FL 1A Confusion

[Rhinebeck]

Currently using on my F150, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 3 Volvos. Wonderful results. However, based on recent photos taken of virgin filters, the FL 1A has the popper valve just like the Purolator and Fram. I thought Ford spec'd them to bypass at the open end so bypassed oil would not pass over dirty media and pass back in thru the domed end. Am I reading the photos correctly? Is the difference where the spring is located? Thanks E...

 

[unDummy]

Even when in bypass, oil flow exists through the media. The media filtering flow is not controlled by a bypass on/off switch.
Don't worry about the bypass location.

 

[rg144]

Others have commented that the ideal location of the bypass valve depends on the orientation when mounted on the engine. Threaded-end bypass for threaded-end up when installed. Presumably because anything not trapped in media can settle away from the bypass.

 

[TallPaul]

If a Motorcraft FL1A has a dome end bypass then I would guess it is a bootleg filter. I just pulled a FL1A off my shelf that I recently bought and it still has the threaded end bypass.

 

[Pablo]

quote:

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based on recent photos taken of virgin filters, the FL 1A has the popper valve just like the Purolator and Fram.

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Can we see the photos?

 

[Big O Dave]

Here's a photo I took of a FL-1A, and it has a threaded-end bypass, just the way Ford specs:

Motorcraft FL-1A

Here' the Fram PH8A and the Purolator L30001.

In each case, the bypass is shown, and the Fram and the Purolator do not look the same as the FL-1A.