AC Delco PF 47 to PF 52 Conversion

[Oil Changer]

Anyone see a problem running a PF52 instead of the specified PF47? More specifically, O'Reilly's has on sale the M1 EP oil and filter for $35. I was thinking of using the M1-201 (PF52) filter instead of the M1-101 (PF47).

Application is an 2005 Chevy Astro van w/ the 4.3L V-6. The filter is vertical and the added length of the PF52 will not cause the filter to extend below the oil pan, come near the exhaust, or contact another part.

The older Asto vans specified the use of the PF52 but for whatever reason GM switched to the use of the PF47 beginning in the early 2000 MY vehicles.

I am currently running PP 5W30 and change the oil every 7000 or so miles and have always used the PF47. I usually go all winter w/o an oil change on this vehicle as the van most likely will not see 7000 miles between October and April.

Any comments will be appreciated.

 

[The_Jeff]

go for it, it's a classic oversize. Some astros with 4wd or something need the short filter and for simplicity sake some parts manuals list it for everything.

 

[Astro14]

+1 - did the same thing on a 1985 T/A with the SBC...

 

[71Chevyguy]

Yes in your application that is a good idea. No reason not to use the larger filter. In some applications such as the 3800 engines it gets too close to the control arm and is not advised. In your application it would give you more filtering capacity so it is a good idea.

 

[Oil Changer]

Thanks for the quick responses and assurances.

Consider the swap done.

 

[cp3]

Ya, I'd do it. I started reading this and I though wait a minute, my '96 used the longer filter...lol

I would think the only reason not to is clearence and as you said it's not a problem. I'd like to do this on the G6 but I don't think I have the room.

 

[ltslimjim]

My parent's vehicles with the 4.3L engines, have the filter mounted straight up from the bottom of the block next to the oil pan. It seems like there is plenty of room for the longer PF52, I just wouldn't want it exposed to much more of the road than it already is, but for the 4WD offerings with the 4.3L a PF52 is recommended, so I suppose there goes that theory.

 

[RF Overlord]

Been using the PF-52 size filter on my 01' Safari since day one. Every time I go to Jiffy Lube, the guys there tell me it has the wrong filter on it and make notes on the account.

Yes, I know...but it's a work van and the company MAKES us go there.

 

[dwendt44]

Been doing that for close to 20 years.

There maybe some clearance problems on a few vehicles, not many.

IF you think it's too long, get a SuperTech 3980 (PF52) and see if it'll fit. IF there's room to get it on, there should be no worries about it hitting anything while running.

 

[Oil Changer]

I appreciate all the responses, thank you all.

I just crawled under the van and took some rough measurements.

The PF52 is about 1 1/2" longer than the PF47.

On my RWD van, this puts the PF52 about 4 1/2" above the bottom of the oil pan. The bottom of the oil pan is about 2" higher than the cross member. The exaust cross-over pipe is about 10" away at it's closest point to the filter. Actually, a longer filter will have no effect on the proximity to the exhaust.

There is absolutely nothing else even remotely close to the filter to cause a clearance problem. The odds of road debris causing damage would still be negligable. Conversely, I should be as well protected because I always plan (from now on) to use the M1, Bosch D+, etc. which have the stronger cans.

 

[daman]

This is as old as dirt,yes the 52 will work fine...

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

Ran these on my 2005 Sierra with the 4.3L. Great filter for the money.

 

[EricF]

like everyone said.. if you can "squeeze" the pf52 in, by all means go for it! it's nothing but an advantage, especially when the price is the same...

too funny rippy lube made a note of the wrong filter. I'd be difficult and make them put the same size on, and when they refuse, I'd take the car right out of the bay.
You'd be able to save your company money by doing the oil change yourself..

It's kinda like the double size 51060/PH5.. the GM dealer went into ballistic mode when they saw it on my father in laws van, and they tried to scare him into all sorts of [censored].. he fortunately was able to tell them to take a leap because I've been doing it for 3 years.