Original FISPA or Tecnocar oil filters can be hard to find.

Following oil filters I have tested for Fulvia's and found to be ok:

• FRAM PH2803-2 (usually available from auto parts suppliers)
• MANN W940/25 (usually available from auto parts suppliers)
• FRAM PH3569
• BOSCH P 4065 (usually available from auto parts suppliers)

- Andrea -

Oil filters: another approach.

I am sure that most of you have changed the oil on your Fulvias - that is I hope at least that you have had it changed... I believe that observing the original specified interval is wise, despite the dramatic improvements in modern lubricants. The Fulvia's crankcase breathing arrangements are somewhat inadequate, and indeed the works had extra breathers on the rally cars, welded to the cam cover.

But to turn to filters, you will have noticed that first, the filter is very large, and second, that there is a tube on the mounting that runs up inside the filter. This tube is provided to ensure that oil remains ready for start-up.

Depressed by the bulk (not to mention the weight) of the filter, I have adopted another approach which has been 100% satisfactory over the past seven years. I have cut off the tube and use Integrale filters (Thema is much the same). These fit the existing thread and incorporate a sort of one-way valve which ensures quick oil pressure on start-up. They are very small, and I took the view that if they are good enough for 200hp+ turbo-charged engines, then they are good enough for my Fulvia! There are many other easily-available filters that will fit (I think some of the Fords have them) but Lancia ones were at hand and seemed appropriate.

Paul de R. Leclercq, Pderl@btinternet.com, Oct 2003