Driving with the wrong oil filter _2004 Ford Focus

[Nik_in_SF]

Hi all,

My wife had her oil changed at an Oil Can Henry's for the last three changes (10,000 miles). Yesterday I took it in and heard them yell out 2.0 liter. I corrected the guy and he ignored my correction, by stating "only european focuses and some SVT's have the 2.3 engine". I didn't have the manual with me and thus I didn't press it.

I went home checked out the manual and 14 miles later (the next morning) I was back and pointed it out on the hood sticker and the manual photo to the know-it-all. I had them change it out and now want to find out if any damage has been done over the last 10K.

It turns out they use the Security Brand (Fram-Honeywell) oil filter at OCH. The 2.0 liter filter is the SO-8316
The 2.3 liter filter is the SO-241

My question, what if any difference has been done to the engine, by having the SO-8316 on the car.

I called Security and Bob Williams emailed me the following specifications on the 2 Filters.

Product Specs. Gasket Specs. Valve Specs.
O.D. I.D. Hgt. O.D. I.D. Thickness Relief Anti
Valve -Drain

· SO-241- 2.98” ¾-16 Th’d 3.34” 2.75” 2.47” .19” 12 Yes

· SO-8316 2.98” ¾-16 Th’d 4.06” 2.77” 2.41” .08” 14 Yes

 

[EvanD]

Thats fine as long as it don't leak you can swap them.

 

[S2500Dog]

May I ask why are you using Fram Honeywell **** filters in the first place? These oil filters are garbage and just sucks ***. If you want a quality oil filter, choose from brands like Purolator, Bosch, AC Delco and Supertech Non-Ecore, Mobil 1, K&N and Wix.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

I hate "know-it-all's" who won't listen to reason! People who think they know everythang are a pia to people like me who do!

 

[lipadj46]

I would not worry about it. Next time make sure they know what the proper engine is

 

[SrDriver]

This is why I always take my vehicles to the dealer.

 

[SaturnIonVue]

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
This is why I always take my vehicles to the dealer.

This is why I always DIY. That way I know it was done right.

 

[5sfe91]

+1 I know i'll get MY car info right

 

[HangerHarley]

Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
May I ask why are you using Fram Honeywell **** filters in the first place? These oil filters are garbage and just sucks ***. If you want a quality oil filter, choose from brands like Purolator, Bosch, AC Delco and Supertech Non-Ecore, Mobil 1, K&N and Wix.

I second this. I also put STP on the list of [censored] (autocensored) filters.

Look. I took an old Filter for my car into the Store today. I decided to buy a Bosch for the next change (I know, Bosch on a Ford.. Trying something different.) I looked at the box and thought, "This seems smaller." Took it out, put it next to STP. Yup, its smaller. Lined up THREADS.. Same.

So the Filter is smaller, that means it will get filled up faster?

My mechanic then explained to me that the smaller ones dont hit other parts of the frame or engine or other parts, and that it happens all the time at his shop with different size filters.

I thought finding the largest one that will fit would be good, but this time it is Bosch's turn to do service. Its a better Filter. NO FRAM, and yes i considered it, but there is just this Big Red "X" next to and over Fram.

Id rather have a Small GOOD one (The Bosch, heard nothing but good) than a larger, bad one (STP, who makes them.)

My car is 10 years older than yours, but its a Ford so the logic still applies.

BTW, Ford Focus is on the list of one of the worst cars Ever, for TSB after TSB after TSB and reports of love/hate dependability-wise on an equal level with a 1999-2006 VW Jetta. That car is on the same list.

 

[gathermewool]

Nevermind. I stand corrected

 

[Gene K]

I dont see Bosch as being that different. After all they own Purolator who makes Motorcraft. Of course you have to buy Motorcraft to get the thread end bypass.

I usually get a NAPA Gold (Wix) if I cant get a Motorcraft. It has a thread end bypass and seems better built than the Motorcraft. I dont know how close they are on efficiency.

 

[beast3300]

The SO-241 crosses to 3614 which is a shorter version of the 3600. These two filters (3614 and 3600) are just a difference of height. The 8316 is for the 2.0L Zetec DOHC and has a plate or whatever it is. This is so the filter won't empty out at all. I have read that the 2.0 non-zetec guys like using the 8316 because it stays full of oil for cold starts. It is of course best using the most correct oil filter.

Originally Posted By: SaturnIonVue

This is why I always DIY. That way I know it was done right.


100% Agreed!

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
This is why I always take my vehicles to the dealer.


They're not robots that get most everything correct. Plus they ususally hire the same caliber/age/experience as quick lubes to handle the oil changes. The techs that do repairs wouldn't be caught dead in the oil change bay. And honestly most the wrenches I have spoke to couldn't care less what oil or filter they buy/use/or install on a customer car. Ever heard of AMC? That stands for "ain't my car".

 

[Gene K]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I think it was 2008, IIRC, when they started putting the 2.3L in more than just the ST model Focus. To be specific, before '08, only the Focus ST had the 2.3L Duratech. Before 2005, only the SVT Focus had the 2.3L Zetech. SE and SES trims had only the 2.0L versions.

I can understand his logic if this were a couple of years ago, but to say that only the SVT, which hasn't been made since '04, is the only 2.3L is just ridiculous.


Focus 2000-2004
CVH/SPI SOHC 2.0L 110BHP
Zetec DOHC 2.0L 130 BHP
Zetec DOHC 2.0L (SVT) 170 BHP
Duratec PZEV 2.3L (2003-2004 Only) 145 BHP

The SVT never had a 2.3L Zetec. Their is no such animal. The SVT had a modified 2.0L Zetec. The Zetec was discontinued after the 2004 Model Year.

 

[Nik_in_SF]

Yes, you may ask...my wife...

 

[Nik_in_SF]

Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
May I ask why are you using Fram Honeywell **** filters in the first place? These oil filters are garbage and just sucks ***. If you want a quality oil filter, choose from brands like Purolator, Bosch, AC Delco and Supertech Non-Ecore, Mobil 1, K&N and Wix.

Yes, you may ask...my wife... (who is reading this as I write it)

She wanted to be independent. I had bought her two M1's which she used up, then I was cross-country-shuttling for work she liked the 50's vibe of OCH so she went there and never asked me to change or buy her new filters. I didn't want to ruffle more feathers.

 

[river_rat]

I suggest you always keep the manual in the glove box. Never know when you'll need to look something up.

 

[ftsservice]

Originally Posted By: SrDriver
This is why I always take my vehicles to the dealer.


A great deal of the time the guy changing oil at a dealership isn't one of their ASE techs. Considering the pay rate, they can't afford to pay them for the time to change oil, and have some trainee/entry level guy doing it. After hearing too many dealer and oil change place stories, I'll take my vehicles to neither of them. If you have a good dealer you trust stick with them but my personal experience around here isn't impressive.

 

[crazyoildude]

The Dealer ??
Do you think they know best?

 

[Rand]

If thats the same filter that crosses to the motorcraft fl-400s and fl-910

they spec a shorter filter (fl-910) it because the longer
filter(fl-400s) would drag on the concrete parking stops.

the filter moved to the front of the engine hanging vertically downwards on the duratech series of engines

the 2.3L in a 2004 is most likely a duratech and not a zetec.

 

[StevieC]

My dad uses any filter that fits his Ford Windstar that we have around. (Have lots that are over 15 years old from when he sold his shop).

Trust me you are fine because his van never complains and it has had half-sized filters with much impeded flow I'm sure.