Undersized filters

[m2200b]

Any harm in using them? I can get good prices on oil filters on ebay if I am willing to use a slightly smaller oil filter than that spec-ed for my Mazda B2200. Its spec-ed for the L14610 eg a long thimble size and I use wider old Honda types L14458 and fat and long L24458 but I got 2 shorter Mazda PureOne L14612 used on Proteges and some newer Mazda (thimble sized like small Toyota filters). I plan on using them for shorter OCI 4-5K to deal with size.

 

[Dave Hess]

The L-14610 has a decent amount of filter media for its small size. I'll post a picture of it cut open if you want me to.

I've gone 18K miles on the L-14610 in my wife's 2007 Civic EX.

 

[BearZDefect]

I'd use them with confidence in such an application. If the filter drains overnight a smaller can may help morning startup circulation. Regardless of ADBV quality, some engines (like my Honda D15B7) empty the oil filter overnight.

 

[Merkava_4]

I can see going larger than spec, but I sure as [censored] wouldn't go smaller.

That's got to be the easiest question I've answered in at least 5 years.

 

[artificialist]

I remember installing Firestone 2876 filters (Made by Champion), they all were significantly smaller than the factory filters they replaced.

Of course, most people did 3000 mile OCI's, so the small filter probably didn't have problems with handling all the contaminants.

 

[dwendt44]

I'm as much concerned about the flow as the capacity.
However, once the break-in crud is cleaned out, there not much large chunks to worry about.

 

[wander2039]

On the current Rangers starting at 06 they recomend the MC FL910 but previously they called for MC FL400S. The 910 is half the size of the 400. My inital thought was because of cost but the 910 is more expensive than the 400. I find it strange why they changed since they used the same engine since 01 with the 400 with no issues.

 

[Gary Allan]

I use an undersized filter on my wife's jeep 4.0. I have a heat exchanger that makes the normal size FL300 filter hit the motor mount. I use the EaO57 for a year. She does 18k a year ..so loading isn't an issue, imo. As long as she's not in pump relief ..there's no issue with bypass valve activity. I'd prefer a larger filter ..but this is the best I can do.

 

[Eddie]

It is not always the size of the can that's important. Type of media, amount of media and of course the anti-drain back valve if applicable.

 

[m2200b]

I did buy undersized pure one pl14612 for my mazda B2200.(uses pl14610).

Looked and saw them used cars bigger than mine (on subaru 2500 and nissan from 2500 to 3500) and couldn't pass up getting 4 of them for $1 each including shipping on ebay.