I took my 2003 Toyota Camry 2.4L in for an oil change. The parts store said it takes a PH4386 they have been using a PH4967. What is the difference, should I be worried?
2007-09-14 08:39:48 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Many oil filters (and other car parts) for a given vehicle may have different "versions" (i.e., some have higher capacities and/or are comprised of different materials), and some numbers are simply retired. Some are designed for early use of a vehicle, and others when more time, mileage, and wear-and-tear are evident.
Most likely, your mechanic took the filter that was the closest match to your vehicle that was in stock or readily available from their warehouse or supplier. Unless the mechanic is completely incompetent (i.e., made a reading error, which, unfortunately, is easy to do, but most oil jocks double or triple-check the results), then it shouldn't be a concern.
Given your question's details (bravo, BTW!), the PH4386 is about half-an-inch longer than the 4967, which *usually* means more filter material, which *might* translate to better protection for your car.
Interestingly, according to the Fram website (see below), the 4967 is used for 1988, 1992-2000 Camry's for 2.0 - 2.2 liter engines, while the 4386 is used *only* in Camry 2.4 liter engines for 2002-2007! That implies that the 4967 is out-dated, and, in your case, probably shouldn't have been used in the first place!!! Again, that's not always the case, per my first paragraph, above (what does the car manual say, keeping in mind that it's now out-of-date!).
I know a lot of mechanics who go solely by what the car currently uses, in an effort to keep things the same; a smart mechanic always looks up the part, in case of manufacturer error or updates! So, it *sounds* like your mechanic did you a favor! I'd keep going back to that mechanic, if I were you! :)
2007-09-14 09:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by skaizun 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as the car was not leaking oil and the incorrect filter did not damage the connection on your car....it should be fine. You should consider asking the installer of the incorrect filter, why they did that.
2007-09-14 15:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by Stumpy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, don't worry. As long as you weren't leaking oil it makes no difference at all.
2007-09-14 15:54:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ferret 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