Currently running 2002 and 2003 Sables...both Duratec 24 Valve DOHC. Finding conflicting info re oil filters. Some give Purolator short filter....24651, and some give Purolator long filter ....20195. Appreciate any info on this. Thanx.

 

2 Considerations,
One--If you have enough room for the long filter
Second - personal choice - Longer filter usually means increased filter capacity to hold filtered material

If you change them on a regular basis , either one will usually suffice.

 

Thanks for reply. I know we have enough room for the longer filter, since we've installed it on several occasions. We do pretty regular filter changes at 6 months, with Mobil 1.

 

I think the confusion is a Purolator thing. I have checked other brands and there are no model differences with the filters used on 2002 and 2003 Durotec's.

Advice- stay clear of Purolator filters. They used to be a quality product but that has gone by the wayside with irregular spaced and wavy pleats of the media which has been prone to tearing. I have experienced it twice and discovered it when I cut them open.

 

Thanx for response. I think I may have caused confusion by the way my question was worded. The conflicting info is not between 2002/2003 Duratec, but rather between the two different height filters spec'd for the Duratec versus the SOHC 12-Valve. Why do some spec the tall one for Duratec, and short one for SOHC? Unless, as Hanky points out in his post, it's a question of room for mounting. However, we've mounted long and short in these Duratecs. Thanx.

 

This may be just a reminder.

Because you do the PM Maintenance as it should be done, the filter will probably never become a problem.
Unfortunately, the recommended routine maintenance in the owner's manual is something you read while waiting for the tow truck. Most folks have no idea what is in the manual and maybe sometime they will get a chance,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,to read up on some of the important info in there.

 

Thanks to all. We've got two short filters left, and may just use them up. BTW - what's your recommendation on filters, since you're not happy with Purolator nowadays?

 

When possible , get em from Ford..