Oil Filter for Generator with 2013 4.3L GM Vortec V6

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

Hello,

I recently acquired a “Kohler 38RCL” natural gas powered 38kW standby generator that came with a home. It was installed in 2013 and maintained semi-annually by a prior owner through service vendors. The generator contains a 4.3L naturally aspirated GM Vortec V6 as best I can tell. It only runs a few days per year during bad weather but also starts itself up for half an hour once a week to maintain itself.

Anyway, I am going to start doing oil and filter changes myself. I am going to use HPL premium plus pcmo 0W-30 since I had some laying around and Dave from HPL said it would be good for this, being as it is in Alaska.

The only information about the filter I can find is that it seems to use a “Kohler GM28351” filter.

Is there an equivalent filter that would appropriate to use, and if so, what might be recommended for this application? Or is it best to stick with a Kohler OEM brand? They seem difficult to acquire without buying one of these full kits that contain spark plugs and oil that I don’t need.

Would any filter designed to fit, say a 2013 gmc sierra with the 4.3L V6 probably fit OK?

Thanks!

 

[Shannonwilkerson]

Is it the newer style 4.3 or the old vortec style 4.3.

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

Is it the newer style 4.3 or the old vortec style 4.3.

I think it is the newer one since it is a 2013 model generator with “multi point injection”.

 

[ctechbob]

That filter has been used in zillions of vehicles. Look one up and take your pick. It is the same filter GM used on the 4.3's and 2.8's.


Filter crosses to:

Used in:

Just a few to pick from, and this is only about 1/3rd of RA's selection for that engine.

 

[BrendanC]

microgard select or carquest premium gets my vote

 

[JavierH19]

38kw she's bigger than most. It seems to have m18x1.5 threads so a shorty fram 3387 is what it tells me it crosses to but if you have space for the 1.5 inch longer 3890 filter I'd use that. But this thing would be fine with a filter change every year.

Being in alaska what stores can you go to and can you have things shipped to your home as normal like if you're not too far from a city or are you more remote?

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

38kw she's bigger than most. It seems to have m18x1.5 threads so a shorty fram 3387 is what it tells me it crosses to but if you have space for the 1.5 inch longer 3890 filter I'd use that. But this thing would be fine with a filter change every year.

Being in alaska what stores can you go to and can you have things shipped to your home as normal like if you're not too far from a city or are you more remote?

It’s Anchorage so I can get just about anything fairly easily, it’s just everything is about 20% more expensive than say, Dallas. I only mention it as the reason for 0W-30, even though Anchorage rarely goes below -20F and 5W-30 would probably be just fine.

 

[dlundblad]

Does it have a block heater? Id look into getting that installed if not.

I’ve come to like the Fram xx3980 for my old Blazer. I currently have an orange can on it now. WIX is also good as said above, but that model looks to be the smaller filter that works.

 

[Tman220]

I think it is the newer one since it is a 2013 model generator with “multi point injection”.

This would make it the older version based on the Gen1 SBC

 

[tnt_motorsports]

I'd use an AC Delco if it were mine. They are the OEM filter for GM products. If that doesn't cut it, then my next option would be a Super Tech.

Just my $0.02

 

[BrendanC]

I'd use an AC Delco if it were mine. They are the OEM filter for GM products. If that doesn't cut it, then my next option would be a Super Tech.

Just my $0.02

those two would be the same filter. there are definitely better filters out there especially considering leaf spring stamping by champion labs atm.

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

Thanks for the suggestions, I’m thinking of going with a premium guard xl based on all the discussions on this forum. I just searched for what the 2013 GM Savana Van with the 4.3L used in order to try to select the correct filter. I’m using a fram synthetic endurance on my Broncos but those are cartridge filters and it seems the fram endurance spin-on canister type filters have valving problems, to say the least.

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

 

[gasman556]

View attachment 266660

View attachment 266661

This engine/setup looks very familiar. I've used an Amsoil EaO23. I have a couple left before their QC left more to be desired. I got a Napa gold...1036? (look this up to confirm), but mine spec's ac delco pf47/52 iirc. I am hoping one of the Donaldson filters I have will fit, but we shall see.

 

[ctechbob]

I would be inclined to get the filter with the highest burst pressure/thickest can since that thing is going to start and then immediately jump to 3600rpm even in the stone cold.

I always marvel at them testing our gigantic 12 cylinder MTU unit at work. Forget what the KW are on it, but they'll crank that thing in the teens and it immediately jumps to running RPM and stays there. Can't imagine how high the oil pressure shoots on it.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I would be inclined to get the filter with the highest burst pressure/thickest can since that thing is going to start and then immediately jump to 3600rpm even in the stone cold.

I always marvel at them testing our gigantic 12 cylinder MTU unit at work. Forget what the KW are on it, but they'll crank that thing in the teens and it immediately jumps to running RPM and stays there. Can't imagine how high the oil pressure shoots on it.

If the oil pump pressure relief and the oil filter bypass is working correctly, it shouldn't cause the filter to burst or blow-out the base gasket. Running 0W oil will also help with that. But yes, using a filter with a thicker can would be extra piece of mind. The base gasket probably will still be the weak link in that case.

 

[Hootbro]

The newer ones were 2014 and up with direct injection. They take a different filter.

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

The newer ones were 2014 and up with direct injection. They take a different filter.

Thanks, I guess I was confused since I think 2013 was one of the last years of the 4.3L “vortec” that had history back to 1984 according to AI. Then I guess they changed the name of most of their engines to “ecotec” sometime around 2015 along with afm cylinder deactivation and all that. This generator has a Vortec 4.3 like you say.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

those two would be the same filter. there are definitely better filters out there especially considering leaf spring stamping by champion labs atm.

Sure, there may be better filters out there, but will they increase the life of the unit or just thin your wallet? We often get wrapped up in the best of this and the best of that. For context, my FIL owned a cheap Canadian Tire brand lawnmower with a Briggs on it, that cut grass for over 20 years with no oil changes and no blade sharpening. All he did was keep it full of gas and oil. He could have spent a lot of money using premium oil and I don't think it would have made a difference IMO.

Just my $0.02

 

[BrendanC]

Sure, there may be better filters out there, but will they increase the life of the unit or just thin your wallet? We often get wrapped up in the best of this and the best of that. For context, my FIL owned a cheap Canadian Tire brand lawnmower with a Briggs on it, that cut grass for over 20 years with no oil changes and no blade sharpening. All he did was keep it full of gas and oil. He could have spent a lot of money using premium oil and I don't think it would have made a difference IMO.

Just my $0.02

considering a better filter is the same if not cheaper in price it is a no brainer. there is nothing special about OEM filters. for something this critical, i wouldn’t go cheap. just because it doesn’t blow up isn’t a good reason to run inferior products.