OK, I'll apologize in advance if this thread has already passed through.... Has anybody else had any experiences with the "new" OEM oil filters from Honda (yes, the DEALER)? By this I mean, Honda recently standardized some of their filters so MANY cars now use a SINGLE replacement filter. I have a '98 V6 Accord and I bought a filter a week ago...how else can I say this...IT'S TINY! It is smaller, in BOTH outside diameter and length, than the previous OEM filter. I put the filter on this past weekend and I noticed that it does indeed match-up with all the required parts....BUT...but the smaller outside diameter of the filter case means that you end up with a small bit of exposed backing plate that was previously covered by the filter and runner O ring... I called my local dealer and talked to the parts dude...I confirmed (twice) the part number for the car...it is the correct filter (and NO they don't have any of the old ones). I also asked three other questions; 1) Has the filter life changed as it has a smaller capacity (presumed based on size than anything else)? ANSWER: No...same life. He knowns nothing of any changes to the recommended life interval based on the recently changed filter. 2) Has the oil capacity of the car changed (again, due to the smaller capacity of the newer filter)? ANSWER: YES...how much he does not know. He indicated just watch the last .1 - .2 quart you add...top it off after running the engine rather than trying to get it right the first time. 3) Has the oil pressure in the manifold changed? ANSWER: dunno...good question though. OK, my questions to this august body are; 1) Does anybody have any experience with this newer filter...hopefully somebody with an oil pressure guage? 2) Am I just paraniod here? I am a true believer in synth oils (I use either AMSOIL...when I can find a good distributer or Mobil 1...my standard) so I'm used to having slightly extended change intervals. What with this tiny filter I wonder if this interval will be an expensive one....? Looks like I'll stock on K&N oil filters (they're the "normal" size AND they have a 1" socket attachment welded to the top of the can for EASY installation & removal...too bad the local auto parts stores don't always stock them...AND they're expensive. Thanks Scott Wallace
