2025 Bronco Sport Outer Banks 1.5L: Correct Oil Filter?

[stemplar]

I just did my first oil change on our new Bronco Sport Outer Banks, and I'm now confused about the correct oil filter. As we know, the 2025 1.5L has the new MPC engine that replaces the old 1.5L "Dragon" engine of years past. The owner's manual indicates that the correct oil filter for this engine is the FL-910-S (https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?countryCode=USA&languageCode=EN&Uid=G2423536&ProcUid=G2423412&div=f&variantid=10119&vCode=3FMCR9CN8SRE05195&vFilteringEnabled=True&userMarket=USA&buildtype=web), but when I removed the original filter from my car I found it was a h6bg-6714-ba which is about half the "height" of the fl-910-s but has the same diameter and thread pitch.

A 3rd party that sells oil change "kits" (oil and filter) points to the online owner's manual and says the fl-910-s is the correct filter (they also bundled 6qts of oil when only 5 are needed, but since I'll eventually use the extra quart I'm just focusing on the filter for now).

Which filter is correct for the new 1.5l MPC engine?

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[Mark S.]

Filters installed at the factory are sometimes different from the recommended replacement filter. The FL-910-S is the recommended Motorcraft filter for a number of Ford vehicles. You're fine.

 

[Dude]

FL-910-S is correct and looks like the factory filter is a good one:

 

[mikldom]

Walmart has the Supertech 3164 filter. Fully compatible and good quality. As long as you do your changes at 5000 miles with full synthetic your gold. My 22 OBX up to 98000 miles running strong. This exact filter is used in my 2015 Fiesta and I've been using that filter since new with full synthetic and she's up to 380000 miles, same engine. Not a drop of leak or oil burning. Doing your changes is the most important. I'd never wait for the car to tell me it's time. Full synthetic Oil and filter and Walmart less than 30 bux and takes less than 30 mins. I had free oil changed during the warranty but never took it in. My time too valuable, it's too easy and you know it's done right.

 

[jkernitzki]

Some questions:

Not looking to start any arguments - just for your thoughts on these questions

1. “do your changes at 5000 miles with full synthetic your gold.”
Why are you recommending 5,000 miles and full synthetic for Bronco Sports?

2. “Full synthetic Oil and filter and Walmart less than 30 bux and takes less than 30 mins”
How can you be sure of the consistency and overall quality of oil at that price? Walmart has huge buying power but one would guess Walmart buys oil from the cheapest supplier that meets oil specs set by vehicle manufacturers but is that good enough?

Not looking to start any arguments - just your thoughts on these questions

My own take is that while 5,000 miles is the severe duty schedule and probably overkill for most folks, I'm doing that on my current car and will continue it with the BS, as it works out to about six months between changes. Living in Phoenix and planning a fair bit of off-roading, it's just good (and relatively cheap) insurance. I also come from the era of 3,000 miles/3 months, so 5K is a luxury to me.

Ford recommends synthetic blend or fully synthetic, so there's that.

As far as Wally's World, they carry Motorcraft 5W-30, which is the factory oil. They've also got Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Quaker State, etc., all for $20-$25 for a 5-quart jug.

Walmart's Super Tech is made by Warren Distribution (as well as Costco's Kirkland brand), who I don't know a damn thing about and will pass on unless I know more about them and their formulation. Yes, it's cheaper, but not by much so I'll stick to the brands I do know. There are just some things I'm just hesitant to use house/private label stuff.

 

[stemplar]

Ford recommends synthetic blend or fully synthetic, so there's that.

I haven't actually seen this recommendation myself. In the manual they recommend their own Motorcraft brands that come in both synthetic and semi-synthetic varieties, but it also states that if their brand isn't used then:

"If Motorcraft oil is not
available, use motor oils of the
recommended viscosity grade that display
the API Certification Mark for gasoline
engines.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that your
vehicle warranty does not cover."

This doesn't say that Ford recommends synthetic or even semi-synthetic blends; it says to use the proper API spec.

 

[jkernitzki]

I haven't actually seen this recommendation myself. In the manual they recommend their own Motorcraft brands that come in both synthetic and semi-synthetic varieties, but it also states that if their brand isn't used then:

"If Motorcraft oil is not
available, use motor oils of the
recommended viscosity grade that display
the API Certification Mark for gasoline
engines.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives because they are unnecessary
and could lead to engine damage that your
vehicle warranty does not cover."

This doesn't say that Ford recommends synthetic or even semi-synthetic blends; it says to use the proper API spec.

Given Motorcraft oils are either only synthetic blends or fully synthetic, I think that pretty much demonstrates their position on the matter.

But if you want to use unadulterated dinosaur juice, Ford recommends changing every 3,000-5,000 miles.

 

[Mark S.]

As long as you do your changes at 5000 miles with full synthetic your gold. Doing your changes is the most important. I'd never wait for the car to tell me it's time.

We religiously followed the IOLM (intelligent oil life monitor) for the wife's previous car (Escape with 2.0L EcoBoost). It had nearly 150K on the odometer when we traded it. No leaks, no oil burning, no indications of oil-related issues whatsoever. The recommendations in your Owner's Manual are based on literally millions of miles and hours of operation. You can go with your gut, or you can go with the data.

one would guess Walmart buys oil from the cheapest supplier that meets oil specs set by vehicle manufacturers but is that good enough?

The last time I checked, WalMart's Super Tech full synthetic was made by Citgo.

But if you want to use unadulterated dinosaur juice, Ford recommends changing every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Ford does not recommend any non-synthetic oils for it's EcoBoost engines, no matter how often you change it. Dino juice does not meet the latest specs for LSPI mitigation; use it at the risk of blowing up your engine.

