Small Engine Oil filters. Same Spec just different sizes?

[oosik]

Tony H - Gee, I thought $10 is a fairly reasonable price for ANY spin on oil filter. The cross matched oil filter (Wix) for my M6040 is that much. You would really be upset at the price Kubota wants for their oil filter with their name on it. Kind of like the oil filter for my old Harley Davidson - the price was doubled because the HD name was painted on the filter.

 

[DEWFPO]

How is that? Why wouldn’t it loosen in the application it was designed for? I have several applications that use filters a foot long on machines that rattle like crazy and I have never had one come loose.

It wouldn't loosen if used in the application it was designed for. We were talking about using a filter that was a different size than the one spec'd by the manufactuer.

DEWFPO

 

[bdog]

It wouldn't loosen if used in the application it was designed for. We were talking about using a filter that was a different size than the one spec'd by the manufactuer.

DEWFPO

My point was the attachment method is the same for any application. What difference does it make what it is attached to?

 

[kthompson]

One of the biggest surprise I ever had with oil filters was when I learned the filter for our 20 hp Kohler was same as for the Toyota V6 in our Avalon. If the filer for the 20 hp would handle the V6 nothing surprises me with oil filters.

 

[Texasmark]

Fram filters are about the worst filters made. About half the filter material and the pressure releif spring isn't even a spring just a chunk of metal like those clicker toys sold to kids back in the old dAYs.

If you have the Fram filter number you can cross referance it to a much better NAPA filter or Wix (sold at O Rielys auto Parts)

Engine Oil Filter Study



Al

I didn't pull up your site. Last time I did on a tractor forum I got a virus. I spend a lot of time playing with the filter game. Lot of lies, disinformation, fake data etc etc etc on Fram filters.

A "full flow" filter for a 4 stroke engine is usually 20 micron because of the back pressure. If you want to go to 5 microns you have to have a bypass circuit, routing only a fraction of the engine requirement because of the back pressure. I had an OTR IH tractor with an 800 cu in Big Cam 400 hp Cummins diesel that had such a circuit.

Filters in general have different material and different sealing components and methods. The dimensions are different. The back flow seems to be about the same for all of them, maybe from a 3rd party. The bypass valve geometry is different although the release pressure for a given size filter is usually in the 8-12 psi range. Wix line of filters has all the specs published online if you cross to one of theirs.

For grins one day I tore up/sawed open, a 2 year old Fram PH 8A (Motorcraft Fl-1A sub used in Ford tractors) that was in my 2000 diesel. I had several popular brand filters that day and just tore them all apart. Yes, on that series of Fram filters they have paper end caps. With great effort I had to rip the paper in an attempt to get the glue seal apart and it didn't yield. The "paper" didn't just fall apart, as stated, I had to rip it apart. Nothing wrong with the relief valve nor the filter media. Had the flow back seal still intact and the steel inner shield between the media and the output.

Most of the "hot dog" brands didn't even have the metal end caps sealed.....they just sat on top of, not pressed on, just sitting on the ends of the filter media. The rest was similar to the Fram. So if you want a mid range they have the Tough Guard and if you want the Synthetic long life they have that too. Pick your fancy and pay the price. I've started using them regularly due to the varieties offered to fit my varied requirements.

 

[3930dave]

I won't do it just to save a $1 or 2, but if all the critical specs (listed page 1 here) line up reasonably well, and the threads and gasket surface match exactly, I have subbed a good quality aftermarket filter for a ridiculously priced OE one.

Normally they are close, but one last thing I'd look at is the count and "surface" area of the holes in the filter base - not usually listed as specs, but I wouldn't want to get to far off the OE setup in this respect.

I've successfully used most of the major oil filter brands, so nobody would call me a Framboy with reason, but what I find funny about the debate about fibre end caps is - If that thick non-porous fibre end cap is allegedly so prone to failure, how is the relatively thinner (all brands that is....) filter media supposed to stand up, and not tear ?

I've used most of the major brands for direct crosses, but often find that the most extensive listings in terms of tech specs are found with Wix - my personal goto for industrial hard to find filters....

Rgds, D.

 

[big bubba]

go the the parts diagram then the oil filter. 2 oil filter ops, kawi & after market. i'd go w/kawi jacks small engine is the best out there for about anything small engine, mower, etc
Kawasaki FS541V-ES19 4 Stroke Engine FS541V Parts Diagram for LUBRICATION-EQUIPMENT

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I am positive no OEM has a filter special made for them; except, possibly some air filters. Designers select a filter from all the ones available in the market. Who knows what a kubota branded filter is w/o there name plastered on it. Good way to make 100%+ profit on a standard production line item. I like NAPA Gold filters (WIX).

I have been able over 50+ years shopping at NAPA to find a replacement filter except an air filter for a 25HP Kawasaki mower engine. It was a unique shape. They guys at NAPA have a world of experience on parts, most are prior mechanics that wanted out from under cars and trucks. I had a MH with a 454 Chev. The standard oil filter as pretty small. Discussed it a NAPA, they new right away that a filter twice as long was a good replacement. As those MH engines are overworked anyway I felt more comfortable.

Ron

 

[big bubba]

I like NAPA Gold filters (WIX).Tractor Seabee

agree with you, try to use Napa Gold on all my small engine oil filters once i get the correct cross ref. have had difficulty finding the correct cross ref on hyd filters for my zero turns. in those cases, i go with
jacks small engine that has a comprehensive inventory for about anything highly recommend in that situation.

to the OP: sure would double check aftermarket ref # before i slap it on a high dollar Kawi
to me a $4 difference in aftermarket vs OEM is nominal best regards