Different oil filter part numbers

[Robotazky]

I ordered a five pack from med center mazda. I just noticed that the last two filters have different part numbers. 1.) ZZCA-23-802 2.) L321-14-302A-9U

I hate when dealers do this crap with no explanation. Does anyone know if these are interchangeable? It looks like the ZZCA filter is a Motorcraft and the other one is not. They are both in Mazda boxes with the ZZCA part number covered up with a sticker showing the L321 number stuck over the box. FYI, the L321 is a far better looking filter. Google searches have turned up a lot of conversations about the L321 filter being a MS3 filter. This is the only one in the lot of 5 that was different and I just noticed it.

Anyone?

 

[Robotazky]

This is interesting:

http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2168

I will say that the L321 is a vastly superior-looking filter to the Motorcraft. If my memory serves me correctly the first three that I used were all the same and ZZCA Motorcraft filters with the plastic thing in the middle. I covered one end with my hand and blew air through it and the ZZCA passes air much more easily than the L321. That worried me.

 

[J.P.]

Motorcraft filter.

I like the look of the filter from the UK better than the US made ones. I have a spare Motorcraft (Ford) filter in the garage as a back-up (+/- $3 at Wal-Mart), but I have never used it. It definitely looks to be a step down in quality from either of the Mazda units.

I just changed out my first US made filter on Friday, and noticed that it did not twist along its length like the UK made filters always did (even the one that came in the motor from the factory). The part number on the boxes I have are the same, and the only difference is the country of origin. The US one I have is definitely not the same as the Ford ones, and they don't have the plastic sleeve inside them either.

If I go away from factory filters, I think I will go back to Purolator Pur One, or the K&N.

http://www.knfilters.com/images/l/HP-7013.jpg

- JP.

 

[Tsuru]

Curse you. You made me go down 14 whole stairs into the basement and check what kind of filters I had...














But now to add more fuel to the fire. In the three remaining filters from by batch of five all three had the same part number (L321) and all indicated they were made in Great Britain but they were slightly different (see picture)
The white ring is not missing from the right one since the part number is stamped on the white ring on the left filter but it's stamped directly on the black plastic body of the right filter. I don't remember seeing a plastic anything when doing any of my oil changes. Maybe I've just lucked out with the UK filters. Still doesn't explain the differences in construction between the filters I do have.

 

[J.P.]

UK on left.

Those are identical to what I have been getting from Mazda. The one on the left was from the box marked "Made in Gt. Britian" (since March 2009), and the one on the right is what they have given me on the last 2 trips marked as "Made in USA" (since March 2010).

- JP.

 

[Robotazky]

Tsuru, yours at least both look like decent filters. You should see the Motorcraft ones that Mazda is passing off.

I'll try to post pics of the Motorcraft filters (ZZCA) that Mazda slapped L321 stickers on. The ZZCA filters look like crap.

 

[Jetmech]

I'm been using the motorcraft filter from walmart for the last two years with great results. The unit does come out a little twisted but at least you know the oil isn't bypassing the top and bottom. I've also seen the oem ones twist as well.

Here was the original post

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123731863

Here is a follow about the twisting.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123733704.

 

[Robotazky]

Great. Thanks to Med Center Mazda for sending the wrong filters to me. Lesson learned. Drive to my dealer and get it done myself.