Branded vs 'generic' oil & fuel filters

[Aeolus]

Does anyone know whether it matters that the 'generic' (actually they are Baldwin) filters are slightly smaller that the 'proper' Beta Marine filters? The oil filter is about 25% smaller (similar diameter but 67mm long instead of 85mm) and the fuel filter is approx 10% smaller. The generic filters are less than half the Beta price, hence the interest. The engine in question is a Beta 20.

Inline Filters have identified the generic filters as the best match they have to the Beta filters.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

Does anyone know whether it matters that the 'generic' (actually they are Baldwin) filters are slightly smaller that the 'proper' Beta Marine filters? The oil filter is about 25% smaller (similar diameter but 67mm long instead of 85mm) and the fuel filter is approx 10% smaller. The generic filters are less than half the Beta price, hence the interest. The engine in question is a Beta 20
.Inline Filters have identified the generic filters as the best match they have to the Beta filters.

Beta engines are marinised versions of Kubota originals. If you can find out the base engine for your model, (someone will doubtless be along shortly with that info), you can look up the Kubota parts list and identify what you need. In my recollection, the original filters are painted Beta Red, obliterating all details, but if you can read the numbers off your Baldwin ones you have the problem solved.
Your local motor factor should be able to cross reference the numbers across multiple brands and supply filters at a more attractive price. Quality is important, stick to better-known brands, rather than the cheapest available. Make sure they are the same spec as the originals.
You can also get some info on line if you can weed out the American results ; searching something like "filter cross-reference", perhaps add "automotive"
Don't forget belts; bring the original belt along to the motor factor when buying spares and they will be able to supply a match.

 

[lw395]

What usually matters is the area of filter material, which you can't see without cutting open the canister. Some cheap ones have less pleats etc.
To interchange oil filters, what needs to be the same is the thread and the diameter of the rubber sealing ring. That data seems hard to find.
I'm not familiar with Baldwin filters, I try to stick to generics that I know, such as Fram, Knecht etc.

If your oil and fuel are kept clean, then a slightly smaller filter is unlikely to clog. We change oil filters often enough, and the fuel is usually pre-filtered?
But quality of filter medium still matters IMHO.

 

[alahol2]

Here is a list of 'compatibles' for the BZ482 that I've garnered...
No guarantees but I've used several of these options, they fitted and, so far as one can tell, worked fine.

Oil Filter
Beta BZ48 2211-63760
Kubota Z482 15853-32430
Fram PH5343/PH6607/PH6811
Crosland 2142/2163
SK SP4040
Coopers Z1142 or Z1129
Baldwin B7285
Greyfriars 9087S
Jacobsen 5002644
Schupp SF4005
Woodgate WGL9187
Fiaam FT5405 or FT5447
Fleetguard LF3925

Fuel Filter
Beta BZ482 211-60210
Kubota Z482 15221-43170
Fram P7514/P4766
Crosland 5004
SK SK3674
Coopers FSM4027
Mahle micro-star OC196 KC99
Fiaam FT5006
Fleetguard FF5226

Air Filter
Beta BZ482 211-62950
Fram CA15
Fleetguard AF1657
SK SL5683
Crosland 882

 

[CalicoJack]

There are several videos on YouTube, done by people in the USA, testing different oil filters. The one thing they do have in common is that they are very damning of Fram filters.

 

[sailorman]

I have had issues with some generic`s being too fat in the dia & foul the raw water pipe from the raw water pump to the HE

 

[philiphurst]

I've used the Baldwin variant from inlinefilters for a few years with no problems. Can't see the point in paying silly money elsewhere.

 

[lw395]

Fill yer boots:
http://www.oilfilter-crossreference.com/convert/KUBOTA/15853-32430
Don't blame me I just googled it!

