link that the xref pukes out and you'll see the spec's that I posted for any of their filters.

Gary Allan · Mar 12, 2006

On the Wix info tab they typically have a Beta 2/20 = 19/41 (the second set of numbers will vary).

It goes like this Beta2 is the efficiency level, using the formula Beta-1/Beta. That is, Beta2= 2-1 (over)/2 = 50%

In this case: Beta Ratio: 2/20=19/41

The filter is 50% efficient at filtering 19um particles and 95% (19/20) efficient at filtering 41um particles.

The designation Beta2 is considered "nominal".

Some beta specs aren't expressed in the 2/20 (50%/95%) manner. Some do it by the beta yield at a given particle size.

BetaX=10
BetaY=15
BetaZ=25
etc.

As far as bypass settings are concerned you have a few different offerings from different filter manufacturers. Wix, typically, has 8-11psid for a bypass setting. Purolator (PureOne) has a 12-16 (+/-). My personal observations are that you rarely ever see bypass activity ..but I'd just stay with the lower settings for peace of mind (Purolator is a relatively low setting).

Gary Allan · Mar 12, 2006

Gary,

Probably right. Do remember years ago when the "little" filter first showed up, you could install FL1A, but something (memory bad, can't remember what) would rub a hole in it!

Bob

This could surely be the case in some applications. You have to be careful. That's always the risk when you step outside the box. I do it all the time. Sometimes you eat the bear ..and sometimes the bear eats you ...or at least takes a decent chunk out of your wallet. Luckily for most ..others dive headlong into uncharted waters

c_gloriosus · Mar 12, 2006

Thanks so much for the filter info,gary. How concerned do I need to be regarding by-pass pressure? Also, can you give me the short definition of "beta ratio". Thanks

c_gloriosus · Mar 15, 2006

Thankyou all for your help. For you astrological types, Mercury is in retrograde!meaning if it can go wrong, it will. Seems I can't use a fatter filter on the Taurus as the starter solenoid is probably 5mm from the filter can. Unless there is a LONGER substitute. Somehow I think I better not tempt fate.

Gary Allan · Mar 15, 2006

Yes, your problem would not be from the filter ..but the incidental contact when putting the filter wrench on to remove it. That is, unless you choose to remove the battery cable for each oil change.

Looks like a FL400S for you.

Big,Fat Filter

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