Last week I changed the oil and filter on my Element. Used Honda part# 15400-P0H-305 which is the larger 80mm filter approved by Honda. After thoroughly cleaning the area where the old oil drains over everything, I started my Element and checked for leaks. Everything looked good.

After a few days I noticed a few drops of oil on my garage floor. I jacked it up and again cleaned aroung the filter area. I noticed a drop of oil on the filter itself about to drop to the floor. I used the Honda filter socket to slightly tighten the filter but it was pretty snug already. Again I cleaned around the filter and watched it for a few more days. It was still leaking around the base of the filter.

I removed the filter and checked the gasket. Looked perfect. The area where the filter seats was also clean. To be safe, I installed another Honda oil filter (Honda part# 15400-P0H-305 ) and will watch it closely.

I sure hope that Honda is correct and the larger filter is a good substitute for the smaller stock filter.

Are you sure the old gasket isn't still stuck onthe engine block? Thats about all I can think of. Good luck and let us know.

[quote:bd697b423f="Black Elephant"]Are you sure the old gasket isn't still stuck onthe engine block? Thats about all I can think of. Good luck and let us know.[/quote:bd697b423f]

I'm sure. Just shiny polished metal for the new gasket to seat on. I can see it from below.

Place the smaller filter and the larger filter back to back and make sure the center of the filter is lined up. See if the gasket for the larger filter matches the smaller filter.

[quote:c28221a82b="Ming"]Place the smaller filter and the larger filter back to back and make sure the center of the filter is lined up. See if the gasket for the larger filter matches the smaller filter.[/quote:c28221a82b]

Only have the larger filter now. Will get a small one and check. thanks

Honda says they are interchangable and they frequently put the larger filter on at the dealership I go to...

The mechanic showed me the notice from Honda headquarters telling dealers the filters were interchangable... the need arose because the smaller filters periodically are short in supply (or were).

The larger filter just a year or two ago was used on every vehicle in Honda's lineup...

The Mechanic held the two up for me and showed me where the gaskets meet perfectly (between the newer, smaller - and the older wider version) -
just as someone suggested to do. They do lineup - they did anyway. I was a skeptic, and I didn't want it going on a new vehicle unless it was made for it. The Mechanics got in a group and told me how it's actually better to have the larger filter because it holds more oil (and has more filter material) and that is beneficial to the engine.

It might be on too tight, smooshing the gasket. There only supposed to be on hand tight (as tight as you can get it with your hands).

[quote:a21fc9fdc2="JE_ELEMENT_TN"]It might be on too tight, smooshing the gasket. There only supposed to be on hand tight (as tight as you can get it with your hands).[/quote:a21fc9fdc2]

I always hand tighten the filter so it is easy to remove next filter change. Not sure what the problem was but the replacement seems to be ok. No leaks so far. Thanks

The Mechanics got in a group and told me how it's actually better to have the larger filter because it holds more oil (and has more filter material) and that is beneficial to the engine.[/quote]


It is true that it is better to have a bigger filter as the surface area is greater than the smaller. I usually go with the biggest filter available that can fit my car and also one with a tightly pleated element (Pure One filter is a really good filter for its price). I also use Mobil 1 10w30 and only change my oil every 8000 miles as I have paid to have my oil analyzed once at 4000 miles and it came back clean. 65,000 miles later and teh car still needs no valve adjustments :D . Gotta love good oil.

I will do the same for my element when I get it too :D

I work for a dealer and Honda's official stance on he oil filter issue up here is to only use the smalller filter.If you have any doubt visit you local dealer and ask to see the two different filters.Closer inspection reveals that the 2 filters have a different sealing area.

[quote:88c04f35ad="lizzurd"]I work for a dealer and Honda's official stance on he oil filter issue up here is to only use the smalller filter.If you have any doubt visit you local dealer and ask to see the two different filters.Closer inspection reveals that the 2 filters have a different sealing area.[/quote:88c04f35ad]

I'll believe Honda before any dealer. According to the Honda Corp bulletin, Honda approved the larger filter in Sept 2002. Go here for a copy:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/elementmaint.html

The HONDA DEALER put one on mine.. They use the larger filters and have been told they're interchangable. I read that bulletin at the dealer when the maintenance guy presented it to me as proof.