Hi there,
I just changed the oil on my mom's '09 Mariner 3.0L V6. I went to the local parts store looking for the FL-500S filter but they had none. Their computer said an FL-820S is an alternative filter. I had a box of these sitting at home for use in my 4.6L mod motors so I used one.
Upon looking at old FL-500S I took off and the FL-820S, the o-ring size and the thread seemed to be identical. It appeared that the only difference is the FL-820S is wider. It it close to the catalytic converter heat shield but there is some room between them for road movement.
Is it okay to leave the FL-820S filter on or should I go to the dealer to get an FL-500S as no one else seems to carry them? I started it up to ensure a tight seal of the o-ring and it seems to be okay.