True or False?

[jasonmcc]

I'm trying to make an OEM oil filter fit my coyote setup but its too tight. Instead of doing a relocation kit I was told "Any oil filter will work as long as its the same thread size and seal ring" Is this True or False?

 

[AZ73]

I don't know for sure, but you have to look at capacity. A smaller filter will have larger holes in the filter to move the same amount of oil, else it goes through the bypass in the filter. If you have a smaller filter with the same micron sizes as the larger one, it will have less capacity. So you're either going to have more oil go through the bypass (and not get filtered) or you're going to have more oil go through larger holes letting more debris get through.

That being said, I had a 2004 and 2007 BMW with the exact same engine. The 2004's oil filter was about twice the size of the 2007's. The only difference was the 2007 required synthetic oil. And My son-in-law is a GM tech. He says GM uses a smaller filter on their 4X4s than the exact same 2 wheel drive for clearance issues. So my take is probably won't make a significant difference as the flows for both are probably overrated for the engine.

You might want to reach out to BC Bronco. They are doing many coyote conversions. Ask them what they are doing.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I know of some engines that have a small and large filter option. Just depends on what fits in that chassis. Much like GM with the small filter to clear the 4WD.

But I will not go with universal applictions just off threads and sealing. There may be differences like anti-drain back valves, flow, and pressure requirements that don't align.

If you have another filter application that works on a coyote, I would accept that. But just match some threads, I'll call that risky. I am sure it has worked in the past, but I am not going to say it is 100% going to work.

 

[Pa PITT]

... I've not been a parts man in a lot of year.
... But The old original fords ran A PH8A.. oR A Motor-craft no. is FL1A.
BUT iF YOU WANTED A SHORTER FILTER BACK IN THE DAY . yOU COULD USE a PH16 ... You can cross PH16 into your brand.
.... Now if it doesn't still use the PH8A.
... THEN Game no.2 .. at the back of the catalogs is the ''IPM ''. Illustrated Parts Manual.
You can take the number of your filter & GET ALL it's specifications . Like size of the thread .. .. Micron of filteration . Length & Dia. of filter . & Size of the gasket sealing surface .... SO THEN you can see if some other filter will match up.

 

[Skytrooper15]

My 70 Bronco with stock 302 takes a FL1A Motorcraft filter but my 2013 Ford with the 5.0 takes a FL 500 Motorcraft I have thought about getting a larger filter for the 2013 but I think that when changing the oil but I never remember to measure after changing oil.I have some extras of both sizes and if you want me to I will measure with a caliper and put it up for you.

 

[72Sport]

72 Dodge 413 filter and the FL!A will interchange. I ran the Fl!A on the Dodge for a while but I didn't like it rubbing on the lower radiator hose on the Dodge. The Dodge filter was shorter than the FL1A by about an inch. I think the 413 filter was the same as the Ford FL-500 except for the length. The Dodge RV is factory equipped with a high pressure oil pump. Runs above 80Psi oil pressure. Never had any problems with clearance until I replaced the radiator hose and put on a lower hose with a molded in internal spring.

 

[72Sport]

413 72Dodge RV uses a Motorcraft FL 300 oil flter about 3 3/4" long and 4" in Dia. Like I stated earlier I ran the FL-1A for many miles before the new lower radiator hose.

 

[Steve83]

"Any oil filter will work as long as its the same thread size and seal ring" Is this True or False?

True, assuming it's made for a similar (gasoline, HLA, OHV) engine that takes similar oil. AND assuming it's a quality filter - not imported junk. But if there's a substantial size difference (actual filter medium area), there will be a corresponding difference in maximum oil change interval.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Come to think of it, I think there are a lot of marine fuel filters that share the same mating. They are designed for filtering fuel, usually very slowly, and come in a variety of different micron ratings. I am sure those won't be happy with engine oil being shoved into them, probably won't get enough out to keep the motor running for long.

So keeping with your VERY broad definition of "any filter with matching threads and seal" I will set my answer to "NO!" Plenty of possible choices, but there are limits.

 

[Seventee]

To follow up on what PAPITT mentioned, a FL300 (PH16) was used in place of the FL1A (PH8A) for 5.0 and 5.8 SBF applications that came with the OEM oil cooler option. There was a handful of other Ford applications as well. Specs say the FL300 is 1.36" shorter to account for the length of the oil cooler adapter on the block, where so equipped. Hot-rodders also tend to take advantage of the shorter filter when installing SBF into other chassis where clearance is tight.

So I would start by researching various OEM Coyote applications to see if you can find a difference. It's possible Ford uses different configurations depending on the chassis or options.

 

[Rustytruck]

My 74 Bronco with stock 302 i added a sandwitch oil cooler adapter 35 years ago and with the adapter in place i had to use a shorter filter and the FL300 was the way to go.