Pretty much what you would expect from a Purolater that was in service for 3 years, even with low miles, Rough looking with torn pleats. Media was pretty fragile and tore easily. I generally try to change every 2 years, but this time 3 snuck up on me.. Was replaced with a Carquest Premium which I think would have done the same interval with ease. Nitrile was quite stiff as you'd imagine.
Motorcraft FL-1A C&P 3 yrs 3000mi 88 Ford 4.9
- Thread starter nwjones18
- Start date
At 258K on that 1988- I6, just keep doing what you're doing. It's gotten you this far. If it's not broke, don't fix it. If, by chance, it starts burning oil, 4 rounds of Valvoline Restore and Protect should clean it up, and buy you more time if you plan on keeping it.
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It doesn't burn a drop in 3k miles.. Always ran Quaker State 10w40 or Havoline. Great motor. It does get a highway run a few times a year and I don't think the extended OCI's are hurting anything.
Yeah, great engine for sure -). They just don't make them like that anymore. With all the new high HP- 4cylinders, and their GDI with turbos with thin oil, don't think you'd see that mileage nowadays.
Do you have any pictures of the torn media?
Its hard to see, but its the top of the pleat in the 5th picture. To the right of the seam. I moved them around and the next couple tore with minimal pressure as well, but were intact initially.
The wide pleat spacing area location of tear not that surprising, especially for Motocraft. As alluded to, even with low miles, 3 years lots sitting and/or short tripping would contribute to it. Your choice for next fci should solve issue.
Thanks for c&p.
Thanks for c&p.
Such a shame.
OEM parts are supposed to be of good quality. The FL1A used to be a solid filter years ago.
At 258k, you are at the mileage the only weak link on the 4.9 fails.....The composite teeth shear on the timing gears, specifically the cam gear. Great engine otherwise.
At 258k, you are at the mileage the only weak link on the 4.9 fails.....The composite teeth shear on the timing gears, specifically the cam gear. Great engine otherwise.
Looks like tearing from the end cap. Thanks.
WOW ! Can't believe Ford was STILL using those composite cam gears in 1988. Had one on a 1973- 351 Windsor engine that sheared off the teeth, and left me " Ford", ( found on road dead), at a toll booth on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. 2-days in a local shop, and 2 days in a motel for me. Stupidest idea ever with that gear. Read that using that gear " cuts down on timing chain noise". Shop put back a steel gear & new chain. I was fit to be tied to say the least. PTSD lead me to change that gear on my 1984 - 302 Mustang. Took it apart, and found a steel cam gear that was perfectly fine. I was furious ! Took it apart for nothing.
Nice ! Even better with gear to gear timing ! The " Iron Dukes" had same set up, but the only replacement gear was another composite. Did plenty of those back in the day. I'd say you're good to go !!
When filters tear the media from wide pleat spacing and brittle media, the tears will typically be at the ends of the pleats where they are glued on to the end cap. The force of oil flow bends the pleats over and the stress is concentrated at the pleat ends. If the media can't take the stress, it tears.