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Old 01-15-2021, 10:22 AM   #1
Ziggster
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Default Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

I ordered a new Fram oil filter from RockAuto for the factory remote oil filter housing. They listed C4 and C4P. I ordered the C4P and tried it out this morning and it seemed a little short as there seemed to be no compression of the spring when I tightened down the top. I pulled out the original filter (C181-A), and the body is longer, but overall length is similar to the C4P if you include the rubber grommets. Can someone confirm if this is the correct replacement filter? I know even the Fram site lists them as a replacenent, but even the cover gasket is too large.

Last edited by Ziggster; 01-15-2021 at 12:27 PM.
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:38 AM   #2
ford38v8
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

C4P is correct. There are two different size cover gaskets included in the box. I don't know what the odd gasket fits. Make sure you use a small gasket under the nut on top or you'll have a big mess to clean up!
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Old 01-15-2021, 12:01 PM   #3
51woodie
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

I have used C4 and C4P in my 59AB filter housing. I'm not sure what the difference is between the two, but one must be better than the other, because it has more letters. Actually, I believe the difference is in the filter media. Some specs below.

The description of the C4 is as follows:
Part Number C4
Product Type By-Pass Lube Cartridge
Product Height 4.88"
Product I.D. .53"
Product O.D. 4.2"

And the C4P is listed as follows:
Part Number C4P
Product Type By-Pass Lube Cartridge
Gasket I.D. 4.34"
Gasket O.D. 4.73"
Gasket Thickness .08"
Gasket Usage Gasket
Product Height 4.88"
Product I.D. .55"
Product O.D. 4.33"
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Old 01-15-2021, 12:21 PM   #4
Jeff/Illinois
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Ford Motorcraft lists a cartridge filter for these as FL-20.

I'm not a fan of Fram. Bought one of their air filters for a 2016 Ford Escape we had and it didn't fit very well. In fact it was a REAL bad fit. I always use Motorcraft but needed a filter in a hurry and got the Fram at Wally World.

Next time I was at the Ford dealership I bought a Motorcraft and tossed that dumb Fram in the trash.
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Old 01-15-2021, 12:26 PM   #5
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Ok. Good to know. Here is a pic of the two gaskets. Old orig on top. For some reason, pics I took from my phone won't upload.
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Old 01-15-2021, 12:40 PM   #6
51woodie
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

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Regarding the gasket size, the ones that come with the Fram C4P that I have used, fit nicely into the cover, and fit tight enough that I can turn the cover upright to install and the gasket stays in place.
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Old 01-15-2021, 04:12 PM   #7
Ziggster
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Are there differences in the filter housing?
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Old 01-15-2021, 04:57 PM   #8
51woodie
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Ziggster. I don't know what car you have, so I can't compare to what I have on my '46 Coupe. Send me a PM with your contact info if you want more information.
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Old 01-15-2021, 04:58 PM   #9
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Is this for that industrial engine you posted about before?
How about a picture of the filter housing.
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Old 01-15-2021, 05:52 PM   #10
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

here's a list i copied some where.. i forget. i usually buy filters by the case on ebay for cheap. hastings LF101...baldwin P41...carquest 85006...donaldson P550170...fleetguard LF510...fram F4p...wix PC1f or PC25...napa 1006
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Old 01-15-2021, 10:04 PM   #11
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Here's a pic. I had another which was exactly the same, but I gave it away.
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:51 PM   #12
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

The canister doesn't look original to me, are you sure it's not a repo unit?
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Old 01-16-2021, 01:11 AM   #13
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

i agree, not ford
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Old 01-16-2021, 12:04 PM   #14
Ziggster
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Interesting. That hsg had the same colour paint as that on the engine, and I suspect it was mounted to the engine. The other hsg as I said was identical, but it had a nut to secure the top vs the T-handle I have on this one. Regardless if it was an original Ford or not, the same filters should fit, and I 'm guessing the same gasket. I'll call RockAuto on Monday to see what they have to say.
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Old 01-16-2021, 07:46 PM   #15
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ziggster View Post
Interesting. That hsg had the same colour paint as that on the engine, and I suspect it was mounted to the engine. The other hsg as I said was identical, but it had a nut to secure the top vs the T-handle I have on this one. Regardless if it was an original Ford or not, the same filters should fit, and I 'm guessing the same gasket. I'll call RockAuto on Monday to see what they have to say.
Different manufacturers sometimes use different size cartridge filters.
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Old 01-16-2021, 08:42 PM   #16
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

I'm not sure what Rock Auto would know about the filter, they just stock and sell the parts.
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Old 01-16-2021, 10:30 PM   #17
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

I've used C4 Fram on the flatheads. Also the name Kralinator K-55 sticks in my mind. Possibly was on the 39 Ford and that filter case had the t handle on top too.
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Old 01-17-2021, 01:19 PM   #18
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Another thing to consider is that some of the trucks had a longer oil filter. The 49 Mercury M68 has a filter case 8 inches long. Car filter cases were 5 1/2 inches on both my 52 Merc sedan and 39 Deluxe with the Kralinator add on filter.
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Old 01-17-2021, 03:18 PM   #19
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

I use NAPA 1006 on a ‘50 and those come with two gaskets also.......Mark
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Old 01-17-2021, 03:36 PM   #20
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Default Re: Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Just changed the oil and filter last week in my 46 59ab with original oil canister. Carquest 85006 (advanced Auto)
$12
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