Motorcraft FL-400S Oil Filter

[sandog]

My first few oil changes I used the FL-910S filter. Walmart had them for $7, almost half of what the dealer was charging.
Walmart was out of them last time so I got a Wix (NAPA Gold) filter from NAPA. It is about the same capacity as the 910S filter.
While getting some Mobil 1 for the oil change I did yesterday, I saw the FL-400S Motorcraft filter.

I couldn't find out what it was meant for ( maybe the old Ranger with a V-6 ?)) but I purchased it, and was happy that there is plenty of room for it, as it is longer than the 910S and has increased capacity.
Except for the additional length, it appears to be identical to the stubby FL-910S.

I know our engines are just a 4 cylinder, but they work hard. I don't think extra capacity is a bad thing.
I used a longer-than-normal Wix/NAPA filter on my old Grand Cherokee that had the 4.0 inline 6.
There a no clearance issues, the filter could be even longer if need be.

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[Friday yet?]

I would think the bigger filter is fine. Does it put more stress on the oil pump? No clue. Engineer question there.

Did you remove the tire for the oil change? Just curious as to access, etc. I'm thinking that when I get my truck it won't really matter as I'll be rotating the tires at the same time anyway.

For filters I use Wix, or either Wix, or worst case I'll go with a Wix. (Or NAPA since they are simply NAPA branded Wix.) I steer clear of Motorcraft as they are simply the cheapest supplier Ford found for the last contract. I don't use Motorcraft oil either.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[sandog]

I removed the tire for the first oil change, then I realized it wasn't necessary. Just loosen the plastic anchors holding the splash shield and tuck it down out of the way.

I do want to replace those plastic anchors and screws though. Most of them no longer hold, the screws can just be pushed in without turning, and when removing with a Phillips screwdriver, they just turn but don't unscrew.

I'm surprised that some haven't just fallen out.
I read where some have replaced them with something better. Anyone that has replaced them care to share what you used ?

I agree that the Chinese made Motorcraft filters are nothing special. Wix/NAPA filters are probably superior, never heard anything bad said about them.
They were supposedly made in Gastonia, North Carolina, but other sources say that Wix is owned by German giant Mann-Hummel and that their filters are made in various countries including China.

 

[Grumpaw]

Unless it's recently changed, Motorcraft filters are made by Purolater in No. Carolina.

 

[Dereku]

Unless it's recently changed, Motorcraft filters are made by Purolater in No. Carolina.

Last I heard you are correct. Always used Purolator when oem waa not available.

 

[sandog]

My bad. I based the "Made in China" on a description of the FL-400S when I tried to cross reference the filter.
I just looked at the box the filter came in and it said "Majority content USA".
Could have swore the filter itself said Made in China but I can't get close enough to check that now that it's installed.

 

[RedDakooter05]

My bad. I based the "Made in China" on a description of the FL-400S when I tried to cross reference the filter.
I just looked at the box the filter came in and it said "Majority content USA".
Could have swore the filter itself said Made in China but I can't get close enough to check that now that it's installed.

If I had to venture a guess, if it's truly made in states with global parts... The gasket(s) is a china supplied part.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I removed the tire for the first oil change, then I realized it wasn't necessary. Just loosen the plastic anchors holding the splash shield and tuck it down out of the way.

I do want to replace those plastic anchors and screws though. Most of them no longer hold, the screws can just be pushed in without turning, and when removing with a Phillips screwdriver, they just turn but don't unscrew.

I'm surprised that some haven't just fallen out.
I read where some have replaced them with something better. Anyone that has replaced them care to share what you used ?

I agree that the Chinese made Motorcraft filters are nothing special. Wix/NAPA filters are probably superior, never heard anything bad said about them.
They were supposedly made in Gastonia, North Carolina, but other sources say that Wix is owned by German giant Mann-Hummel and that their filters are made in various countries including China.

The late 2021’s through 2022’s have bolts for the flap. Guessing the 2023’s will also.

 

[Raygunn]

I removed the tire for the first oil change, then I realized it wasn't necessary. Just loosen the plastic anchors holding the splash shield and tuck it down out of the way.

I do want to replace those plastic anchors and screws though. Most of them no longer hold, the screws can just be pushed in without turning, and when removing with a Phillips screwdriver, they just turn but don't unscrew.

I'm surprised that some haven't just fallen out.
I read where some have replaced them with something better. Anyone that has replaced them care to share what you used ?

I agree that the Chinese made Motorcraft filters are nothing special. Wix/NAPA filters are probably superior, never heard anything bad said about them.
They were supposedly made in Gastonia, North Carolina, but other sources say that Wix is owned by German giant Mann-Hummel and that their filters are made in various countries including China.

I use high power magnets over the holes where the plastic anchors were

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Strong...sprefix=high+power+magnets,aps,98&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Floyd]

If I remember correctly the 400 will physically interchange with the FL-1A as well.
As for switching the to the 400 from the 910s, we know that it will physically interchange as well.
The fact is that the filters have different application specs.
The question remains as to whether these differences are significant enough to matter.
(probably not) but it must be said that you should research these differences before deciding.

Personally I see no significant gain to be had, so I will continue to use the 910s on both my TC and my Ranger.
We have used the 400 and other filters in former FL-1A applications where clearance was a problem.
Remember when Ford had only one filter (FL-1A)for just about all auto and light truck applications?

On my '50 the filter was optional and it only filtered about 10% of the oil, and that was when roads were commonly dirty (gravel or even dirt) and they had to use oil bath air filters!

 

[bRaptor]

The fl400s is used on my 6 cyl 17 explorer

 

[ctechbob]

Been using that size filter (In Bosch flavor) since my second oil change. That little bit of extra length makes it easier to grab onto in order to remove it. That and the extra media/capacity is a plus. Shouldn't be any downsides to using the longer version, everything else being equal.

 

[Langwilliams]

The Walmart here runs out of FL 910S filters all the time an it takes forever to get them back in stock. They used to be $3.95 here, then they ran out for like 3 months an when they got them back they were $5.95. The auto parts store wants $10 for it. I get an employee discount an get the ford filter for $5. I have a left over FL400 but wasn't too sure about using it. If I can't get a 910 I try to get a Napa Gold.

 

[RAYJAY]

I use high power magnets over the holes where the plastic anchors were

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Strong-Neodymium-Magnets-Powerful/dp/B089CVX89D/ref=sr_1_3?crid=YPSWWLDJ0D5H&keywords=high+power+magnets&qid=1666972865&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiNS4xMiIsInFzcCI6IjQuNzcifQ==&sprefix=high+power+magnets,aps,98&sr=8-3&th=1

the magnets are the best.....

 

[seasprite]

Thought I read on here that the fl400 has a lower bypass pressure than the 910s? Can this be confirmed, anyone know for sure?

I'll do a search after I post this to see and update

Found this: https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/upsized-oil-filter-thread.1820/post-24133

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