Spin-on Oil Filter for a 292 Y-block

[tsanborn]

First let me state categorically that I'm an idiot I finally got around to changing my oil today on our '56 Country Sedan with a 292 Y-block. That's not the stupid part. I removed the oil filter and handed it to my local O'Reily sales person, who handed me back something that looked similar, right exterior dimensions and (here's the part stupid part) I let them toss my old one. I got home and tried spinning it on after removing the old rubber seal and putting a bead of lubricant on the new one. To my surprise, I found that the female treaded part of the filter was just a bit larger than the threaded male part. Crap! Went back to O'Reilly to recover my old one so I'd know what the right size thread needed to be in a new canister. Yup, trash had already been taken out and thrown in the dumpster. Did a little dumpster diving but it was a horror show of oily parts and broken glass and finally gave up. Now I have to shamefacedly ask the Forum if anyone knows what filter I need to order for a 292 Y-block. To be clear, the outside diameter of my old filter was the same as the one I bought. Only the interior threaded part of the filter was just a bit too large to fit the shaft attached to the engine side of the fitting. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And note to self, don't throw old parts away until you're sure the new ones fit!

[tsanborn]

After reading up on my '56 292, it appears that my engine was just on the cusp of when Ford started to install spin-on filters as standard. I think the cutoff date was '57 so the one on my engine may be an adapter. Still leaves me with the question of why the WIX filter I bought today wouldn't thread on to the mount that's on my engine.

[miker98038]

I think the old Fram number was PH8A. Lord knows I bought enough of them over the years. Lots of the Fords used them in the 60’s and 70’s. Spin on style, not the replacement canisters.

I would not buy a Fram these days, but I’m not getting into the filter arguments. Should cross reference to whatever brand you like.

This all assumes you’ve got the usual spin on adapter.

Just saw your last comment. If it’s the correct cross reference, then you’ve got an odd adapter. I’ve heard of off shore ones warping and leaking, etc, but never having the threads changed.

[paul2748]

Ford # was FL1-A, Wix 51515, NAPA 1515. Used on most Fords 1957 to ? Stay away from FRAM. If you have a 56 and a spin on unit, it must have been converted sometime in the past.

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by tsanborn

After reading up on my '56 292, it appears that my engine was just on the cusp of when Ford started to install spin-on filters as standard. I think the cutoff date was '57 so the one on my engine may be an adapter. Still leaves me with the question of why the WIX filter I bought today wouldn't thread on to the mount that's on my engine.

Depending on where that adapter you have was made it could be an odd non-standard size instead of the more usual ones. The oil filter part numbers mentioned above are indeed the ones it 'should' be.

If the male thread is an odd size and you want to replace it be aware the current crop of stamped steel adapters do not have a good track record for the gasket between the block & adapter plate holding a seal.

Images 1 & 2
Machined aluminum adapters with a groove and O-ring on the back side against the block are better, but there don't seem to be any remaining US manufacturers. They all come from china these days.

Image 3
Copy of a Ford letter dated Nov. of '56, a month or two into the '57 model year, announcing the coming of factory installed spin-on oil filter adapters. Sorry the text is so small.
.
spin on filter adapter.jpg

spin-on filter adapter, back side.jpg

Nov 8, '56 spin-on oil filter adapter letter.jpg

[oldave57]

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I recently changed the oil and filter on my 1957 (312 engine, but same thread as 292). The male thread on the engine is 3/4-16 UNF fine thread). The filter thread inside diameter (you should be able to measure the filter you have) should be 0.676" to 0.697". If your filter is larger than that you should get a new filter and measure it before installing. If your filter is within this spec, it means you have a non-standard male thread on the filter adapter.

Good Luck,
Dave

[Gene F]

What Paul said ✔

[tsanborn]

Thank you ALL! For the record, the WIX filter that the crack team at O'Reilly first gave (51522XP) has a different sized threaded spin-on shaft than the one Paul recommended (51515). Got the right one and all good. So for the record, there appear to be at least two different sized shafts on these things. Thanks again for everyone's input!

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by tsanborn

Thank you ALL! For the record, the WIX filter that the crack team at O'Reilly first gave (51522XP) has a different sized threaded spin-on shaft than the one Paul recommended (51515). Got the right one and all good. So for the record, there appear to be at least two different sized shafts on these things. Thanks again for everyone's input!

There should only be one correct size threaded fitting, the one Ford started using in '57.
Since the parts store initially sold you a filter with a different part number that didn't fit I'll bet that filter was for a different engine/application. It was a mistake by the person behind the sales counter.
Especially since a filter with a correct part number fits.
.

[paul2748]

Remember to lube with motor oil the gasket on the new filter.

[Jim.UT]

The crack team at your O'Reilly store is truly cracked. A 51515 should have been their first choice.

[metro1]

I was told at the auto parts store that Fram was out of business.