So does anybody know what kind of games lexus is playing with the new oil filter they've been selling? It looks cheaper than the other ones I used to get a couple months back, but they claim there's a new manufacturer and that's the only difference. Unfortunatly I notice a slight dampness around the seal with this new filter, I think someone messed something up and now I have to re-machine the seal to fix this problem as drippy oil is out of style...

 

For the last 2 years I have been using TRD filters. They are twice the price.

 

"Many people have stumbled upon deals for the 08922-02011 Toyota oil filter; a couponed filter that is considerably cheaper in price than the regular Toyota 90915-20004 oil filter. I highly recommend you do not short-change your oil filtration and instead stick with the 90915-20004 oil filter whether you own an SC300, SC400, or Soarer.

The 90915-20004 oil filter is Toyota Denso brand, made in Japan. It has a thicker, higher quality filter element than the 08922-02011. The 08922-02011 is a cheap filter made in the United States. It's shorter in length, has a thinner, flimsier filter element, inferior constuction, and filters lower oil volume than the 20004. Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota sells the 20004 for $6.99/ea by the case (case of ten). Lexus dealerships charge $13.25/ea list price for the same filter.

Toyota makes another filter for their V8 motors, the 90915-YZZB5, that is supposed to compete with other low-end filters like Fram. The YZZB5/YZZB9 filters are also smaller than the 20004 and they do not have oil bypass valves like the 20004. Steve Ganz sells all four oil filter variations, but he will only use the 90915-20004 on his own SC300 and Supra cars.

The 90915-20004 is also cross-labelled as the 90915-03005 and 90915-20002 for the SC430. They are all the same filter."

-Rich ****
http://www.intellexual.net/faq

Got this off Rich's site hope this helps...

 

The 90915-20004 has been discontinued and is no longer available. No one has them in stock any longer including Steve from Carson Toyota. The new filter is now being manufactured in Thailand not Japan and is now # 90915-YZZD3.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=107592

 

Has anyone come to a conclusion on which filter to use?

 

I'm courious as well the difference between the TRD filter vs. the regular Toyota filter. I am currently using the Mobil 1 filter which is about $10. I've read some things on the bobtheoilguy or something that the toyota filter is not that good actually as the cardboard filter media is very thick and as could get clogged as the oil gets dirty which hurts filtration which isn't good for the engine Not sure who to believe anymore with so many tests & opinions on the subject

 

The bottom line for me, is that this is frustrating. Fram and the YZZZ have been discussed at length but among many choices, it is still open. The YZZZ has been in service since late December and...

The outside "sources" provide minimal enlightenment. We have oil changes from 3k miles all the way to 20K miles. All have various data to support their findings.

 

Agreed! Seems there are many theroy's out there with regards to the amount of time & miles one can go between oil changes. I have read many articles on both sides of the fence for those that change before it's time (they like the fact that they always have clean oil & a new filter) & those that extended their drain intervals without any problems to speak of (perhaps yet depending on a number of factors). I use the "default" method & follow what the owners manual says but use Mobil 1 5W 30 synthetic oil along with the Mobil 1 oil filter (M1-102) & keep a detailed file of all maintenance records should there ever be a problem while the car is under factory warranty &/or an extended warranty. That way, Lexus has no choice but to fix the issue no questions asked.

 

Why not use the filter that the Toyota/Lexus engineers put on the car and sell through the dealer network?

What a concept.

 

Anyone have the old filter? We can cut them out and compare between them two.
JPI

 

There are some reports that have said the Toyota filters actually clog over time due to the thick filter cardboard media and restrict oil flow especially in extreme cold weather.