Okay guys I'm wondering about the pros and cons of the tall vs. short oil filters. This is in no way about what oil filter to use. I did some searching and every thread I read it exploded into a this filter is better than that filter thread and blah blah blah. I will ask Doc to delete any posts that don't give info on the subject matter. I think this would be FAQ or Archive worthy granted we get good info. The reason I ask is I recently got an SA and after looking about some differences in parts between the SA and FB found that for the 79, and 79 only it calls for the taller filter while 80-85 calls for the shorter filter. Now for cars eqipped with the beehive I can understand the short filter for space reasons. But for cars with the FMOC(79-82) what would be some of the advantages/disadvantages of using the tall vs. short or vice versa? I know Jeff20B argues if there's space, use the tall filter, but what's the reasoning? Thanks in advance for all the replies and info!

 

I really don't think it'll make a difference. When I changed the oil filter on a '99 Caravan, the one coming off of it was bigger than the replacement, yet that's what the auto parts stores called for. No problems whatsoever.

I don't think there's a difference in filtration quality over tall versus short based on that.

 

Tall has more filter media and is less of a restriction; especially when it reaches the end of its 3000 mile change schedule.

I've used a tall filter on a beehive when I had room.

 

Napa Gold 1182. Big fatty tall filter, made by WIX so it's a great filter media. Best filter I ever bought.

 

I'll second that... more surface area on the taller filter (assuming all other variables remain constant)

Only concern I could possibly see is the additional force being applied to the filter body due to the larger surface area there as well. (...fairly negligible...) With that being said, given a choice I would go with the larger filter in every situation.

As to why the previous posters caravan filter was smaller: filter manufacturers like to save money - universal filters = lower overhead. Vehicle manufacturers like to ensure their vehicles last long enough to make it out of warranty - specific filters...

Matt

 

Napa Gold 1347

 

Would explain it. Confused the hell outta me when I pulled it out of the box and compared it to the old one.

 

The Amsoil filter I use is slightly larger than stock, however it makes it easier to mount the FilterMag on it and center it on the filter. Larger is better just as others have said, more filtration and some say allows the oil to cool a bit more.

 

So far some pretty good information but if you guys wouldn't mind refraining from actual filter suggestions. Giving filter numbers for references compared to others for the tall vs. short arhument is fine though

 

I've always used oversized filters. I usually go with the Napa Gold 1347, but when I worked at Autozone I got a Bosch 3423 during a promotion. The 3423 is a little shorter than the 1347, but still a lot taller than stock. There was one taller Bosch/STP one that I could've used (presumably the same size as the 1347), but I didn't know at the time that it would fit.

 

Standard Mazda oil filters are better than most of the aftermarket crap

 

Yeah the two filters I've basically been comparing were the PH2849 and PH9593A size wise. The 2849 is the bigger filter that is for the 79 and the 3593 is for everything 80-89, then in 90 they went even smaller for some reason. Sounds like the big filter will work out better in the end. Thanks for the info

 

Oddly enough, the only filter I have had problems with is one of those tiny mazda ones. They even put it on, but it just didn't seal right and it was an adventure to troubleshoot the leak to say the least.

 

Anyone know if there's a tall version of the Purolator PureONE PL14459 (the short version and the ONLY filter I use on my car)

Jon

 

I'm seeing a lot of religious devotion to oil filters in this thread.

 

The pure one comes in a tall size, for the rx3 application. fits 1st gem fine.

 

I tried going with the purolator filter for awhile but I noticed that I had a pressure drop of about 15psi at idle. I don't know if this was directly related to my hard starting but as soon as I went back to the mazda filter my pressure went back up and the car starts instantaniously regardless of temp. Everything else was the same and I used the same oil as all previous changes. Before when I would start my car oil pressure would only reach 40-45 psi until the car started and then it would jump up to 80 until it warmed up and then slowly fall back down 65 to 70 psi. Now since i've gone back to the mazda filter pressure jumps up to 80 psi as soon as you crank and stays that way until warm and even then only drops a few psi. That's been my experience anyway, YMMV.

 

Excellent Thread!

I have allways wondered which would be better in the tall vs short discussion.
I think that the tall one would be better.

Will be using one on the beetle for sure.

Besides,the short one looks funny!

Karis

 

Interesting topic as i have always used the small mazda filter but have contemplated in changing to a larger filter.
I have never had a problem with the smaller filter and my engine builder only uses the standard mazda ones, however i do see the advantage of the bigger filter as there could possibly be a better filtration due to the bigger size, but who knows??
Ill stick with the specific mazda filter, as im sure mazda has designed them specifically for the rotary.
Plus i think it looks tidier.. but thats just my opinion..

 

I always go with a taller filter when possible.

For my tractors and other rental equipment,I use Napa filters and always go larger on the last two digits, to gain more filter size when I can fit it.
For example,a 1334 can be replaced with a 1344......its exactly the same filter,just longer.For our cars,Id go as big as possible considering the doubley critical function of oil in rotary engines.
The main thing is to make sure any filter you substitute has the right features.....just 'cause it screws on doesnt mean its right.There should always be an internal relief to prevent starvation if the filter gets fully gunked up,and there should be an anti-drainback valve to keep the filter primed.This is especially important since our filters sit upside-down.

 

Well said Jeff. I think the question/argument is framed wrong. It is more about the quality of materials used and design, height is just superficial. Quality materials are synthetic celllose fibers and gells. Cheap filters only contain a paper material.

Measurables: Efficiency ratings. a cheap filter will have a 30 micron efficiency rating in the 90+ percent range. That means that everything smaller than this will freely move around in your engine causing damage. The best filters have 5 micron efficiency ratings in the 99% range. And u have everything in between.

The other rating is capacity. So your oil filter is trapping all these contaminents, but once it reaches its retaining capacity the rest of the crap is going to flow freely in your engine.

Look for high efficiency, high capacity in your filters. If they dont give you an efficiency rate at a given capacity, then DONT buy it. It doesnt matter if the filter is two feet tall, if poorly designed and cheap materials, your engine is the loser.

Religion: That which cannot be proven and solely based on faith...

 

This is the same filter for my wifes 96 Civic.


Wonder if a Honda OEM would work on the 7?

 

I've heard of guys using Honda filters on the RX's but I wouldn't personally, but yes some hondas use the same size/same thread pitch oil filter as the RX's do. I'm liking the way this thread is turning out. If anyone else has any more information or personaly experience with tall vs. short, post up!

 

Size does not matter. :-)

It is filtering quality that counts.
Just make sure that the filter that you are using has the anti-drain back valve in it.

 

this topic is comparable to the issue with "the best oil filter."

The bottom line: use whatever you prefer. its your engine and its your pocket.