Are oversized filters worth it?

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HKPolice

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I've been using Bosch 3422 (Purolator 20195) oversized for a Toyota V6 application (OEM is Bosch 3330, Puro 10241) but I have a chance to pick up some Wix OEM sized filters for a really good price, around $2 each. Should I give up the oversized filters?

I did some research and apparently bigger filters cause oil pressure fluctuations? Some Honda engineer talked about it but the video is gone from youtube.

Going for standard ~5k mile OCI on synthetic. Is it even worth it to use oversized filters if I'm not extending OCI? Is there a noticeable pressure drop difference when going to a bigger filter?

Thanks in advance.
 
Answering your questions in order:

Wix filters for two bucks? Yeah, I'd forgo the bigger filters.

I'd guess that it's possible that in certain specific applications, the filter would give some substantial damping to the lubrication circuit. Those applications would be few and far between, though. The guy from Honda is likely just playing CYA.

Guessing that your OEM-specified OCI is 5,000 miles? If that's the case and you're using quality oil, then there's really no good reason to insist on the bigger filter. The difference in pressure is negligible, and your engine was designed to use the standard filter.
 
I am confused what you are asking..

you want to know if the oversize filters are worth it? but you go on to say that you can get the OEM sized wix filters 'for a really good price..'

OEM Wix for around $2 each.. now thats worth it!
 
Originally Posted By: HKPolice
I did some research and apparently bigger filters cause oil pressure fluctuations? Some Honda engineer talked about it but the video is gone from youtube.


If you are worried about oil pressure fluctation, then deviating from the Manufacturers recommendation is not for you.

I personally run oversized Napa Gold's 1516 on my 98 Sienna and I have no issue going to bed at night with my decisions.

Regards, JC.
 
I think percentage in a 5 QT sump is small with an oversize filter. Better to just watch oil level and make sure its always full.

I think the filters made for extended intervals may be better constructed with better glue, etc to withstand the longer interval in addition to being able to trap more dirt.
 
I use an oversized on on my jeep and bike and my reasoning behind it is to reduce the oil pressure. I can hear the people gasping now.. but seriously, if there is more media, there is more pores for the oil to seep through thus reducing resistance to flow without sacrificing filtration. So the oversized pure 1 I run with (claimed) higher efficiency media should not, and doesn't (in my Jeep) raise the oil pressure at all. NAPA gold is the 2 (ish) dollar WIX filter you are talking about is the best bang for buck I have ever seen.
 
I wish I could get some OEM size Wix filters for $2 ea.

Having said that, I use the PF52 size filter on my GM 4.3 V6 rather than the specified PF47 because the extra length of the PF52 makes it a lot easier to install and remove the filter. I'm not too concerned about filter capacity, because if I could generate enough "stuff" to clog either filter in 5000 miles, there would be a serious engine problem happening.
 
Oh, good, this topic again ....
21.gif
I was afraid that we'd forgotten since yesterday ....

First, HKPolice, please define what "worth it" means to you. Once you can do that, then you'll have a good position to make a clear decision. Finding a similar filter in terms of critical criteria (gasket size, BP setting, etc) and using in an application that you don't mind the burden of risk should a problem develop is not "bad". But there are a whole lot of things to satisfy before knowing you've made the "right" decision.




As for this:
Originally Posted By: Dyusik
I use an oversized on on my jeep and bike and my reasoning behind it is to reduce the oil pressure. I can hear the people gasping now.. but seriously, if there is more media, there is more pores for the oil to seep through thus reducing resistance to flow without sacrificing filtration.

Ummmmmm .... nope.
You're not affecting the delta P across the media significantly in any manner by using a slightly upsized filter. Not at least to a manner in which you could tangibly measure and quantify showing a statistically significant differernce. The pressure drop across the media is a mere pittance to the system, and generally well below the filter BP setting once warmed up. The "flow" a typical filter allows is WAY GREATER than what the pump will put out in normal operations. As a generalization, a filter will perhaps pass 2x more flow that the engine will provide. So why are you interested in a frational dP drop across media between a normal and upsized filter when the ability of the filter is already over-capacitized in the first place?
 
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Bigger filters are a "feel good" mod, no proven benefit.

Oil pressure deviation would be tough to see without two or more sources for data! One sender ain't gonna tell ya much...
 
