Using automotive oil filters

I have been checking a lot on the web, including this site, and have decided to at least try to run an automotive oil filter on my motor.

My reasoning for this is twofold, first I wanted to get a filter that had a greater amount of filter surface area and second I wanted a filter that I could easily get locally (the nearest Honda dealer is 45 minutes away)

I thought about using the Napa filter, but saw that it's filter element was tiny in comparison to others and so in reading I found that the oil filter for many late model Honda cars also fits on my motor (I have a '96 VFR750 btw) The Napa filter isn't stocked locally either. No matter what I was going to have to special order, I want something I can just go get when I want it.

The only difference and concern I have is that the relief valve on the automotive filter is 14-18 PSI while the filter specifically for the VFR is 9-12 PSI. I am less concerned about this because I don't plan on letting my filter get so gunked up that I need the relief valve (if I am understanding correctly that the valve is for bypassing the filter element if it becomes too clogged)

I chose to use the Purolator pure one filters as that is what I use in the car and the pickup and I think they are about the best filter on the market. The filter I am using is the PL14610. It's longer than the stock filter, but it appears as though it easily clears my exhaust.

The filter I compared numbers to is the ML16817, which is the Purolator part number for the oem replacement.

If anyone else has any experience doing this, please let me know. I will post further success or failure of this experiment as I was not able to find this exact swap on this site.

 

I use a Fram PH7317 on my 94, seems to work fine and cost 1/3 what the Honda filter does.

 

If memory serves me, the '94 and '96 are the same and a quick check on the purolator web site shows the PH7317 is the Fram equivelent of the PL14610 so I should be good to go. Thanks for the info Rev!

 

There has been much debate over this subject here and elsewhere. As for your choice of Purolator Pure One - it's my choice too based on trying a few and gutting them when finished, and studies others have done and posted on the web.

Nice signiture line. "Smells like victory"

 

Fram has a very thin paper element that comes apart quickly if i remember correctly from oil filter comparison tests...you get what you pay for...

My Honda dealer sells me Honda filters for my VFR $9.96 each..

 

I had an RX8 and was suprised the same filters fit my VFR. Made it easier to justify buying filters by the case. :biggrin:

 

"smells like victory"

Vlad, you are the first person who has got that!

 

right on bro
I got it,too. It is from Apocolypse Now
one of my favorite sayings

 

I don't know about that, maybe to comment, but not to get...

Unless I am missing something other than the AN reference?

 

You might want to check this site out:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Consumables.html#OilFilters

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Filters.html#OilFilters

FYI, I use the Purolator filters on all of my bikes. Cheaper than OEM, easier to get and from what I have read they are superior in their ability to filter out the crud that accelerates engine wear.

HTH,

 

After testing different filters when taking auto tech classes I will never put a fram on anything I own. they where by far the cheapest out of the 10 or so brands we tested and disasembled.

As Nailer45 said "you get what you pay for" there is a reason they are the cheapest. I either buy Honda or K&N

 

Those links provided some really good information Bill (wcthalgott) Anyone considering using a different filter ought to read that.

To clarify, I don't have anything against the oem filter, I just don't relish having to drive two hours just to get one (there is no local Honda dealer for me)

I have completed the oil change and am very happy with the fit of the PL14610 filter. No issues whatsoever, there is still room for me to slide my finger in between the exhaust and the end of the fliter closest to it and there was no problem getting it in around the exhaust or the oil cooler lines.

I still wish the pressure relief valve was closer to the oem's, but I don't doubt the information in the above mentioned links that the valves are not exact and there is only 1 psi difference between the high of the motorcycle filter and the low of the auto filter.

Now I just have to wait for a break in the weather, turned to rain for the weekend. Once it's ready to go I hate not being able to use it.

 

You can always buy your filter and crush washer on-line and have it shipped to you. If you wanted OEM but not the travel. There are plenty of places on-line to buy it from. Cheaper usually, but then shipping of course, but I usually buy a half dozen or so and/or buy when buying other stuff, so the shipping is negligible. And, albeit illegally technically, I avoid sales tax by buying out of state.

 

I've used a Napa Gold filter (1358) for years, first in my '91, for 83K mi, and now in my '01, 28K and counting. I've read the filter articles, I've also talked with truck drivers who swear by Napa filters (made by WIX), and swear at Fram (and won't use them). The Napa is 3 miles from the house, I pick one up on the way home. Never had a problem with oil or filtering or damage. I run Mobil1 15-50 (uh-oh - oil thread hijack...)

 

I wouldn't risk messing with anything but K&N...

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=KN-303


Can almost guarantee that ANY local jap bike dealer has them in stock... Spend the extra few bucks for peace of mind.

 

well said I use K&N on everything I own. Buy the best and screw the rest.:biggrin:

 

Been there done that, to much hassle to find a good aftermarket filter like the one from Amsoil, and turns out it's only like a few cents less than the Honda, so for me it's a No way, no how would I ever go after market again, it's just not worth it IMO
thou a good idea in concept, but there's a reason Honda does what it does.
Here's something to think about "IF" you have engine trouble under warranty best have a Honda filter on it, or say by by.

 

warranty? Whats that? Mine ran out over 20 years ago. lol