Why a longer factory oil filter?

[The Gemini]

So I just completed the first oil change on my '16 SHO. I purchased a replacement MC FL-500S oil filter.

Upon removing the factory oil filter (stamped only "FoMoCo") it was found to be much longer than the replacement MC.

Of all the cars I've ever owned, this is the first time I've found a replacement filter to be of a different size, specifically when using the same brand - Ford/Motorcraft.

Is this normal? Reasons? Is there a MC filter that is a better choice?

 

[SHOdded]

Interesting! No number on the FoMoCo filter? In previous gens, it was not uncommon to use a larger filter than specified in the manual. I believe an FL-1A instead of the FL400/S. So you could try to find a filter with the same mating size but larger body, if there's room.

A previously researched thread:
http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threads/oil-filters.103752/

 

[The Gemini]

The only other marking on the factory filter was the manufacturing codes stamped in yellow on the top of the can. There were zero part numbers anywhere.

It's obviously still manufactured by the same company, but the holes in the end cap are completely different. I'm wondering if Ford hasn't implemented some updates to the Taurus SHO for the 2016 MY. Mine also has Pirelli P Zero tires (Perf Package). I had only heard of SHO's having the Goodyear's or Michelin's before.
Maybe they've been listening to complaints/warranty issues and will be coming out with a new oil filter spec as well? They've definitely assigned the FL-500S for quite a few of their engines. Perhaps they've found that a larger size is required for the SHO E.B.?

 

[The Gemini]

I just 'chatted' with the Motorcraft website to see if they could offer any insight. I specifically asked if there is another MC oil filter that would match up to the longer factory version. Here is their response:

"Fl-500S is correct for the vehicle application. The filter you removed from the vehicle are the filters used at the manufacturing plant. When a oil changed is performed at your dealer, they will use the FL-500S."

So....yeah....that pretty much puts to rest NOTHING!

 

[SHOdded]

That's the OFFICIAL tagline. Unofficially, the answer may be much different. But if someone has access to a catalog with the physical dimension info, that would help a lot! In the meantime, we can compare to Purolator, K&N, Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Amsoil etc filters ...

 

[krewat]

I still have all the oil filters I took off my 2013, so I'll check if the original was bigger than the FL500S's I used. I'll be doing the oil in my 2016 next weekend I hope, so I'll let the group know what I find.

 

[The Gemini]

I did some running around tonight to different auto parts stores and did a little research on the internet. It looks like these different sizes are nothing new, and there isn't a Motorcraft equivalent for the factory filter.

Apparently, both Champion Labs and Purolator make the filters for Ford as the Motorcraft line. The filters provided to the assembly line are made by one company, while those in the parts stores are made by the other. There was a thread on a Mustang forum from 2010 that had pretty much the exact same picture I posted yesterday.

Interestingly, I did discover the ALMOST identical longer factory filter in the Mobil 1 M1-212 oil filter. The outside dimensions and shape of the can are identical to the factory, but the ADBV appears to be a little bit different, as does some of the internal construction. So if anyone is interested, the M1 may be an option. Either Purolator or Champ manufacturers the Mobil 1 filters.


II

 

[rubydist]

The F150 boys had noticed this way back in 12 or sooner.

btw, from what I learned, Ford Service has a threaded ****** adapter for going from 22mm to 3/4": XL2Z-6890-AA $15
so you can use a FL1A or compatible which is even larger.

 

[SHOdded]

Any reason to worry about differences in opening PSI or burst strength, ruby?

 

[rubydist]

no, the only concern is the last time I saw details, the FL1A does not have a silicone anti-drain back valve, so it is supposedly more prone to more clatter at startup than the silicone ones. in my experience, whether that valve actually holds oil in or not is kind of random anyway, so I just expect the Fords to clatter for a few seconds at startup. and, many of the aftermarket brand version of the FL1A do have silicone valves. there was a really nice oil filter analysis study that I uploaded here on the forum last year, but I don't recall what section it was in. might be worth a search if you are wanting to know that you have the best filter choices in your car - iirc there were only 3 that were rated "best".

 

[rubydist]

here is a link:
http://rubydist.com/images/2014_Final_Oil_Filter_Cut-away_Comparison.pdf

 

[krewat]

As promised, here is the factory oil filter from my 2016 (manufactured 12/2015) and a standard FL-500S I had laying around from my 2013.

Note the bigger holes in the end-cap. Even has longer threads on the inner diameter.

 

[krewat]

Also, the numbers on the end. Note the AA5E-6714-AB is almost the same as the AA5Z motorcraft one.

 

[SHOdded]

The openings seem more aggressive on the factory filter also.

 

[r1crusher]

I did some running around tonight to different auto parts stores and did a little research on the internet. It looks like these different sizes are nothing new, and there isn't a Motorcraft equivalent for the factory filter.

Apparently, both Champion Labs and Purolator make the filters for Ford as the Motorcraft line. The filters provided to the assembly line are made by one company, while those in the parts stores are made by the other. There was a thread on a Mustang forum from 2010 that had pretty much the exact same picture I posted yesterday.

Interestingly, I did discover the ALMOST identical longer factory filter in the Mobil 1 M1-212 oil filter. The outside dimensions and shape of the can are identical to the factory, but the ADBV appears to be a little bit different, as does some of the internal construction. So if anyone is interested, the M1 may be an option. Either Purolator or Champ manufacturers the Mobil 1 filters.


II

All I use are M1-212 filters with Mobil 1 extended oil since I've owned my SHO and our F150 EB.

 

[AREA 91]

Maybe the factory filter is a bit bigger due to the initial (new engine) break-in?

 

[SHOVNST]

^^^ This was the first thing that came to my mind.