New Subaru filters are Tiny!

[FreeBSDboy]

And you thought the old ones were small. I just bought my first oil filter (from the dealer) for my 2004 Forester, and the thing was about an inch smaller in diameter than the older Subaru filters (which weren’t exactly known for their size). What gives? The thing is a little midget filter. We have little generator with a larger filter than my car has.

I know, I know, it's probably fine, but still I was shocked when I saw how tiny the thing was, and it still makes me nervous...


I'd post a picture, but I don't have a way to host it.

 

[unDummy]

No different than what is happening with all the automakers. Maybe its because todays oils are so superior that they can get away with tiny filters. Maybe its because a tiny filter means money saved on the filter and oil.

You can usually use oversized PNs if you want.

 

[labman]

I think I post about one a week that small on the outside doesn't necessarily mean small on the inside. The tiny filter off my son's Miata had more filter area than the huge Fram off my truck. Chop some open and look. The smaller filters also may be using better media. Unfortunately it is hard to tell quality by looking at it.

That said I have examined the AC filters recommended for 4 different GM 4 cylinder, OHC engines ranging from my 77 truck to my 02 Cavalier. In each case, the newer the engine, the less filter area. Smaller filters cost less and same space and weight. I think the smaller filters fit with the 5W-xx oil recommendations.

I also found more recent examples of the same part numbers of AC, Purolator, and ST have less filter area than older ones.

Some of the things I see here suggests the most important function of a filter is to not leak or impede flow.

 

[FreeBSDboy]

Yeah, I don't have the turbo. I was considering buying one of the older filters. I'll have to cut apart the used one and take a peak. Any clue if the new ones use the same media as the old ones?

 

[vvk]

They changed the routing of the turbo downpipe and it sits much closer to the oil filter now. The new filters are smaller to allow some clearance between them and the hot exhaust to avoid boiling the oil.

Non-turbo cars can still use the old part number. BTW, the old filter is not small. It has good area with many pleats. It is also of excellent quality.

 

[RalphPWood]

My 93 Legacy has the standard sized filter. A Subaru has a very low flow fate and the little filter will handle the flow. If I have a choice I will use the larger filter if there is not enough room for the larger filter I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. The full flow filter is pretty much useless except to protect the engine from large abrasives. A good engine has very few abrasives large enough to be removed by the full flow filter. Their main purpose is to protect the engine until the warranty expires.

Ralph