There is only one benefit of running an oversize filter on my yukon and that is the deciding factor for me.

Factory filter for my yukon is a PF48 and is so short i have to use a filter wrench to get it off.

My new stock of filters are all PF63 equivalent which is around an inch longer with the same specs and should eliminate the need for a filter wrench during my OC.

It was the same way on my old nissan vg33 pathfinder. The 6607 size filter was shorter and harder to remove then the longer 7317.
 
Originally Posted By: Stelth
I wish I could get some OEM size Wix filters for $2 ea.

Having said that, I use the PF52 size filter on my GM 4.3 V6 rather than the specified PF47 because the extra length of the PF52 makes it a lot easier to install and remove the filter. I'm not too concerned about filter capacity, because if I could generate enough "stuff" to clog either filter in 5000 miles, there would be a serious engine problem happening.


I do the same thing with my Chevy 3.4. The Classic 52s are nice filters.
 
Much like the reasoning I read recently about using a filter with a bypass even where not vehicle manufacturer spec'd, in the 01 Civic I maintain I sometimes use the slightly oversize 14459/3593A for the 14610/7317, just because I want to. And so did the dealer when it was new. Any benefit, who knows, doesn't hurt anything though.

But linked below is an interesting site's thoughts on the topic of oversize (and undersize) filters. And unless it's strictly cookie related (doesn't appear to be) seems to have some relationship to Bitog.

OilFilterData.com/Oversize-Undersize filters.
 
Perhaps we should FIRST establish the parameters used by auto makers to pick the size of the filter which they then call "OEM". Is it just adequate for the application and sugggested milage, OR does it have some reserve built in. I can tell you that a filter engineer who now runs his own race car oiling system company told me the manufacturers are constantly demanding filter companies produce to a cetain filter spec in smaller and lighter packages because of underhood contraints and the desire to shed weight, ANY weight. . Draw your own conclusions from that, or just ignore it and repeat your oldwives tales to yourself.
I'm lucky enough to be able to use PL 14477s instead of 14476 on my Toyota engines. The COMPANY back specified the 77s to the engines using the 76s some time ago. The bigge filter is just a few cents more.
 
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The 'oversized' filters in my lubrication circuits are almost always the same investment as the smaller ones.

It's akin to getting an extra ~20% dose of goodness for 'free!'
 
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Perhaps we should FIRST establish the parameters used by auto makers to pick the size of the filter which they then call "OEM". Is it just adequate for the application and sugggested milage, OR does it have some reserve built in. I can tell you that a filter engineer who now runs his own race car oiling system company told me the manufacturers are constantly demanding filter companies produce to a cetain filter spec in smaller and lighter packages because of underhood contraints and the desire to shed weight, ANY weight. . Draw your own conclusions from that, or just ignore it and repeat your oldwives tales to yourself.
I'm lucky enough to be able to use PL 14477s instead of 14476 on my Toyota engines. The COMPANY back specified the 77s to the engines using the 76s some time ago. The bigge filter is just a few cents more.


I never thought about shedding weight as a reason but it does make a lot of sense now. Another reason I'm skeptical of OEM sizing is that the Ford focus used to use Puro 20195 as well for their 2L engine, but in 2005 they switched to the smaller 10241 size on the same engine. Other than saving weight, the only reasons for doing that would be saving a few cents on filters on each new car and maybe gaining a few cents on all future ford filters sold.

Then again, it's hard to pass up $2 wix filters even if they are smaller in size.
 
Even if you prefer an over-sized over OEM, the $2 OEM WIX filters are a deal you shouldn't pass up. Your engine won't know the difference.

From what I can see, the only real "benefit" to running an over-sized filter is the extra filter media. As said above, they are normally the same price so also that makes it worth considering. Even though it may not be necessary, an over-sized filter might be a good idea for a heavily sludged engine. If your engine is clean, an over-sized filter is unnecessary IMO.

You'll have the extra oil capacity, but that won't prolong your engine's life whatsoever. OEM filters will get you just as far as over-sized ones.
 
If to spec it can't hurt, but once Lead was taken out of the gasoline the filters size shrunk with out any decrease in engine life. Actually the unleaded worked better . Add the strict epa rules for long term emissions the engines last better than ever .
 
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