03 Honda smaller oil filter

MikeySoft · Jul 21, 2003

The 03 Honda Accords have a smaller (diameter) oil filter then earlier models.
The earlier models had an 80 mm diameter; the new models come with a 65 mm diameter oil filter. Honda states the larger filter can be used to replace the newer smaller filter. See http://www.handa-accessories.com/accmaint03.html then click on "Click Here" under the note for more information.

Using either the smaller or larger filter on the 03 Accord can also be seen on oil filter charts for filters such as STP and Fram.

My questions are:
1. If both filter are interchangeable, why would anyone us the smaller and higher priced newer filter?
2. Why did Honda start using a smaller filter?
3. What are the advantages of using one size over the other; maybe there is something different in additional to size?
4. Does the smaller size has anything to do with the 5w20 oil recommended?

Anyone have an opinion on this?

sbc350gearhead · Jul 22, 2003

A smaller filter would probably flow oil quicker to the engine, and be cheaper to produce. A larger one would probably hold more junk.

labman · Jul 22, 2003

Exterior size has little to do with filter area. Ever open a cereal box? I have opened them and oil filters. Frams are just like ceeral boxes, half empty. Different filter medias may more than make up for filter area. It there is a properly functioning ADBV in the engine somewhere, and the filter is pre filled on installation, oil should flow faster with more or better filter area. Listen to your engine on start up. Chop open one of each filter and see what is there. Do a UOA.

MikeySoft · Jul 22, 2003

labman,

Both the original 65mm filter and the 80mm filter I put in are Honda filters. The 65 is made in Japan. (I have a manual 5sp and nav system, that combo seem to only be made in Japan). The 80mm filter I just put in is a Honda USA. It is not the honda filter made by Fram. Both filters have an ADBV. No noise at startup and oil light goes out at start. I plan to do a UOA at next oil change.

I don't understand why Honda now has a 65mm filter when they (Honda) states that the two filter are interchanable. Why would anyone use the smaller filter. Maybe it is just manufacturing cost as sbc350gearhead has suggested?

quadrun1 · Jul 22, 2003

How often is the filter supposed to be changed on the '03 Accord?

With the '98-'02 Accord they said to change it every other oil change (ie, change the filter every 15,000 miles), so perhaps with the newer, smaller filter, they changed the interval?

Jason

joee12 · Jul 22, 2003

quote:

Originally posted by quadrun1:
How often is the filter supposed to be changed on the '03 Accord?

With the '98-'02 Accord they said to change it every other oil change (ie, change the filter every 15,000 miles), so perhaps with the newer, smaller filter, they changed the interval?

Jason

For some reason, Honda is suggesting oil filter changes every other interval. 15,000 miles, no thank you!! -Joe

MikeySoft · Jul 22, 2003

Honda said to change the filter every OTHER oil change. Use 5w20 oil, at 10k for normal & 5k for severe.

MikeySoft · Jul 22, 2003

Honda also said to change the oil at 5K miles if you live in Canada. Does not matter what type of driving you do in Canada.

khager · Jul 27, 2003

quote:

Honda also said to change the oil at 5K miles if you live in Canada. Does not matter what type of driving you do in Canada.

What difference does it make if you live in Canada? I realize its cold up there, but it is cold in Maine, Vermont, Montana, Minnesota, Oh well you get the picture, shouldn't they make recommendations based on climatic conditions and not necessarily Political boundaries?

MikeySoft · Jul 27, 2003

quote:

... shouldn't they make recommendations based on climatic conditions and not necessarily Political boundaries?

I agree. Maybe they think all driving in Canada is severe? Or maybe Canada has different warrantees laws or warrantees?

Bror Jace · Jul 27, 2003

It seems obvious to me that they think the cold winters mean that 100% of Canadians fall into the "severe" category.

In the US, the climate varies greatly and people in arid, desert areas may be able to extend their intervals, even double them.

I would always use the "severe" interval no matter where I lived ... unless the vehicle was a lease or a company car I knew I wouldn't have for long.

I like HUGE filters with massive amounts of filtration area. The extra oil capacity is an added plus.

The number 1334 or 51334 (Wix/NAPA) filter was a little disappointing when I hacked it apart. Really healthy sized can but rather small filter cartridge inside.

Most recently I used Hastings #LF-402.

--- Bror Jace

timzak · Jul 28, 2003

Bror,

With the 1334, at least you are getting the extended volume. Have you tried the PH3985? I think it's the 1626 in Napa's catalog. Provided the gasket diameter is not too great, it has over double the volume of the 1356 (7317). I input the measurements into a volume calculator, and the 7317 came out to 19 cubic inches, vs. 40 cubic inches for the 3985. I don't know what the filter media size is like in the 3985, though.

timzak · Jul 28, 2003

Okay, did a little more research on this. I found a volume calculator online and put in the filter height and OD numbers as listed on Napa Online for each filter. Interesting results.

7317 (standard '03 Honda size)
volume: 19.26 cu in.
converted to liquid US quarts: .334

3593A (old standard Honda size)
volume: 26.53 cu in.
converted to liquid US quarts: .459

3985 (largest oversize I'm aware of with same specs)
volume: 40.17 cu in.
converted to liquid US quarts: .696

So with the 3985, you gain roughly 3/8 qt oil capacity over the 7317.

The 3593A gives you an added 1/8 qt over the 7317.

Now all we need is a comparison of filter media sq. in. for the 3 sizes.

03 Honda smaller oil filter

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