I think Iv'e been using the wrong oil filter for 9 years

[cobra8]

Went to Walmart yesterday to get some oil and a filter. I have always used the Ph8a filter since the car was new and also used it on my 89 LX. When looking through the fram catolog it had a Ph8a spec'd for the GT and a Ph16a spec'd for the Cobra. Does anyone know what the difference is ? I mean it's essentially the same engine why the different filter ?
Mark

 

[CivicEater]

one time when I fist got my car I got the PH16 on accident but realizd before I put it on. The 16 looks alot bigger than the 8 to me......dont know why but....

 

[jmuva44]

Maybe the Cobra requires a filter that can flow more volume? Either way, dont buy Fram oil filters. They are the biggest POS filter money can buy. Go to a parts store, spend the extra $3-4 and get a Pure One or K&N.

Read the website below...very interesting!!

Oil Filter Study

 

[Rootus]

Found this quote:

Most specification guides call for the FL1A as a replacement oil filter. And while some members are using it successfully, most members need to use a FL-300 to get proper clearance for the oil filter. Functionally, these two filters are the same; the FL-300 is just shorter. If you own a Cobra that has enough room, I'd say use the FL1A. But if there is even the slightest doubt about possible interference, use the FL-300.

 

[mto502]

I hope you're changing your oil often with Fram filters. They are the worse filter you can buy. I could link you up to the studies done on these filters. The new Fram xtra or whatever it's called is OK. I use a K&N because it has great flow characteristics and a good quality anti-drain back valve.

 

[Redsnk95]

94/95 Cobra's have an oil cooler and b/c of clearances and actual room, they require the Motorcraft FL300 filter which is shorter than the Motorcraft FL1 that GTs use. I removed my oil cooler and now the FL1 fits fine.

Troy

 

[mto502]

I hope you're changing your oil often with Fram filters. They are the worse filter you can buy. I could link you up to the studies done on these filters. The new Fram xtra or whatever it's called is OK. I use a K&N because it has great flow characteristics and a good quality anti-drain back valve.
Fram make all of the other cheap filters out there as well so don't think that by goiong to a Quaker State or Motomaster that you're getting away from them.

Carquest premium and Nappa Gold which are both essentially the same filters are also good filters.

 

[swingline]

Either Motorcraft or Wix for me.

 

[madams74]

WIX all the way. You can feel the difference in the quality, by the strength of the canistor. It is of a much better construction.

 

[DavidF]

Maybe the Cobra requires a filter that can flow more volume? Either way, dont buy Fram oil filters. They are the biggest POS filter money can buy. Go to a parts store, spend the extra $3-4 and get a Pure One or K&N.

Read the website below...very interesting!!

Oil Filter Study

I have been using Fram for ever, and never experienced an oil related failure. But I am interested in the study. I tried the link but it did not work.

 

[jmuva44]

The link works for me... but yeah, out of like 20 different filters, Fram ranks at the bottom of the barrel. Its made out of cheap paper, cardboard and poorly molded plastics. I'd stay away from it. I thought it was good too and used to buy them all the time. They arent great. If you cant get the link to work, just do a search on google or whatever for "oil filter study". You'll find it.

 

[jmuva44]

Fram

These filters are manufactured by Allied Signal, Inc. See this email from an Allied Signal production engineer.
Fram Extra Guard PH8A

This filter cartridge has a small outside diameter with a rather low filter element surface area (193 sqin), and features cardboard end caps that are glued in place. The rubber anti-drainback valve seals the rough metal backplate to the cardboard end cap and easily leaks, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. If you have a noisy valve train at startup, this filter is likely the cause. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes not molded correctly, which allows them to leak. The backplate has smaller and fewer oil inlet holes, which may restrict flow.

The telltale signs for a Fram Extra Guard are: It has 8 small holes for the oil inlet and a thin, cheap looking backplate, and is currently stamped with a "2Y". There are 5 very small crimps holding the gasket in place. If you look into the center hole all the way to the top of the filter, you will see a kind of "button" in the end cap of the cartridge (which looks like it's made of metal from there). This is the plastic bypass valve.

Exploded view:

Average Retail Price $3
Cartridge Length 4.125 inches
Cartridge Outside Diameter 3.000 inches
Cartridge Inside Diameter 1.375 inches
Cartridge Pleats 34
Cartridge End Cap Type Cardboard
Anti-Drainback Valve Type Nitrile rubber diaphragm
Bypass Valve Type Spring-loaded plastic
Element Type Paper media, stamped metal seam
Element Length 47.5 inches
Element Width 4.063 inches
Element Surface Area 193 square inches
Shell Thickness 0.015 inches
Backplate Thickness 0.089 inches
Gasket Type Nitrile rubber

 

[cobra8]

Thanks for all the help !
I returned the Fram and bought a K&N at my local parts store. I have heard in the past that the Fram's are not that good, I don't know why I even bought it.
Mark

 

[95GTeee]

Thanks for all the info on filters! I didn't know all that about Fram. I heard a few things about them being a "cheaper" filter - but didn't know they ranked last! I almost always use a Pure-ONE filter anyway. Thanks guys!

 

[urban96]

motorcraft