Correct replacement for Fram C181-A?

Z

Ziggster

Well-known member
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.
 
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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!
 
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"
 
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.
 
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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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.
 
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.
 
Is this for that industrial engine you posted about before?
How about a picture of the filter housing.
 
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
 
Here's a pic. I had another which was exactly the same, but I gave it away.
 

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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.
 
Ziggster said:
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.
Click to expand...

Different manufacturers sometimes use different size cartridge filters.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Just changed the oil and filter last week in my 46 59ab with original oil canister. Carquest 85006 (advanced Auto)
$12
John
 
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