It Runs!

Thank you to all who responded to my previous threads here.

I went with the Wix 51515 filter for the '92 Dynasty 3.3 as the lower
radiator hose would be in the way with the 51773. The first thing I noticed
about the filter is that the inlet holes are huge compared to the Fram PH16
I took off and the anti-backflow valve seems to make a much better seal. I
poured in most of a 5 quart jug of Havoline 5W30 and pre-filled the filter
with the rest. With the filter still off I took off the shell of the
starter relay and cranked the engine for a few seconds while watching the
filter mount, nothing... now I was nervous. I got inside and started the
engine and let it run for 2 seconds and shut it off then got back out and
was greeted by a small puddle of fresh oil on the ice (yes I cleaned it up).
It Pumps! Screwed the filter on and with my fingers crossed started it
again and the pressure gauge immediately showed normal pressure. It took a
few minutes before the lifters stopped ticking but what do you expect when
an engine sits for over a year without being cranked. After the lifters got
quiet the engine once again had the sweet sound of a light timing chain
rattle and the fuel injectors firing. I drove it around the block and
waited for the engine to get hot enough for the radiator fans to cycle once
before I shut it back off.

It looks like this just might work. I can only assume that the pump lost
its prime and couldn't re-prime against the pressure of the Fram filter and
that is why the gauge needle never moved while my sister had it. Once I
find an oil pan that doesn't have a slow leak and isn't dented very bad I
will switch back to Mobil 1.

 

For your consideration on oil filters, The old "oil filter study" website
seems to suggest the Motorcraft FL1A. They claimed, years ago, it had
Purolator "pure one" media, but it only costs about $3 or $4. That's what I
use on my 3.3. I haven't sawed one apart, but they sure do seem to work
well.

It's not a filter that's listed as fitting a 3.3, but it does fit a wide
variety of Chrysler products.

 

And what "pressure" would that be? There is no magic pressure built
into Fram filters. Where do you guys get this stuff!?

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

I was referring to it being old and possibly plugged enough that the pump
couldn't prime and develop enough pressure to open the bypass valve. If
this is a situation that can't ever happen please let me know.

 

It takes considerable pressure to open the bypass valve of *any* filter.
Your barbs against Fram are ridiculous examples (including your 3
failed bearings). I have no problem with someone who wants to criticize
any product for a valid reason - and maybe Fram deserves it on some of
their filters, but you are simply on the "hate Fram" bandwagon as
illustrated by this latest example of yours.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')