Standardized Oil Filter sizes

[expat]

Is there a reason oil filter sizes are not standardized?

It seems many odd sized filters could easily be eliminated, and life could be eaisier for everybody.

Also, is there any logic in the numbers or letter prefixes filter manufacturers use on their filters Does PH 8 for instance mean anything?

Wouldn't it be easier if all manufacturers used the same size codes so people would not have to cross referance?

 

[Garak]

I suppose everyone has their own ideas about numbering parts, so that could be problematic. And yes, I wish there was more commonality. I think OEMs worry more about commonality, as much as possible, within their own product lines, rather than across to other manufacturers. Infiniti and Nissan only use a couple filter numbers. Now, my G37 has enough room for them to have chosen a 51515, assuming the right mounting hardware. Instead, they use the tiny 51358, not even the 57356. Just because my G37 has a lot of room doesn't mean every Nissan or Infiniti since their introduction of those basic filter dimensions would have ample space for something much, much larger.

 

[Kira]

Once upon a time there was a huge Grand Opening of a car parts store near here. Tons of sale merchandise was moved. 3 fellows stood behind 3 folding tables to assist the many customers in finding correct oil and filters for their cars. The tables were stacked with 4 common filter sizes. The store's stock was in its regular spot.

One of the fellows told me that those 4 filters will cover 80% of the sales. Allow for conversational English.

So it would appear that there is a degree of standardization. Of course that begs the question, why all the others?

Sorry I didn't take note of oil filters' "Mount Rushmore". That would've been interesting.
I do remember that one was the 10241 Purolater number. Kira

 

[Rick in PA]

Back in the early '70s it seemed to be heading for some level of standardization. I remember the Purolator PER-1 (or equivalent) being used on a lot of Fords, Mopars and AMC (I think):

The GM products had another filter that was common, but I can't remember the number, PER-50 something or other? I seem to remember it had a shorter can.

Then with vehicle downsizing and the rise of imports the filter selection seemed to explode.

At least that's how I saw it.

 

[Chris142]

Buick ,olds, pontiac and cadillac used a ph25. Amc ph11. Ford, dodge and most imports used a ph8a. Then dodge needed a shorter filter for big blocks with power steering and the ph43 was born.

Chevy used a cartridge filter from 58-68---ch200pl.69 and up Chevy cars got a ph30. And trucks got a ph13.

All this from memory lol