1983 oil filter problem solved

[odie]

I think I have solved the problem with finding an oil filter for the 1983 Maxi....

I was doing my first oil change this weekend on my new-to-me Maxi....

Having zero success finding anyone who stocks or can even order an oil filter I was surprised that Autozone's parts computer said use a K&N oil filter, about ten bucks. O'reilly's actually lists an oil filter but could not order it????

Anyway, after removing the old oil filter.....surprise surprise

Not even close

So now as I am stareing at the old filter I realize that it looks just like the filters for my Izuzu P'up diesel. So I go to the garage and pull out a spare Isuzu filter, check the threads, gasket, inner tube diameters, etc.

it's 99% match

The Isuzu filter was maybe a little bit longer, but that is probably brand difference (Wix, Purolator, etc).

And how do I know the person before me just didn't "make" an Isuzu filter "work"? The old filter is "NISSAN".

So if you are having a hard time getting an '83 LD28 filter, just ask for an Isuzu P'up or Chevy LUV diesel filter.

[asavage]

So if you are having a hard time getting an '83 LD28 filter, just ask for an Isuzu P'up or Chevy LUV diesel filter.

I would think twice about substituting another oil filter on the '83 (only). It's special, for a reason.

The correct filter (Wix 51094) is available from NAPA.

[odie]

I think what is special about it is that tube thing with an o-ring inside. I had assumed it was an anti-drain back valve or such since the filter is up-side down on the Isuzu. But could be a by-pass or whatever. But it looked identical the that tube thing inside the Nissan oil filter and both filters are designed for diesel applications.

Anyway, it fit on just fine since I was kinda out of options at the moment and I have a whole case of Isuzu filters that I got for about $3 each.

And always better than putting the old dirty filter back on. Not too likely to find the right filter on a Sunday in this town, I couldn't even find it M-F.

[asavage]

Your Isuzu filter might not filter at all in this application. All the oil may bypass all the filter media.

The Wix 51094 is a special filter for this application. I would think twice about substituting anything else.

[goglio704]

I have used the Wix 51091 before. When I first had my 83, the only filter I could find locally was a Purolator L34002. They list this filter as applicable to the 83 LD28 and the Isuzu. Years later I found out that the Purolator crosses to a Wix 51091 which is their Isuzu filter. So Purolator considers their L34002 to be applicable to both, but Wix does not consider their equivalent 51091 to be applicable to both. Today I use the correct Wix 51094 exclusively. So, even though I have done exactly what you are doing Odie, I wouldn't do it again without consulting Wix or cutting the filters open and comparing the porting.

I should also note that for the first few years I owned the Maxima, I regarded it simply as cheap transportation. I took care of it, but I didn't have a long term view of it. I thought it was too obscure to mess with much. I intended to drive it until it needed a repair that was over $200. I was unwilling to get much money tied up in it. Time went on and I realized I could mitigate the obscurity factor if I bought every one I could find. So began my current problem...

[odie]

that L34002 is what I used.

I would guess that's pretty common...some filters will fit multiple applications while another manufacture lists seperate part numbers for each application....the filters may truely be different or identical.

It's possible that the factory OEM specs for the two filters might be different. One filter might meet the minimum OEM specs for both vehicles while the other vehicle's filter does not meet the minimum specs of the first vehicle.

One filter maker may decide to make only the better filter and list it for both applications to save manufacturing, inventory and distribution costs.

But I guess you really have to compare the specs side-by-side.

[Carimbo]

Just because another filter model appears to "fit," (correct threads, gasket surface appears to match/seal) does not mean that it will perform correctly. Does the application call for an internal filter bypass valve? Yes? No? Pressure range? Burst strength? Flow specs? Mounting orientation? These may all be vastly different even though the threads and sealing surface are similar.

Big mistake to install a filter that has internal bypass where the application does not call for it.

IIRC, the Purolator website had good info on the various specs of its oil filter models.

[goglio704]

From the Wix website:

Part Number: 51094
UPC Number: 765809510944
Principal Application: Nissan Sentra 1.7L Diesel (83-86), Maxima 2.8L Diesel (83)
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow/By-Pass
Media: Paper
Height: 4.352
Outer Diameter Top: 4.300
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 1-12
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: None
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Burst Pressure-PSI: 290
Max Flow Rate: 12-16 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 6

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 3.052 2.470 0.173
Packed 0.716 0.498 0.109

Part Number: 51091
UPC Number: 765809510913
Principal Application: Chevrolet, GMC, Isuzu Trks 4-Cyl 2.2L Diesel Eng (84-87)
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow/By-Pass
Media: Paper
Height: 5.225
Outer Diameter Top: 4.300
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 1-12
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: None
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Burst Pressure-PSI: 275
Max Flow Rate: 12-16 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 6

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 3.052 2.470 0.173
Packed 0.716 0.498 0.109

The only difference I see is in the length and burst pressure. The internals appear to be the same when looking through the center port, but as Al pointed out, there could be differences in the porting of the oil within the filter. However, I'm not sure how the Purolator L34002 could be applicable to both if such differences exist.

[odie]

I wonder if the purolator is made to the higher burst pressure of one application and the slightly longer length (i.e. more filter media) of the other application so that it serves both applications?