Motorcraft FL1 HP/Fram HP1

casaleenie · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2003, 03:16 PM

Just spent the day cleaning up about eight quarts of oil off the garage floor... Doing my year end oil change and replaced the oil filter for the first time. I replaced a Motorcraft FL1 HP with a Fram HP 1 and blew all the oil past the filter when I hit the switch.
Didn't detect any oil pressure after a few seconds and shut down..
Took the Fram off and put the old Motorcraft back on and filled it with oil again.. No problem...Oil pressure and no leaks. (Used the old filter because I couldn't come up with another Motorcraft on short notice) Ford doesn't carry them and I needed to know what the problem with the filter was..
Anyway, my question is... Are those filters interchangeable???
That was what they gave me at the parts store... Went to NAPA and they said the # off the Motorcraft showed it was a Transmission filter.. I'm having a bad day... and now I've got to go out and get my wife some dishsoap before she finds out I used every cleaning agent in the house to clean up that mess..

wilf leek · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2003, 03:24 PM

I am always chary (English for afraid) of starting up my engine after an oil & filter change. At worst, I will pull all the sparkplugs, and turn the engine over on the starter until oil pressure is regained. Then fit the plugs, disable ignition and do the same thing again, then lastly let it start.

That way it never runs whilst the filter etc is refilling (and the engine gets no oil).

What gentle words did you use when you saw the oil on the floor?

I once refilled an engine with 1 gallon of oil, only to realise I had not fitted the sump plug. I then proceeded to use some bad words.

BTW, I can't quite understand why the oil should escape. Was the sealing ring missing from the filter base?

Bob In Ct · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2003, 03:47 PM

I would never use a Fram filter. There is a fair amount of documentation which does not speak well of them. I would use a Mobil1 or Wix.

Bob

casaleenie · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2003, 04:47 PM

Wilf,

I think I used every gentle word except "white".. I pretty much covered all the bases...

And the gasket was in place and lubricated... I'm more likely to leave the pan plug than the gasket.. It's always one or the other.

Bob,

I'll never use one again, that's for sure...
I guess it needs a high burst pressure filter or at least that's what it came with... I'll send out for another Motorcraft just because I know it works... I will keep the Mobil and Wix on my list to check out...

Don't know what made me sicker... No oil pressure for several seconds or the two gallons on oil on the floor...

Lynn Johnson · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2003, 09:23 PM

Lots of research rates FRAM as worse filter on market. Never use them on any of my vehicles.

Before putting new filter on car, fill it with new oil, it will hold almost a quart. Quicker oil pressure on restart.

hcollado · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2003, 10:08 PM

Stay away from the Fram filters. Unless you use their HP6 filter which is a racing filters, all the others cant handle the preassure and they filter poorly.

Spend a little extra money and buy the Wix 51515R, it's the equivalent to the Motorcraft you had.

NAPA's is 51515 also. Both WIX and NAPA filters are made by Dana.

Cobra20646 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 05:42 AM

I've seen similar problems, and it was found that the old filters sealing gasket had stuck to the block and was not removed when the old filter was removed. New filter installed, with now two gaskets, and the thing leaked like you described. For the casual do-it-yourselfer, an easy thing to overlook.

- Jim -

Ron61 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 06:07 AM

Al,

I won't use a FRAM filter at all. I lost an engine in the 60s because of one, but on the bright side your garage probably needed cleaning anyway. I use the WIX, Motorcraft, and once in a while the The Moroso Racing oil Filters.I have used the NAPA racing filter occasionaly which is made by WIX I think it is with no problem. I have a Moroso racing filter on on right now with a spare Motorcraft racing filter and also another spare Moroso. But I would rather use the Motorcraft and that is why the others are laying in the cabinet. when I cange oil again the Moroso will come off and the Motorcraft will go back on.
How did you blow oil all over the place? Was it not tight or did it split or something. You said past the filter, so did you have it tight and the gasket sealed?
You make me feel good. Anything I do you seem to top.

Ron

By the way, I can get you a good deal on a CASE of FRAM filters if you would like.

