Disappointing | Motorcraft FL-2121 (Discontinued?) Vs FL-500S | Oil Filter Inspection
Editors Note: The "B12" in FL-2121-B12 simply means the filter came loose in a box of 12, typically from a dealer.
Cost cutting, down-sizing, and supplier issues are unfortunate facts of life that we have sadly become more accustomed to over the past several years. Not surprisingly, our required automotive maintenance parts occasional fall victim to this trend as well. That certainly seems to be the case with the recently introduced Motorcraft FL-2121 Oil Filter, which for a time replaced the now nearly 15 year old FL-500S filter design (which itself is a modification of the venerable FL-820S). It appears the 2121 was the result of a supplier issue, and Ford being forced to search-out an acceptable stand-in.
We decided to snag one of each of these filters, cut them open, and do a detailed inspection. The results were disappointing. The first and most obvious difference is the overall size of the FL-2121, which is a little larger than the 500. However, the 2121 is significantly lighter than the older 500. It’s plain that the FL-2121 is constructed by a different manufacturer (looks to be Fram/Champ Labs) than the FL-500, which is manufactured by Mann-Hummel. This video gives you a close look at both:
Overall, I’m highly disappointed by the changes I’m seeing with this newer filter. This is not a filter that I would choose to run on my engine. To me honest, the FL-500S looks pretty bad as well. Check out the full specs we collected:
| Part Number | FL-500S | FL-2121 |
| Total Mass | 10.05Oz / 287g | 8.95Oz / 255g |
| Can Mass | 2.15Oz / 62g | 2.25Oz / 65g |
| Media Mass | 3.80Oz / 109g | 2.05Oz / 59g |
| Media Material | Celulose | Cellulose |
| ADBV Material | Silione | Silicone |
| Can Thickness | 0.014in / 0.36mm | 0.02in / 0.50mm |
| Overall Height | 4.112in / 104.46mm | 4.505in / 114.43mm |
| Media Height | 3.086in / 78.38mm | 3.483in / 88.46mm |
| Can Diameter | 2.964in / 75.31mm | 2.977in / 75.62mm |
| Media Diameter | 2.618in / 66.50mm | 2.552in / 64.83mm |
| Number of Pleats | 58 | 65 |
| Core Material | Metal | Plastic |
| Country of Origin | USA | USA |
Currently, it looks like the FL-2121S is discontinued and the venerable FL-500S is once again readily available. However, I believe for standard usage I would just run a Wix 57502 (Amazon.com), and if I were looking for a more premium style filter I would run a Fram FE-10575 (Robot or human?). Honestly, for the price it is very hard to beat these new Fram Endurance filters.
-SID297
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