Anyone know anything about this TSB. I once had a problem with an oil filter and the dealer said it was the use of non-oem filter (was a Purolator I think); what filter does everyone use. I use Fram mostly.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on-line Recall and Service Bulletin databases. Unfortunately, the database reveals the existence of a Technical Service Bulletin without giving the full text. At:http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...servicemmy.cfm you will find this:

Service Bulletin Number: NTB94057
Bulletin Sequence Number: 041
Date of Bulletin: 9405
NHTSA Item Number: SB036268
Make: NISSAN
Model: MAXIMA
Year: 1995
Component: ENGINE:OTHER PARTS
Summary: 1995 MAXIMA (A32) OIL FILTER APPLICATION. *TW


Russ Knize made a personal study of oil filter quality. He bought one oil filter of each brand, cut them all open, measured the area of filtering media, examined the anti-drainback valve, and evaluated overall construction. Russ put all his findings, with lots of pictures, on a web page. Fram filters were clearly inferior to other brands. He posted a letter from a former Fram engineer which told of profit-driven compromises mandated by Fram executives. Subsequently Knize received a threatening letter from Fram, and posted that too. Knize's website still exists but it no longer contains the oil filter study. I suspect that the Fram lawyers twisted his arm. I personally do not use Fram products.

 

Thanks again Daniel, so what filter did Russ indicate was the best and which one do you use.

 

Russ did not identify any filter which was "best". I have always liked AC Delco, but have not found them readily available for the 4Gen Maxima. I don't have a favorite brand, and usually buy whatever name brand is on sale (except Fram). I am not one of those people who are blind devotees of Nissan factory products.

 

Oil Filter Application - Warnings

Classification: GI94-002

Section: General Information

Reference: TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB94-057

Models: 1995 Maxima

Date: May 12, 1994

1995 MAXIMA (A32) OIL FILTER APPLICATION

APPLIED MODEL:
1995 Maxima (A32)

SERVICE INFORMATION

The oil filter has been changed for the new 1995 Maxima (A32). The new filter is physically smaller in size, has a metric thread and an internal relief valve. Although the filter is similar in size to the filter for the SR20DE engine the filters are not interchangeable. The tool used to remove the oil filter on the SR20DE engine may be used to remove this filter.

Description Part
Maxima (A32) Oil Filter 15208-31U00
Oil Filter Wrench J37140-A

Caution should be used when replacing the 1995 Maxima oil filter not to interchange it with any other Nissan oil filter. This will avoid potential damage to the oil filter, engine and/or filter mounting stud.

 

I must agree. While AC/Delco's are not available for the 4th gen Max, I have found the STP's to work well. The AC/Delco did rank highly on the mentioned oil filter test, and for now will have to only go on my Jeep...

 

I'm not sure which oil filter study was being referenced in the previous post(s), but here's a link to one I've saved as a favorite:

http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilters.html

Be sure to click on the filter study link in the first paragraph to see the whole study.

BTW, I only use Mobil 1 filters in combo with Mobil 1 5W-30.

[Edited by Turbobink on 12-11-2000 at 03:07 PM]

 

According to the AC/Delco on-line catalog they do make a filter for the 4Gen Maxima. It is Part Number PF2057. It seems to be not stocked at the mass merchandisers where I usually buy such items. I'm still looking...

See: http://www.acdelco.com/parts/oilfilter_cat_set.htm

 

Thanks for this link. It appears to be an update of the Russ Knize test mentioned in my previous post. It does not contain any mention of the conflict with the Fram filter manufacturer or the letter from the former Fram engineer. Knize deserves credit for having done a fine piece of work, at his own expense, which benefits all interested car owners.