Bill Wells · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 06:49 AM

casaleenie, i have stayed with the Motorcraft FL1-HP filter all along and never a problem. my local ford store carries them in stock in small quantities, so when he is out and i have to order one (next day delivery) i always order two so that i can maintain a spare. I have not always had good luck with crossover numbers for any other brands of any car parts. but sometimes ya just cant get the one ya want so ya take your chances. your experience, and other posters comments, will make me NOT switch from my FL1-HP. thx for the warning. I am sure there are other good filters out there, but i guess if 'it aint broke/dont fix it' so i will not change filter brands. whew, nothing like expletives when the oil hits the floor, eh ? bill.

Bud Man · #10 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 09:14 AM

I have had good results with K&N's HP 3001 unit.

A tightening/loosening hex is fitted to the filter nose, and it is thru-drilled for safety wiring.

Bud

Dwight · #11 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 10:51 AM

DO NOT USE FRAM, BUY THE MOTORCRAFT OR K&N.
THE FRAM FILTER ARE TO RESTRICTIVE.

scratch · #12 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 06:36 PM

I used to sell oil and air filters and can tell you almost everything on the street is crap. Bad paper, thin spiral core, leaky seals...but the real problem is the filter paper.

Use what the truckers do...I would recommend the following, in order; Donaldson (if you can find them) or K&N, or Baldwin. Locate a local truck oil repair shop.

And DON'T use hydraulic filters, some folks use them because they filter smaller particles - however with a lubricating engine oil system you will starve the pump.

scratch

ERA Chas · #13 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 06:49 PM

Scratch,
I'm interested in your experiences. I use and like the Mobil-1, M-301. Any experience or comment about it? Also do these truck filter manufacturers you mention make filters to fit FE's?
Thanks,

Lowell W · #14 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 05:09 AM

I'm with Bud. The K&N's are readily available and the (I think 1") hex on the end sure is handy for removing the filter. Anyone have any negative feedback on the K&N's? Thanks.

auto10x · #15 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 05:13 AM

Again and again I hear, "research has shown Fram filters are - - ", yet no one cites the "research" in mention. Please help me out here, what research?
Thanks,
auto10x
Bill

mr0077 · #16 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 05:43 AM

Bill,
Do a google search for fram oil filter test and you'll get quite a few hits, non very complimentary.
Here is one that has been around for quite a while, the fellow seems to do a thorough job...
http://minimopar.net/oilfilterstudy.html

rdorman · #17 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 06:50 AM

So did you discover your problem Al/Casaleenie? When you say that you are not mechanically inclined, I am beginning to get the idea!

I use K&N filters currently and see no reason not to stick with them. One the other cars I tend to use Purolator Pure1(on the rare occasion that I actually change the oil myself!). Use a good synthetic such as Mobil 1 or Red Line. I change the filter twice for each change in oil. Generally it works out, for my mileage, to one oil change and two filters a year. KMart you can get Mobil 1 by the gallon at a good price. Watch for it to go on sale there to because it does!

The double gasket as well as overtightening the filter are the two most common filter replacement errors. Do fill the filter before putting it in place and do lubricate the gasket with some clean oil before mounting it.

Rick

Rick Bagley · #18 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 11:14 AM

I too have had good luck with the K&N HP3001. Using the Canton remote oil filter mount. They can be purchased at most Autozone stores.

casaleenie · #19 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 11:27 AM

[quote]Originally posted by rdorman

[b]So did you discover your problem Al/Casaleenie? When you say that you are not mechanically inclined, I am beginning to get the idea!

Rick,

bout' time you got the idea....

Not sure what the problem was with the Fram but I do know how to install a filter..THANK YOU!!!. Lubricated the gasket and did all the normal stuff.. Didn't overtighten. No double gasket...etc.
Bill Parnam from Southern Automotive e-mailed me and said I should be OK it the oil pressure was the same as before.. 20/50 Castrol used.. The pressure started out at 40lbs and when it warmed up it came up to 55lbs.. I would have thought it should have been the reverse????
I'm still wondering if the filter they gave me in the first place was the wrong one????
It measured 1/16 narrower diameter over the hole in the center but the gasket was the same diameter???

FUNFER2 · #20 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 02:49 PM

I always use Moroso. I buy a case from a local dealer. If you buy them from singles, their very expensive, around $10. Wix are good quality also & are cheap. We use them on our sprint car & have never had a problem. (but, we change the oil after every race) I also cut open the filter on both cars to see if there's any metal or debris. It's a good practice, can save a expensive motor !