So, I have thumbed through my owners manual, and all the various pamplets. There is a specific piece on what oil filter to use for the new 3.5 EcoBoost in the F-150. The filter listed on that paper is the FL-2055. Now today, I get a letter in the mail thanking me for purchasing my 2011 F-150. It has all kinds of information in there, but the main thing that grabbed my attention...We are now to use the FL-500S. The FL-2055 has been discontinued, and the FL-500S is specifically designed to replace it. It's strange to me that the engine (in the trucks) has only been out 6 months, and already a major change like this.?.? What was wrong with the 2055? Makes me think that I need to go ahead and have my oil and filter changed even though I am only at 675 miles.

 

Isn't the FL-500S filter what was originally in the Owners Manual? There was a maintenance supplement that came with my manual that updated it to the FL-2055. Now it's back to the FL-500S. I've read on other sites that this has something to do with an oops @ Ford when testing the engine, and they thought they needed a bigger/better filter media for the ecoboost, and they've back peddled on that now, apparently the 2055 is overkill. Don't quote me on any of that, just rumors as far as I'm concerned.

I know that the FL-2055 is much larger than the OE filter. Also heard on other forums that the 2055 filter was being discontinued because of "fitment" issues. Maybe too tight to get the filter installed very easily?? There is a TSB that goes along with the filter change, TSB 11-5-9.

 

I might be the only person here to change their own oil on the EB. I had to get the filter from the dealer as no other place had it in stock. The dealership did not know which filter was correct as both were listed. The chart showed the smaller FL-500S but there was a note at the bottom to use the FL-2055 on the trucks. The dealer had both in stock so he pulled one of each out. The threads and sealing face are the same for both filters. The only difference was the 2055 was twice as big. Since I was in my car and could not check which one was on the truck I bought both just to be safe. The dealership told me to check it out and bring one back and they would give me my money back.

I pulled a factory installed FL-500S off the truck but there was a sticker on the bottom stating to replace it with a FL-2055. Since I had both at the time I put the 2055 on to the truck. There is plenty of room for it. The only real difference I see is about a half quart more oil in the system and a small bit more filtration area. However, at 5,800 miles my truck was showing the current oil with 50% life.

I really thing either one will do the job. I know both will fit as I have took one off and replaced it with the other. I think a tech writer at Ford might have been confused and took the safe route and used the larger oil filter. I could argue ups and downs for both. I think it is more important to use a Motorcraft or other HIGH quality filter than which one. A Ford without Fram is a happy Ford.

 

So what is the correct amount of oil to use? What it states in the manual?

 

Enough to get it in the hash marks. I would guess there is about 1/2 quart of difference between the two. Buy 7 quarts, put the first 6 in then check the dipstick. Use what is needed from the 7th.

 

From what I've come to understand, you won't be able to get the FL-2055 anymore.

 

I wouldn't worry. The small filter is the same size as the FL-820S which worked for 250,000 in my 5.4Ls. My meter showed 50% left at well over 5k miles with my driving. I drive this truck like I stole it! I spun the tires going into 2nd with less than 100 miles on the clock. I'm about to rip the acoustic covers off the bottom just to hear the turbos more. I would put this truck against any stock truck on the market today. It really is the cat's pajamas!

 

After i read this i went out to change the oil in my vehicles and happened to notice that my wifes edge, which is a 2010 is a FL 500s filter also. They changed them in the edge from 2009 to 2010. Anyway is it a possibility since the 500s is capable of both v-6 engines they are trying to keep from having a zillion different filters. Try to use the same filter for different make and models as long as the engines are similar.

 

....isnt the 820S bigger around than the 500s?? i know they are the same height but i thought they were fatter

 

I didn't pull the digital calipers out but they are close enough that I was able to use the same oil filter wrench on them. They can't be too far apart. Although, the EB is easier to use the band type instead of the socket type like the 5.4L. Just pull the air deflectors out of the way and put the catch pan under the hole in the skid plate 'cause that's where the oil is gonna come out.

 

the new trucks are much easier to change oil filters in. 09+ you can just use the band style instead of the wrench, which i hated. And i have a whole different deal to worry about since my truck is lifted all the oil from it hits the skid plate under the front differential.

 

Got this in the mail today



I would assume most others who bought a EB will get this as well.

 

Yep thats the same thing I received.

 

I'm considering a new 2011 F150. I have two problems with the oil filters on the 2011 powerplants; difficult access (makes for messy oil changes) and horizontal position (also messy, and cannot pre-fill new filter). Does Ford have any available option for remote location of the oil filter, more convenient location, less mess, vertical orientation?

 

Just an idea...

If the 2055 has more capacity, it would possibly extend the oil change interval over the 500S correct? I'm wondering if Ford chose to go with a shorter interval equivalent filter so the oil gets changed more frequently in the turbo motor. I'd hate to think that Ford puts a ton of R&D into a motor that may change the way we buy trucks just to have possible engine failures due to oil not being changed often enough. Again, just an idea.