Oil Filter Question

[gary_in_neenah]

Short Version:

One of our vehicles came from the factory with a Full Sized Oil Filter but the aftermarket filters are the short version. I've checked all the major brands and they all reference the smaller filter. Does it matter? My thinking is the larger the filter, the more media there is to filter the oil.

And you say?

Longer Version:

The vehicle is a 2011 Tacoma with a 4 Liter V6. I bought it new and the first two years included Free Oil and Filter Change along with Tire Rotation. Going forward I'll be changing the Oil & Filters per the recommended mileage. My dealer has been installing the Toyota filter which is full size but when I reference all the major aftermarket brands they only offer the smaller version. I'll continue to buy the filters from the dealer if necessary as the price is just a buck or two more. Again, is a larger filter with Toyota's name on it better than a smaller filter from any of the major brands? I should also mention that clearance in the engine compartment is not an issue, there's plenty of room.

Opinions are welcomed.

 

[xcsp]

Shouldn't be a problem using the shorter filter, as long as it is for the correct application.

I just went through this for my truck too-only had the shorter version available, no problems.

 

[whitedust]

To me it is more of a matter of how much oil you want to put in the engine more oil for the longer filter. My chevy truck uses the shorter filter & I think that changed for GM after the 350 V8 engine in 2000. No big deal you have no reason to be concerned. Toyota is probably playing the large oil filter fits everything just like Yamaha does with their sled clutch belts keeps the 1 belt choice for 120,150 & 160hp & only $75 & lasts many 1000s of miles. Keeps inventory down. Many quality filter choices & NAPA makes some of the best but you pay for it too. I know the oil filter for my 350 inboard engine was made by NAPA & at least $15 but I figured a ski baot works a lot harder than a car engine so went with it.

 

[Hoosier]

Did you check what size Amsoil recommends? They sell high quality filters with their own brand name and they still sell Wix also, which are also high quality.

 

[indy_500]

What's the price difference? Can never go wrong with oem usually the best quality but not always.

 

[Hoosier]

By the way, how do you like your Tacoma? I've never driven one or been in one, but I like the way they look. And they seem to be a more reasonable size for day to day use, compared to how big the full size trucks have gotten these days. How is towing with the 4.0?

 

[gary_in_neenah]

By the way, how do you like your Tacoma? I've never driven one or been in one, but I like the way they look. And they seem to be a more reasonable size for day to day use, compared to how big the full size trucks have gotten these days. How is towing with the 4.0?

I like the truck a lot. We all have different priorities for what we drive and I don't have a need for a full size and I like having more room in the garage. I test drove them all, domestic & foreign and had pretty much decided on the Nissan until I drove the Toyota, it had a much better ride along with fit and finish. I tow our Inboard Rinker without problems just not the best mileage, on the Open Road empty it comes in around 23 miles per gallon.

Thanks for the opinions on filters, guys.

 

[tundra ron]

I have had Toyotas for years go to the Toyota Tundra forum there is a section for Tacoma there is dealer you can order from to get the filters I usually get about six or more. I have 01 Tundra extra cab excellent truck I have 135000 mi. on mine no trouble.

 

[ezra]

on the Open Road empty it comes in around 23 miles per gallon. .

that is what I don't get none of the small or mid size trucks mpg is any good. what 2 to 3 mpg better than a full size with a v8
if they got 8 to 10 I would prob buy a small truck as the daily driver I don't need the full size 60% of the time. then I could justify the F350 4 dr long box diesel if I did not have to drive it every day

 

[indy_500]

then I could justify the F350 4 dr long box diesel if I did not have to drive it every day

Why? diesel is what 20 cents more per gallon, You'd be getting low 20s for gas mileage on a new 6.7 scorpion and have 400 hp and 800 ft lbs at the pedal. Can't beat that

 

[dj2muchjunk]

I recomend that you cut one of each apart, the outside does not mean the bigger one actually has more filtering media in it. But if the OE is only $2.00 more and you have doubts of the aftermarket, keep buying OE.

 

[polarisrider1]

I would stick with the OEM. I had a vehicle that the filter mounted sideways and I bought the el cheapo purolator filter for it and the car started knocking everytime I started it. Come to find out that the filter would drain out when motor was shut off and it took a while to fill back up when started, thus starving one of the cylinders of oil. The after market did not come with a built in check (flow) valve and the OEM did. Why risk it.

 

[dj2muchjunk]

most quality non oe filters have the anti drain back valve and will not have a oil starvation problem on cold start up. some after market filters actually have features that exceed oe filters. Wix was mentioned and is a good choice. Many car parts jobbers carry private labeled Wix filters.

 

[xcsp]

most quality non oe filters have the anti drain back valve and will not have a oil starvation problem on cold start up. some after market filters actually have features that exceed oe filters. Wix was mentioned and is a good choice. Many car parts jobbers carry private labeled Wix filters.

I agree, most non-oem filters will meet the required specs for the application. I have used several different brands of oil filters and haven't had a problem.

How many of the oem filters are actually made by them? Not many IF any.

 

[eao]

Do not rely on physical dimensions alone. Counterfeit copies of name brand parts have been discovered in some aftermarket parts systems. Always ensure the parts you install are from a trusted source. Improper oil filter installation may result in catastrophic engine damage<O></O>

 

[xcr440]

I always thought is was about how small of microns the filter can "filter" or stop from flowing around the engine. As mentioned above, AmsOil has one of if not the lowest filterable micron numbers out there.

 

[indy_500]

I would stick with the after market. I had a vehicle that the filter mounted sideways and I bought the el cheapo purolator filter for it and the car started knocking everytime I started it. Come to find out that the filter would drain out when motor was shut off and it took a while to fill back up when started, thus starving one of the cylinders of oil. The after market did not come with a built in check (flow) valve and the OEM did. Why risk it.

did you mean to say oem in the first sentence?

 

[polarisrider1]

did you mean to say oem in the first sentence?

yes I did, thank you little buddy! And poor Skylar gets another email.

 

[Hoosier]

I always thought is was about how small of microns the filter can "filter" or stop from flowing around the engine. As mentioned above, AmsOil has one of if not the lowest filterable micron numbers out there.

Don't forgot amsoil sends you cool stickers when you order from them also.

 

[dj2muchjunk]

I always thought is was about how small of microns the filter can "filter" or stop from flowing around the engine. As mentioned above, AmsOil has one of if not the lowest filterable micron numbers out there.

It's not how small the microns are it's what the proper microns are to protect the engine and still provide the proper flow of lubricant to the engine components.