Seems to show things that fit the engine boss, including varying can lengths.
Looks like lots of jap cars hae filters that will fit.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Beta engines are marinised versions of Kubota originals. If you can find out the base engine for your model, (someone will doubtless be along shortly with that info), you can look up the Kubota parts list and identify what you need. In my recollection, the original filters are painted Beta Red, obliterating all details, but if you can read the numbers off your Baldwin ones you have the problem solved.
Your local motor factor should be able to cross reference the numbers across multiple brands and supply filters at a more attractive price. Quality is important, stick to better-known brands, rather than the cheapest available. Make sure they are the same spec as the originals.
You can also get some info on line if you can weed out the American results ; searching something like "filter cross-reference", perhaps add "automotive"
Don't forget belts; bring the original belt along to the motor factor when buying spares and they will be able to supply a match.

I did much the same, and my daughter (who works in the car industry) readily sourced equivalent filters for my Volvo 2003, at MUCH lower prices than "marine" suppliers manage (not counting staff discount ) And the Volvo 2003 isn't a rebadged engine; it is the last marine engine that Volvo designed and built themselves. The filters she found are identical to the ones Volvo supply....

No engine manufacturer makes their own filters; it is really only a matter of discovering what the filter really is!

 

[sailorman]

I did much the same, and my daughter (who works in the car industry) readily sourced equivalent filters for my Volvo 2003, at MUCH lower prices than "marine" suppliers manage (not counting staff discount ) And the Volvo 2003 isn't a rebadged engine; it is the last marine engine that Volvo designed and built themselves. The filters she found are identical to the ones Volvo supply....

No engine manufacturer makes their own filters; it is really only a matter of discovering what the filter really is!

Are you able to post the filter Nos
Also not many manufacturers actually refine any oil for their engines, their engines just need oil" to spec"

 

[Plevier]

There are several videos on YouTube, done by people in the USA, testing different oil filters. The one thing they do have in common is that they are very damning of Fram filters.

Yes but Fram US and Fram Europe are unconnected companies with different products, just licenses to use the name. Rather like Exide in batteries.
Fram Europe products are OK as far as I know.
I tend to use Mann simply because of local availability.

 

[Bodach na mara]

I was once in Lucas getting filters and specified Crossland ones. A taxi driver in the queue complimented me on asking for a known brand and said that the cheapo ones from certain motor spares shops were about as much use as a cylinder filled with scrunched-up Daily Records.

 

[Carl s]

I could understand if you are travelling and need a filter quickly, and the only ones available are a different brand, but surely if say your engine is a say 5-7grand replacement you would want to use the best filters available, what exactly is the difference in cost between approved producer and copy l I stand to be corrected, but doubtful if it was more than a tanner , once or twice a year = 20 quid , not worth the uncertainty,imo

 

[RAI]

Branded filters are mostly well painted, whereas some others are mostly bare metal, which rusts. Guess how I know.

 

[JumbleDuck]

One issue with car oil filters is whether they have a non-return valve in them or not. Cheapo ones often omit it, which means that the filter drains back into the sump with the engine off and that in turn means a small but cumulatively significant bit of extra wear each time the engine starts and takes a little longer to build oil pressure.

 

[RivalRedwing]

Must admit that I am more picky with fuel filters than I am with oil filters. Baldwin are ok, I prefer Mann or Delphi. I steer well clear of the cheaper pattern brands on the advice of a fuel injection specialist who makes a steady income from those who economize on their fuel filters...

 

[Avocet]

I'm getting quite keen on Mahle filters these days (for my car, at least).

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Are you able to post the filter Nos
Also not many manufacturers actually refine any oil for their engines, their engines just need oil" to spec"

I was going to, but seem to have lost the correspondence between my daughter and I!

 

[GrahamM376]

My Mitsubishi based engine came with Baldwin oil and fuel filters. As they're not readily available locally off the shelf, looked at alternatives but none of the listed equivalent oil filters were narrow enough to fit. I carry 4 of each as spares.

 

[davidej]

I could understand if you are travelling and need a filter quickly, and the only ones available are a different brand, but surely if say your engine is a say 5-7grand replacement you would want to use the best filters available, what exactly is the difference in cost between approved producer and copy l I stand to be corrected, but doubtful if it was more than a tanner , once or twice a year = 20 quid , not worth the uncertainty,imo

I think you mean a tenner -as least that if you have a Volvo.

And do Volvo, yanmar, beta etc make them themselves? - of course not -they buy them in painted in their own colour