Yanmar oil filters

[sailingharry]

My boat came to me with a well maintained Yanmar 4JH2E and a pile of Yanmar oil filters. Those are now fully consumed, and I need to source new filters.


The Yanmar filter is a 129150-35170, and appears to cost a bit under $10.


A detailed search on the internet finds this can cross to a WIX 51334. Perusing this forum's search confirms that number, and adds that a 51344 is a functionally identical filter with a bit more area, if it fits in the engine room. These (and the NAPA house version) are closer to $10 each, so a touch more expensive than the Yanmar.


So, two ways forward:
* The "MFG knows best" approach. Why even think about some aftermarket crap if the factory filter is available.
* The "Proprietary filters are overpriced, marginally functional filters" approach. Made even more concerning, as the high proprietary markup results in a CHEAPER filter!


I'm about 90% sold on the Wix (or NAPA) filter. It surely isn't about price -- I'd save a buck or two if I bought the Yanmar. But I suspect that, for the same money, the Wix is a better product. But more important, if I settle on the Wix as SOP, I'm much more likely to find a Wix in some tiny port (and if I can't, the Wix is much easier to cross in any auto store to a Fram, Purolator, etc).


Anyone want to talk me out of the Wix? Or am I the last one who hasn't already made the switch?


Harry

[ScottRhodes13]

I have found some filters are a slightly larger diameter, and don't clear the oil pressure sender that is adjacent to the filter.

[Jamme]

My two cents: I’d stick with the manufacturer. A “suspicion” that the alternative is a better product would just not be enough for me.

[Sam Woodbridge]

I’ve often wondered the same thing about filters. If we where to change oil in our vehicle would it matter what brand the auto parts person sold us? Fram, Baldwin, Napa, Wix, Purolater, etc. I like to stick to the manufacture’s name, but I wonder if there all made in one plant in China and painted different colors and slightly different in shape.

I don’t know.

Sam

[chrisr]

we have a pair of 4JH2TE's and have used non-oem oil filters for years (oil change every 150hrs)

recmar filter REC 129150-35153 is a perfect substitute for yanmar # 129150-35170. they even use almost the same part number !

we get them online from the most reputable marine parts supplier in australia.

cheers,

(ps we do they same for fuel filters, belts, impellers...all consumables)

[bil56]

this ref 129150-35153 is good for your Yanmar,
look here: https://dieselpartseurope.com/129150...er-yanmar.html

./.

[sailorboy1]

I feel an oil filter as long as it fits proper, is an oil filter.

With that said I always gets the OEM filters because I preorder them (off Amazon now days) and they basically cost the same. Even if they cost 2x as much it would be meaningless in boat maintenance costs per year.

[RocketScott]

I've been using the Wix 51334 on our 4JH3E for a few years. Sticking with the same oil and changing it regularly are more important than fretting about the filter

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...360626&jsn=722

[Bobby Lex]

Originally Posted by RocketScott

Sticking with the same oil and changing it regularly are more important than fretting about the filter

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...360626&jsn=722

+1.

I think you're overthinking this....

Bob