1983 oil filter problem solved

Discuss (and cuss) the Nissan LD-series OHC Six diesel engine, popularly available in the US in 1981-83 Datsun/Nissan Maxima Sedans & Wagons.

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odie
Posts: 114
Joined: 17 years ago
Location: CC, TX

1983 oil filter problem solved

#1

Post by 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???? :roll:

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

Not even close :evil:

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 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

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.
1996 VW Passat B4V TDI diesel...main ride
1983 Maxima LD28..sold
1984 Isuzu P'up diesel 4x4..sold
1981 Rabbit diesel - sold
1984 MB 190 diesel - for sale...sold
1987 MB 300TDT diesel...sold
1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 diesel Banks turbo...sold
1983 Dodge Ram D50 2.3 TD diesel for sale
gas stuff-Jeep, Lebaron, Porsche, Harley
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asavage
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Re: 1983 oil filter problem solved

#2

Post by asavage »

odie wrote: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.
Regards,
Al S.

1982 Maxima diesel wagon, 2nd & 4th owner, 165k miles, rusty & burgundy/grey. Purchased 1996, SOLD 16Feb10
1983 Maxima diesel wagon, 199k miles, rusty, light yellow/light brown. SOLD 14Jul07
1981 720 SD22 (scrapped 04Sep07)
1983 Sentra CD17, 255k, bought 06Jul08, gave it away 22Jun10.
odie
Posts: 114
Joined: 17 years ago
Location: CC, TX

#3

Post by 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.
1996 VW Passat B4V TDI diesel...main ride
1983 Maxima LD28..sold
1984 Isuzu P'up diesel 4x4..sold
1981 Rabbit diesel - sold
1984 MB 190 diesel - for sale...sold
1987 MB 300TDT diesel...sold
1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 diesel Banks turbo...sold
1983 Dodge Ram D50 2.3 TD diesel for sale
gas stuff-Jeep, Lebaron, Porsche, Harley
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asavage
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Joined: 18 years ago
Location: Oak Harbor, Wash.
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#4

Post by 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.
Regards,
Al S.

1982 Maxima diesel wagon, 2nd & 4th owner, 165k miles, rusty & burgundy/grey. Purchased 1996, SOLD 16Feb10
1983 Maxima diesel wagon, 199k miles, rusty, light yellow/light brown. SOLD 14Jul07
1981 720 SD22 (scrapped 04Sep07)
1983 Sentra CD17, 255k, bought 06Jul08, gave it away 22Jun10.
goglio704
Posts: 726
Joined: 18 years ago
Location: East Tennessee

#5

Post by 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. :roll: :shock: So began my current problem...
Matt B.

83 Maxima Sedan, LD28, 5 speed, white, 130k miles. My original Maxima.
83 Maxima Sedan converted from gasser, LD28, 5 speed, 2 tone blue, 230k miles
82 Maxima Sedan, LD28, 3 speed auto, 2 tone Gray/Silver, 140k miles
81 810 Sedan, LD28, 3 speed auto, rust, rust, and more rust!

2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
odie
Posts: 114
Joined: 17 years ago
Location: CC, TX

#6

Post by 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.
1996 VW Passat B4V TDI diesel...main ride
1983 Maxima LD28..sold
1984 Isuzu P'up diesel 4x4..sold
1981 Rabbit diesel - sold
1984 MB 190 diesel - for sale...sold
1987 MB 300TDT diesel...sold
1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 diesel Banks turbo...sold
1983 Dodge Ram D50 2.3 TD diesel for sale
gas stuff-Jeep, Lebaron, Porsche, Harley
Carimbo
Posts: 467
Joined: 18 years ago

#7

Post by 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
Posts: 726
Joined: 18 years ago
Location: East Tennessee

#8

Post by 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.
Matt B.

83 Maxima Sedan, LD28, 5 speed, white, 130k miles. My original Maxima.
83 Maxima Sedan converted from gasser, LD28, 5 speed, 2 tone blue, 230k miles
82 Maxima Sedan, LD28, 3 speed auto, 2 tone Gray/Silver, 140k miles
81 810 Sedan, LD28, 3 speed auto, rust, rust, and more rust!

2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
odie
Posts: 114
Joined: 17 years ago
Location: CC, TX

#9

Post by 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?
1996 VW Passat B4V TDI diesel...main ride
1983 Maxima LD28..sold
1984 Isuzu P'up diesel 4x4..sold
1981 Rabbit diesel - sold
1984 MB 190 diesel - for sale...sold
1987 MB 300TDT diesel...sold
1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 diesel Banks turbo...sold
1983 Dodge Ram D50 2.3 TD diesel for sale
gas stuff-Jeep, Lebaron, Porsche, Harley
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