1957 Ford Fairlane 500 oil filter number

[1934clint]

I need to know the oil filter number for a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 with a 312 engine?

[paul2748]

FOMOCO FL1A
Wix 51515

[1930artdeco]

Standard ford V-8 oil filter for the spin on type. Ford used the same one from 57-probably current. Canister type I do t know about that one. Ford’s number I think is FL-1A.

Mike

[1934clint]

Thanks for information.

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by 1934clint

I need to know the oil filter number for a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 with a 312 engine?

Is yours an original filter from the first few months of the model year?
They came with a bolt-on canister style filter. Photo below.
Most have been converted to the spin-on style after all these years.

[Daves55Sedan]

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Motorcraft #FL-1A fits all Y-blocks with spin-on filter. You don't necessarily need to go to the dealer as many chain auto parts stores have them on the shelf. Many folks here claim the Motorcraft filter is the best quality you can get for the Y-block.
Several other equivalent brands are made in china and are untrustworthy. Also, many of the brand-X filter's base gasket don't align perfectly with the spin-on adapter plate and in some cases that can case oil leaks.
If your '57 is an early model, it may still have the cannister/filter element type, for which I always used Purolator # P-48. Comes with large rubber gasket for cannister base.

[Gene F]

I have never seen a 57 with the canister.

I had a 57 Cadillac once that had the canister. I had a 56 Chevy that had no filter at all. turns out that in 56 an oil filter on my engine was an option that was not on my car.

[rotorwrench]

I used to use the Fram PH8A till I compared the filter paper inside with Wix. I use the Wix 51515 now. I don't know about Motorcraft filter paper since I've not cut one open yet. I'd use the Wix 51004 for the canister type filter. Cutting them open like we do on aircraft engines made a believer out of me. Some filters are a lot better than others.

[KULTULZ]

1957 was an option. It shows on the 57 BIRD option list.

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

Or it was changed to a full flow later.

[Crankster]

The Ford Operator's Manual says to 1. Check oil level frequently, 2. use the right engine oil, and 3. goes on to say "the engine oil filter is EVEN MORE IMPORTANT in preserving the internal condition of your engine."

Who am I to argue with Ford? In filter tests I've seen something observed about the quality of the anti-drainback valve. In the Motorcraft and WIX filters it is located all the way at the end of the filter versus at the inlet/outlet, this construction has something to do with unfiltered oil being circulated right at engine startup in the less expensive filters, and/or draining out altogether, and leading to a clattering motor for several seconds depending on the particular engine filter orientation.

[jayvee34]

STP Spin on filter S8A, or extended life S8AXL.

[raceron1120]

If it's a cartridge-type filter the Motorcraft # is FL-20.

[fordor41]

I used Fram PH8A on my Ford Freestyle SUV. don't believe it would fit a '57. plus it is really small compared to a FL1A

[KULTULZ]

Does everyone realize the poor quality of FRAM oil filters?

[Ole Don]

On my 55 sedan, the exhaust, steering, and clutch linkage all wanted the same space. Fitting the FL1A meant turning the steering a certain way, and was a real pain. I went to an FL400. It is smaller, and slides right in. If you have an old engine, full of gunk, maybe not. But if your motor has been redone, and is clean inside, and has been using modern oil, it will be fine. I used the small filter for years and never had a problem.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ole Don

On my 55 sedan, the exhaust, steering, and clutch linkage all wanted the same space. Fitting the FL1A meant turning the steering a certain way, and was a real pain. I went to an FL400. It is smaller, and slides right in. If you have an old engine, full of gunk, maybe not. But if your motor has been redone, and is clean inside, and has been using modern oil, it will be fine. I used the small filter for years and never had a problem.

Correct, but I believe FORD dropped FL400 production. You would have to go aftermarket (WIX hopefully).

There was available a swivel adapter used on TRUCK from FORD if you get into deep trouble.

EDIT - CORRECTION -

For some reason (CRS most likely), I mistakenly thought the FL-400-S was the FL-300 which is a shortened FL-1-A.

The FL-400-S has a smaller/shorter canister. Either is still available (according to WALLY-WORLD).

[paul2748]

The smaller WIX is 51085. I use this on my 54 with a 312