Oil filter

[Rodpro]

Has anyone ever had a problem with motorcraft fl400s oil filters? More than once I have lost oil pressure and changing the filter fixes the problem. I change oil regularly and use 10w30 full synthetic Valvoline high mileage oil. Any ideas or recommendactions? Thanks, Don

 

[DILLARD000]

OilPressureSwitch that drives OilPressure indicator (fake Gauge, just an Off~On Needle) in the InstrumentCluster,
is notorious for delay &\or failure; that may be the issue. OilPump could also be failing?
Prefer K&N#HP series OilFilters; higher flow & lower pressure drop ratings than stock filters, plus 1"HexHead makes them EasyOff.

 

[DILLARD000]

OilFilters, 3/4"*16 SpinOnThrd, ~3i000Diam, ~4i750Long
* FordMotorCraft#fl400s rated 9gpm 14psiByPass
* K&N#hp2009 rated 14gpm 13psiByPass
* SuperTech#st3600 rated ?gpm ?psiByPass (specs unpublished\unknown)

 

[Rodpro]

Thanks for the info, l’ll try the K&N filter on my next oil change.

 

[mc17eln]

OilPump could also be failing?

@Rodpro I agree with DILLARD000. You might be on borrowed time. Different brands of well known oil filters will not trigger low oil pressure light. Your oil pump is on the verge of total failure.

The oil pump is driven by the camshaft synchronizer gears. Pull the synchronizer out to inspect. Follow the first post of this forum to install the synchronizer afterward.

With the synchronizer off, if you remove the valve cover, you can also test the oil pump with a 8mm long 1/4 socket on an extension and a drill. The 8mm can engage the oil pump drive shaft, and the drill will drive the pump. If you see oil coming out of the valve lifters and rocker arms, the oil pump may be still okay -- just may be.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to change a Vulcan 3.0L oil pump on a Ranger. The oil pan is blocked by the subframe. You have to disconnect the transmission from the engine, lift the engine up 2 inches, then remove the oil pan. If you plan to do it, I can post the detailed steps from the Ford Workshop Manual.

 

[Rodpro]

Thanks!