 

[mikldom]

380,000 miles in a fiesta (A FIESTA) and last car was 350,000 miles on a focus and sold that and it was still perfect. Ah, yah, I'll go with my gut and not manufacturer recommendation which are literally designed to get a certain life out of your car so then you'll buy another.

Synthetic, if used from new, are FAR superior to regular "Dino Juice". All the data in the world proves it.

Blow my engine? Seriously, you realize I still have the fiesta and it's perfect with 380,000 miles and on a car that most people (and Ford) consider a "throw away car".

Yes thanks for your input. The OP asked a question and in an open forum it's good to get real world experiences.

 

[jkernitzki]

Ford does not recommend any non-synthetic oils for its EcoBoost engines, no matter how often you change it. Dino juice does not meet the latest specs for LSPI mitigation; use it at the risk of blowing up your engine.

You are correct, that’s for pre-IOLM motors. Took some hunting, but I finally found the distinction.

Though I seriously doubt a blown or seized motor is a risk with to 3 month/3,000 mile change regimen.

For the record though, it’s full synthetic for me & mine.

 

[mikldom]

And how many others you know with this longevity? I buy/own a car to keep. Not trade in.

I do all my own maintenance, so it is cheap for me to maximize the life and I have the experience to prove it that, let's be honest, most do not.

Supertech oil has been made by Warren since 2004 thereabouts. Meets API and Dexos which is far more stringent.

I think the takeaway should be that recommended should be minimum. If you are capable and can afford it, doing it more can't hurt. Won't void any warranties either.

Maybe overkill? But who cares, again, my goal is to keep the vehicle basically forever and I have vehicles that most don't have near that many miles, not the capability, know how, or patience to do the same.

I still feel the manufacturers main goal is to make money. Get the car through the warranty and continue to sell cars because that's where they make their money. Most are fine with this interval because like a lot of folks here, their upwards experience 'maybe' 150,000 miles.

I am of the rare breed that get in the 350k mile club. Honestly, not many go that far.

I don't argue semantics or get into ideological diatribes to prove how smart I am or take it to prove others wrong or try to prove I am superior so there's that.

 

[jkernitzki]

Supertech oil has been made by Warren since 2004 thereabouts. Meets API and Dexos which is far more stringent.

Good info. Thanks!

 

[mikldom]

OP, the old "Oil Change Debate" is a very common topic among all car groups and is as old as time.

Your original question was about the oil filter.

Yes, that filter from factory is 'TINY'.

Do you trust Ford to 'Not' cut corners? I surely do not and their track record proves this.

The replacement filter that Motorcraft makes is the 910s and yes, you can buy it at wally world. I think it's around 5 bux or less when you are there buying groceries. Any of your high dollar oil as well.

OR, you can spend 80-100 to let the dealer do it.

Main thing, you do you.

Minimum should be manufacturer recommendation. But my opinion is, don't wait for that monitor as it was baked in there to get you out of warranty and to get you to buy another Ford. Again, my opinion.

 

[Mark S.]

Ah, yah, I'll go with my gut and not manufacturer recommendation which are literally designed to get a certain life out of your car so then you'll buy another.

But my opinion is, don't wait for that monitor as it was baked in there to get you out of warranty and to get you to buy another Ford.

Proof? This is a widespread claim, but I've seen no evidence to support it. There are literally millions of EcoBoost engines in operation around the globe, and I suspect the overwhelming majority of owners get their oil changed when the car squawks at them. Yet I can find no widespread reports of EcoBoost engines suddenly quitting after the warranty expires. If you can find such evidence I'd like to see it. Your own experience with your Fiesta is pretty good evidence that Ford builds these engines to last. Do you really think changing your oil every 5K miles rather than at the recommended interval allowed it to run 320,000 extra miles?

Synthetic, if used from new, are FAR superior to regular "Dino Juice". All the data in the world proves it.

Did I suggest otherwise?

Blow my engine?

That response was to @jkernitzki's suggestion that you could use dino oil with no issues. Upgraded oil specifications was the industry's primary and most important response to mitigate LSPI.

Seriously, you realize I still have the fiesta...that most people (and Ford) consider a "throw away car".

Proof? Why would Ford put such a durable engine in a throw-away car?

If you are capable and can afford it, doing it more can't hurt.

It won't hurt your car, but it's unnecessary, which makes it wasteful and bad for the environment.

I don't argue semantics or get into ideological diatribes to prove how smart I am or take it to prove others wrong or try to prove I am superior so there's that.

Asking for proof isn't semantics or ideological. The primary reason we have vehicles and engines that produce many times more horsepower per liter while at the same time are far more durable than engines of yesteryear is because engineers collected/recorded data and acted on it. They didn't make changes to designs, engineering, or operating recommendations based on hunches or personal opinions. If that's your gig, have at it. As you say, you do you. But if you want to make what are frankly extraordinary claims that your maintenance regimen is responsible for your engine lasting nearly 400,000 miles you should not be surprised that someone might question them.

Though I seriously doubt a blown or seized motor is a risk with to 3 month/3,000 mile change regimen.

LSPI was destroying engines regularly before manufacturers got together to find out why. The most likely culprit was the oil, and it had little or nothing to do with change interval. The fact that LSPI with a stock engine is all but unheard of at this point would suggest they were likely right. While there may be some non-synthetic oils that meet the API SP spec (I don't know), I would not run non-synthetic oil in an EcoBoost engine, period.

More here:

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-eur/what-is-lspi/

https://www.stle.org/files/TLTArchives/2015/09_September/Worldwide.aspx

 

[jkernitzki]

I’m not trying to be “right” or convince anyone of anything, just offering my thoughts on the topic.

With that, I’ll shut up on this thread. It’s turning into a Jeep forum.

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