Toyota Trucks: Oversize Oil Filter in 3VZE 4Runner

I was wondering if there is anything to gain (or any risk) if I were
to replace the existing oil filter on my 3VZE '91 4Runner with a
larger capacity oil filter. The stock model sure is tiny. For
example, the aftermarket 3614 (FRAM and AC Delco designation, respect)
could be replaced by a 3600. It is about an inch longer, but all
other dimensions (threads) and values (e.g., bypass valve pressure)
are identical. For example, I could use the Purolator Pure One in the
larger size and be less concerned about pressure loss due to
restrictive filter media.

On Tue, 27 Jan 2004 20:08:00 -0500, "Wolfgang"
<net> wrote:
 

Cost.

Toyota engineers have determined that the small 1-pint filters are
sufficient for our 3-5k change intervals (notice that the filters on
European vehicles with 15k intervals are quite a bit larger) for most
vehicles. The Tundra/Seq/Taco get a larger filter than the
Echo/Rav4/Highlander.

Where does "cost" come from then?

The cheapest filter is going to be the smallest.
If the smallest is not sufficient for a 305k change interval, then a
larger one is used.

It's not a big deal to us when we're looking at no difference in
price, but when Toyota is building hundreds of vehicles a week, it
adds up.



--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/