Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

I have big hands and can't get a grip on the small *** filters our cars have. While changing my oil today, (usually a 1 hr job) but today it took me 3.5 hrs, reason being I mistakenly tightened the filter instead of loosening it. To make matters worse I did it by punching a screw driver thru it.

I know the rule, left loose, right tight, but when you're on your back you can sometimes get mixed up. I did today for sure. I eventually had to remove my wheel, inner fender liner and go at it from a seated position.

On the + side, I now have one very clean front wheel inside and out, I'll do the others tomorrow.

Now my question, is anyone here using a bigger size oil filter and if so what is the part number?

I got so frustrated today I thought about putting this car up for sale. We are plagued with weak batteries, small oil filters, hard to get to cabin filters, poorly located heated seat controls, rocking chairs for driver seats: the list goes on.

Sorry for the rant, but I hate wasting the better part of the day doing what should be quick and easy jobs.

KGMtech

big is not better for oil filters. Over at the famous oil site, Bob is the oil guy, there have been examples of the Nissan wee little oil filters taken apart, and the area inch2 of the media measured. Assuming this is a OEM filter, these wee little cuties have a pretty impressive amount of filtering area. In short, stick with it, righty tighty, lefty loosey.

Get a rubber strap wrench from Home Depot, etc, these are awesome for oil filters.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the tip. I went to my local harbor freight and bought an oil filter wrench. I also made up a magnetized decal with the correct loosening direction and placed it on the beam below the oil filter so there won't be any question next time.

RickSmith

Something to think about if you use or are thinking of using an oversize oil filter...the oil filter warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER misapplication, mis-installation and damages or failure caused by rust or corrosion.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS VOID under the following circumstances:

• Use of motor oil other than the viscosity and type as recommended in the ownerʼs vehicle manual;
• Damage or failure caused by misuse, negligence, modification, accidents or abuse;
• Damage or failure caused by unauthorized service or use of unauthorized parts; and
• Filters which are submitted in a condition that prohibits testing to validate any alleged defect or malfunction.

So, if you use a oil filter not listed as being the correct filter, you might not have warranty coverage if the filter is defective.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

True, but at 115k miles I'm pretty sure I'm out of warranty. Besides, if I were to go to a bigger filter I would ensure that I added enough oil to compensate for the larger capacity filter.

wildcat08

I have been using the larger filters (Pathfinder part #) on a Maxima and a Murano with no ill effects to speak of. I wouldn't put too much effort into worrying about it either way.

14blackbeauty

oil filters have check/pressure valves in them you could be hurting the car and not know it. As suggested check out bobs the oil guy very interesting test and its on oil and filters!

dmcmahan12

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

wildcat08

No offense to anyone, but I wonder if the extra 1/2" in filter length is really that big of a deal??? For example, the Purolator L14612 is the filter specified for the Maxima with 3.5L, Murano with 3.5L and the Altima with either the 3.5L or 2.5L. However, the Purolator L14610 with the same threads and anti drain back valve but additional 0.59" length is specified for the older Pathfinders with either the 4.0L or 5.6L.

My point is that there is a range of applications for any filter. These same filters fit many vehicles with a multitude of engines from many manufacturers. I do think that there is too much made of this or that oil or this or that filter as anyone can see by visiting any car forum. There are over 13,000 threads just about oil filters on bobistheoilguy.

MaximaSE96

iTrader: (8)

i have been using the same oil filter that is used on my wife's 2006 CRV for 5 years now WIX 57356.....i think it was the same as my Sentra Spec V....i buy them in bulk on ebay

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the info wildcat, I'm going to a bigger size filter and I'm not looking back.