Filter and can sizes

[erogers]

I was at Pep Boys yesterday, cross referencing filters for my 4.6 Thunderbird and had a PureOne, Motorcraft, AC Delco, and Fram all out of their boxes, examining them (they must love me at this store

). I noticed an obvious difference in the overall exterior dimensions of these filters, with the Motorcraft being the largest. The PureOne was the smallest. I wondered if this also meant the capacities of these filters were different, though probably a negligible difference. Any thoughts as to why the dimensions aren't uniform? Is this common with other filters?

 

[Gary Allan]

ST filters tend to be shorter than other offerings. This is at least so with the Ecore filters due to the lack of metal endcaps and the ADBV and bypass valve being integrated.

Otherwise, I've never really noticed any difference in can size between one filter man or another.

 

[glenncof]

This does not sound right except for Gary's comment on Ecore being somewhat smaller.

Go back and check again. Or search for a filter teardown study on your particular filters.

 

[erogers]

I know. I thought the same thing. So I checked three times. I used the little computer thing that is connected to the shelves, and then I used two separate filter reference books. The numbers were all identical. The Motorcraft, Fram, and AC Delco filters were close, with the Motorcraft being the largest, and the Fram nearly identical. The AC Delco was slightly smaller. The regular Purolator and also the PureOne were very obviously smaller. By smaller, I mean "shorter". The diameters were all identical.

 

[Gary Allan]

Let's see what Wix vs. Purolator vs. Baldwin vs. Donalson has to say here.

Wix

Part Number: 51372
UPC Number: 765809513723
Principal Application: Ford/Lincoln/Mercury (91-07), Mazda (00-07), Cadillac STS-V, XLR-V (06-07)
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 4.167
Outer Diameter Top: 3.660
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 22X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 12-15
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Beta Ratio: 2/20=12/25
Burst Pressure-PSI: 275
Max Flow Rate: 11-13 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 19

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

Donaldson

A - OD (Inches): 3.67
B - Thread Size (Inches): M22 X 1.5
C - Length (Inches): 3.58
D - Gasket OD (Inches): 2.81
E - Gasket ID (Inches): 2.42
Relief Valve Setting (PSI): 15
Anti Drain Valve (Y/N): Yes
Product Type Description: LUBE SPIN-ON FULL FLOW
Primary Application: FORD LIGHT TRUCK

Baldwin

PART NUMBER: B329

Descriptions : Lube Spin-on
Contains : Anti-Drainback Valve
8 PSID By-Pass Valve
Fits : Ford, Mazda Automotive, Light-Duty Trucks, Vans
Replaces : Ford F1AZ-6731-A
Thread : M22 x 1.5
O.D. : 3 3/4 (95.3)
Length : 3 31/32 (100.8) (3.9685)
I.Gskt : G381-A

Purolator

PART NUMBER: L24651

Type of Filter: Spin-on
Threads: M22x1.5-6H
Thread Pitch: Special
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes

O.D.: 3.77
Height: 3.73
Relief Valve P.

 

[glenncof]

There are cases where two filters p/n's are available from one brand that can match the application. I would look at several cross reference guides putting in the MC number.

You can also do this research on the WIX website by checking threads and gasket sizes but it's tedious.

You can also do a reverse look-up. Go to MC site put in p/n and see what applications use it then pick a heavy duty application (such as a big truck) and search on the site by application to see if different p/n comes up.

 

[glenncof]

Sorry, you might be referring to MC FL-820S. See this for teardowns:

http://home.mindspring.com/~cewhite3nc/index.html

 

[erogers]

Yes, for the record, my "official" Motorcraft oil filter is the FL-820S. I think is a good filter, since it has the silicone ADBV, unlike many other Motorcraft oil filters. I'm using a Wix right now, and have been for a while, but I was thinking of trying a PureOne but was then surprised by the size differences.