Oil Filter? 82 Spider FI

[ylbill]

When I bought my Fiat the previous owner left an extra oil filter in the trunk, which I installed in the spring. I pulled the part number off the box so I could just get the same one for my next change (MANN Filter W917). So hears the deal. I bought another W917, but when I went to put the new filter on, the cannister (shorter) size and look was diferent?? It screwed on okay, bui I thought I would be safe than sorry and ask if someone could confirm that this filter is okay to use? Thanks

[htchevyii]

The real Fiat suppliers usually supply the proper large filter. Many aftermarket suppliers substitute a smaller filter because it interchanges with other vehicles, (Toyota, Chrysler, etc), so they don't have to produce/stock as many different filters. As long as the gasket is in the correct place, which it most likely is, it should be fine.

[dantye]

The real Fiat suppliers usually supply the proper large filter. Many aftermarket suppliers substitute a smaller filter because it interchanges with other vehicles, (Toyota, Chrysler, etc), so they don't have to produce/stock as many different filters. As long as the gasket is in the correct place, which it most likely is, it should be fine.

Good advice - and remember the larger the filter the more cooling of the oil too. You could search "oil filters" on this forum, but if you read all the stuff you found it would take several weeks and just leave you very confused.

[ylbill]

The real Fiat suppliers usually supply the proper large filter. Many aftermarket suppliers substitute a smaller filter because it interchanges with other vehicles, (Toyota, Chrysler, etc), so they don't have to produce/stock as many different filters. As long as the gasket is in the correct place, which it most likely is, it should be fine.

Thanks, just wanted to be sure.

[ylbill]

The real Fiat suppliers usually supply the proper large filter. Many aftermarket suppliers substitute a smaller filter because it interchanges with other vehicles, (Toyota, Chrysler, etc), so they don't have to produce/stock as many different filters. As long as the gasket is in the correct place, which it most likely is, it should be fine.

Good advice - and remember the larger the filter the more cooling of the oil too. You could search "oil filters" on this forum, but if you read all the stuff you found it would take several weeks and just leave you very confused.

Your right about that. I did do a search first and there is so much that comes up it does get confusing. Thanks for the tip on the bigger the cooler, I'll keep the smaller one on for the winter because I won't be driving it much...if at all for the next few months. When I change the oil in the spring, I'll replace it with the larger filter. Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

oh geez, here we go with filters again I spent some time at SEMA with Lake Speed jr discussing his recent article I referenced in Balto Bernies' thread about filter comparison. I followed up that discussion at booths hosted by Fram, Mann, Purolator and Wix.
What it comes down to is that every mfg is different with their filter criteria. A larger filter body may contain more media, but not filter as small a micron rating. Or it may not. A smaller filter may contain a high quality media that filters to a smaller micron rating. Or it may not. A large filter may have a smaller amount of high quality media and more room to hold dirt. Or it may not. Every mfg I talked to had different responses to the same questions.

So, since I've now heard Lake Speed Jr give two technical sessions regarding oil, additives and filters I'll defer to him. Joe Gibbs Racing has tested every filter on the market (well, major mfgs anyway) with their oil. Every filter mfg that wants their filter to meet GM standards and thus not void warranties, tests to the 10-20 micron rating. That is the size debris particle that will damage a crankshaft surface. Anything smaller will travel through the engine without an issue. Anything larger will not fit into the clearances. A high quality filter will trap 10-20 micron dirt 99% of the time. His feeling is you should research a filter that meets that criteria, especially if breaking in a new engine. The issue changes when you start including race engines into the discussion. That high quality filter may not flow enough at 8k rpm to keep your motor lubricated. Each filter mfg will make their specs available, but most require that you ask for it.

[narfire]

Thanks Mark. With that info I'll be at my local Lordco today and ask a few questions. I have been using Fram PH-7's to date and with the limited driving I do during the top down season,( perhaps 3000k's / season ) I've thought they have been fine for my car.
I'll look for that 10-20 micron threshold..
I have the filter off at the moment ready for an oil change so timing is good for this.

http://ca.fram.com/enca/company/news/ar ... 40?popup=1

[TX82FIAT]

I don't remember the specs but I do recall being impressed with the Mobil 1 extended performance filters. They cost a little more in the $13 range. I see a lot of guys running the K & N filters and recall they had a good rating as well. However, did not think they were significantly better than the mobil 1 filter for the additional $5 - $10 per filter. A lot of posts about FRAM filters so I have stayed away and did not bother researching.

[So Cal Mark]

When I visited the Fram booth at SEMA, they pitched the Ultraguard filter and showed me a cutaway. It uses a glass mat fiber media rather than paper and it's supported by a metal mesh in each pleat. Obviously much sturdier than a paper-type media and because it has a smaller micron rating the media takes less space allowing twice the amount of dirt to be held than their lower cost filters