Imperial Homepage -> Repair -> Engine -> Oil Filter
Question from John (1956):
It seems some time ago there was mention of a part number from Napa for the filter element for the canister type oil filter for a '56 354. Anyone remember? Does someone have the number handy?
Reply from Bill:
I use WIX filters in all my cars "new & aged" & in my 56 IMPERIAL I use WIX 51062.
Most all Auto Parts stores carry WIX as they are the preferred filter of people who know filters. All my air filters & fuel filters (including diesel) are also WIX. If you don't want to use WIX any good parts store including Napa can cross the WIX number to any brand you want.
Question from Bruce (1965):
I changed the oil in my '65 Imperial a few days back..changed the filter too, put in five quarts like the manual said...four plus one for filter change...and my dipstick says I'm a quart low...now this is an all original '65 Convertible with the 413...funny thing is that about 10 years ago I was driving another '65...this one a Crown four door hardtop and its dipstick read the same thing...one quart low after adding five quarts...can anyone explain this phenomonea to me or should the 413 in fact take 6 quarts like my '64 Dodge Custom 880 with the 361 indeed does do?
Replies:
From Phil:
I wonder if the dipstick tube isnt all the way down in the hole in the block?
Crawl under, there'll be a little lip that on the tube that is supposed to bottom out in the block, If its setting above the hole, the tube needs tapped in more, also, you may have to loosen or remove the bolt holding the mounting tab.
Either that, or maybe the tube was just cut a little long from the factory? If you're sure the tube is all the way in the block, maybe you could remove a bit from the end, being careful to put something in the tube so metal chips dont fall down in the engine. Make sure the tube itself is firmly seated before you modify it, however.
From David:
I wouldn�t want to start modifying dipsticks, nut it would be good to make certain the tube itself is secured to the block in proper fashion, as Phil pointed out. But I did note that my old '70 Charger required 6 quarts whenever I changed the oil and filter.
From Kle:
The modern filter may take more oil than the one the manual thinks you're using. Usually, the modern filter takes _less_ oil if anything, but I see no reason why the opposite might not sometimes happen.
From Rich:
My '66 takes 6 quarts with a filter change. The very first time I changed the oil and filter I added 5 quarts, ran the motor for about 3 minutes then I checked it finding out that I was a quart low. I added the sixth quart bring the oil capacity up to the full mark. It's weird because the manual only calls for 5 quarts with a filter change.
Question from Dave (1968):
What is the correct replacement oil filter for the 1968 Imperial?
Through extrapolation, I gathered that the only appropriate filter at my local AutoZone (boo, hiss) was the K&N Performance Gold HP-2004. This is the short filter, similar to that used on the '73 Imperial, which eases installation and removal.
However, the construction of the filter is so different from what the catalog recommended (Bosch 3500) that I can't help but worry if the filter I bought is right.
Can someone ease my mind?
Replies:
From Chris:
There are basically only two filters for most Chrysler products from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The later models (typically 72-up due to smog pumps and other things in the way) use the short filter. The earlier models use the long filter. In theory all could use the short filter because the fitment end is identical, but why forego the extra filtering area if you have the room.
For the long filter for your '68, the Fram model number is PH8A, and the Purolator number is 30001.
From Dick:
NAPA Premium #1515 is the one to use.
From Frank:
You could also use Mopar #5281090, I use this on a 1972 440 engine have had no problems at all. Its not as long as the Napa 1515 or Mopars long one, but when your changing it every 3k, it should be just fine.
From Roger:
For the most part it doesn't matter the brand name of an oil filter as long as it is a good quality. Fram, Wix, Pulator, Napa, and Motorcraft are all good filters. The only ones that I have seen fail are not because of the filter. It is usually caused by oil pressure relief valves sticking. This too is very rare but does happen. Regular oil changes and quality oil are the main thing. Any of the above filters as well as others will do a more than adequate job.
From Carl:
If we're talking the 440s so can I add that the K&N filter is of extremely good quality (I cut my old ones up) and it appears a bit longer than the regular PH8As and stuff too so not only better construction but more filter area too. $10 and I think the part number is HP-3001 but verify it first.
From Pete:
The K&N will probably work just fine but it's overpriced.
I stay away from Fram on principle, but will use the PH8A in a pinch.
My number 1 favorite is the Motorcraft FL1A and I've used them for decades. They fit a lot of FoMoCo products (like my '61 Continental) AND the big block Mopar engines, too.
I currently use the AC-Delco PF2 because, after Roger Penske thumbed his nose at K-Mart, they blew out all their AC-Delco stock. I bought a shopping cart full of AC-Delco filters (for various cars) @ $2 each!
As someone has already said, 60s/70s era Mopars used either the long or short filter. The threads are the same so the only real constraint is the space available.
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