I've done 3 oil changes on my truck (2001 Edge model with the 4.0). And each time I have the same problem: the catalogue in Autozone points me to the wrong size filter. Does anyone know why this could be? Even the Motorcraft filters (FL820S) are the wrong size, and every wrong sized filter is the same, they're always too wide. I'm about to do an oil change today and ran into the same problem at the store. I know that the SOHC engine started in '01, but is it possible the catalogue has the OHV filter in it?

 

Welcome to the forum

Do you have a 4.0l SOHC engine?
It does say SOHC on the top of this engine, picture here: http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordther...ter-engine.jpg

All the 4.0l SOHC engines in any vehicle, Ranger, Explorer or Mustangs use the FL820S

FL1A fits the 4.0l OHV, 1990-2000

Look at the label on the drivers door to see date vehicle was made, early 2001 may have had OHV but never heard of that before
8th digit in VIN also states what engine was used, E = SOHC, X = OHV

Other possibility is that it has the OHV oil filter housing instead of the SOHC housing, not sure if that is even possible???
Or engine was swapped to OHV, long shot

 

It says SOHC on the little cover over the throttle body. 8th digit on the VIN is E. Everything indicates that it's a SOHC and it's an '01. But I've tried that FL820S filter and it's much wider than the housing. It must have the OHV housing... Is that a thing though? They're entirely different blocks, I would've thought it could only have the SOHCs housing.
I'll take a look at an FL1A filter to see if it fits though. Thanks for the reply.

 

I did find a few posts about some SOHC engines using the FL1A

Explorer 1997 to 2001 VIN E used these, so maybe not that odd, but still confusing, lol.

 

The FL1A filter is larger than the FL820S. I don't think it is larger in diameter but it is longer. I don't think there is much difference in the base but I don't have the two to compare.

When you say it is too wide, what exactly do you mean. There is really no housing for the filter. It just has a base to screw onto. The area that the seal contacts and the threads are the most important parts. If the filter screws on and the seal contacts the flat surface of the mating filter base it should be good. The outside of the actual filter does not mate up to anything.

 

By too wide I mean the seal neither contacts the housing surface, nor is it able to screw on. The filter is a lot larger than it should be.

 

Yes, threads are different on those two filters

Quick look up has:
FL1A seal at 2.4"
FL820S seal at 2.9"

 

Since your description says that it is truly a 2001 Ranger 4.0 SOHC build, then it has probably had the block replaced with one from a 97~01 Explorer w/4.0 SOHC.

That's my best guess.

Ranger 4.0L switched from FL1A to FL820S beginning with 2001MY when the 4.0L engine option changed from OHV to SOHC.
97~01 Explorer 4.0L SOHC used the FL1A and made the switch to the FL820S beginning with the 2002MY.

 

That could be. I know nothing about this trucks past beyond a year ago, so maybe the engine has been swapped. It does sound the most likely. Is it possible the housing itself could've been switched or is it cast into the block?

 

No, oil filter housing is a bolt on part, and you could change yours to the FL820S housing if you wanted to, they are obviously interchangeable

Some(many) of the 1997 to 2004 4.0l SOHC engines did need to have timing chains and tensioners replaced.
And that did require the engine to be pulled out to replace the rear chain.

If a chain slips too much valves or pistons can be damaged, so maybe previous owner opted to change engine instead of fixing original engine

Or it could just be that when engine was assembled at the factory the older filter housing was used, maybe you got the "last one" off the shelf, lol

 

Ouch. Well it looks like I'm keeping to FL1A filter housing untill I do a motor swap/rebuild. At least I know what filter I need though. Thanks for the help!