Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

I recently obtained a 55 with a Yblock V8 272? The oil filter housing is about 2.5 inches in diameter which is smaller then all filters listed for Y blocks. My question is has any fellow barner encountered this and knows of a source for filter cartridges or filter number.

Thank you barn
40dave

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

NAPA has a filter cartridge. I don't know the number for sure, but these are shown for a 55/56 Ford

Wix 51271
NAPA Gold 1006
Ford FL 20

Make sure these are the correct application and fits the canister

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

I always used the Purolator P-48 filter which takes up almost the whole interior of the cartridge. But if you have not switched to the spin-on type filter, I recommend never allowing any of these dumb chain oil-change outfits to do your oil changes. They are too stupid to grease the gasket so it will stick to the block while the cartridge is being tightened, so the gasket slips in a mis-aligned position. You will go down the road leaking all you fresh new oil out on the road. Can't trust anybody anymore. DIY.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

Are you saying the filter element itself is smaller than the normal OEM replacement element or the filter canister itself?

If so, maybe a previous owner could not find the correct replacement element?

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

On a 55 sedan, the stock oil filter canister is a bear to remove. If you put on a spin on adapter, then use a Motorcraft FL 400, you will make a change much easier, and get better filter medium to boot.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

Is it so tight in there that a FL-1-A won't fit easily?

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

I just put an FL1A on a '55 292 as easily as any other brand I've used. Didn't even need to turn the front wheels. Left 'em aiming straight ahead. The Motorcraft FL1A filter can diameter is less than 1/8 inch larger than a Fram PH8A filter can but the two are the same length. Either way, they're both smaller than the original canister/element type. I think the spin-on type is a definite improvement in ease of maintenance.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

THANX for that clarification. A FL-400 would be giving up a lot of filter media (IMO)

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

I bought a '55 last spring with a 272 and adaptor for the spin on filter. I changed the oil and put a FL 1 A on it. I was able to get it on, but the end of the filter hits the cross member/engine support. I have a FL 400 sized filter to replace it when I change the oil shortly.

To be fair, my car has been changed to a 5 speed, but the engine mounts look stock and in the original place. I guess it is possible it has been shifted a little.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

THANX for that info!

FORD used a shortened FL-1 for awhile (FL-300) that should give you more filter area then the FL-400. I think FORD has discontinued it but should be available WIX or PUROLATOR.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

On my 55, the only way an FL1A would fit is if the front tires were turned to lock. The smaller diameter of the FL400 made it fit in between the linkage easily. As we get older, some of us dont want to try to get up off the creeper an extra time.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

Yes, the smaller size gives up volume. But being designed for a motor decades newer, with hydraulic lifters, according to Bobstheoilguy, the filtering media is much better.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

Tell me about it... :(

OK... Makes sense...

But the C1AZ 6731-A FL-A R/B D9AZ 6731-A - FL-I-A was also used on hydraulics and was redesigned in 1979. Just something to maybe consider, not to argue...

I have a 2013 ESCAPE 2.0L EB and the filter is an even smaller version of the FL-400-A (FL-910-S). I usually... :rolleyes: ... try to change the filter itself in between service intervals due to what I consider reduced filter capacity (actually I retrofit a FL-400).

So, how difficult was it to service the original cartridge style and did it cause chassis interference?

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

i use FL1A motorgraft oil filter on 272 y block , there's no problem

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

...hmmpf...

Maybe frame damage or engine supports shifting?

There is no service info update that I have come across describing this. FORD was too cheap to vary design much.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

If it is a '55 or '56 full size car frame, that's not possible. The filter is no where near the frame cross-member or motor mount. I can stick an FL1A up in there even with the front wheels aimed straight forward and twirl it around with one hand without hitting the frame, engine or motor mount. That's in a '55 with 292/Ford-O-Matic, power steering assist and dual exhausts to boot. I'm talking Motorcraft FL1A. Can do same thing with Fram PH8A, but the motorcraft filter is better quality. I have and use both with no interferences whatsoever.
You must have some modifications or the filter is not really a Motorcraft FL1A. ???

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

it is a '55 Fairlane frame with 272. The attached picture shows the filter hitting the tubular crossmember that supports the engine. The left side motor mount can be seen to the left. The picture was taken from below the exhaust manifold with a flashlight for light, sorry for the quality.

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

I use the full size filter on my 54 (312) with no clearance problems. Usually use NAPA or FL1A

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

look at mine

Re: Oil Filter 55 Ford
 

while talking oil filters may I ask a ??. On my 55 272 there is a plate with "top" written on it that bolts to the block where the oil filter goes. it is about 4" in dia with a small hole in it. Is that an adapter for a spin on filter or is the original bolt thru type canister needed there? thanks Cheers Jim