2003 5.3L Oil Filter --now a PF44

[TxDoc]

I went in to buy a couple of Mobil 1 filters and the local AutoZone, Advance Auto, O'Reilly's, etc., did not show any info on 2003.

 

I bought for a 2002. Got home, crawled under and the filter was shorter. Same diameter, same center threaded section, but shorter. No clearance reason that I could see.

 

As with any problem..I read the directions. The owner's manual clearly states PF44.  Went back and it was this small filter. I cross-matched to a Mobil 1, but don't have the number in front of me.

 

I just thought it was strange. Do the 2002's and on back, have a different filter for the 5.3L?

 

I am now wondering what it would hurt to use the longer filter and add a little oil. The larger filtering surface area would help, but I am still unsure of if it could cause a problem.

 

Any thoughts are welcome.

[sincityZ71]

Yeah they changed the type of filter used.  The 2002 and back use the PF59 filter on the 5.3L.  But for some reason they did some changes to the new engines for the 2003s and so they use the PF44.  I don't know if I would use a different type of filter then what the truck calls for, if it was designed that way, there must have been a reason...

[SilveradoWV]

I know there are 2 filters that can be used on some s10s, the 52 and another one and the only difference is the length, Its kind of unknown if the 59 will work instead of the 44 so i would stick with a 44 for now!

[Tucson_02Silverado]

For 2003 the 5.3L is suppose to be in the SSR and some version of the Envoy EXT or the Buick version.  Probably is a exhaust routing issue and GM is doing what manufactuers of other products do, consolidate parts content.  Although the PF44??  That is a pathetic little filter.  What is the recommended oil fill with filter change for the 2003?

 

I think the oil filter will now start falling into the catagory of addons that get taken off when the vehicle is taken in for warranty service.

[TxDoc]

The filters that cross reference and look the same are:

 

AC Delco PF44

Mobil 1  M1-107

K&N  HP1007

 

Three Filters

 

Manual says, regarding oil change interval, based on the GM Oil Life System or every 12 months, whichever comes first. If the system is accidentally reset, change at 3,000 miles.

[Black02Silverado]

TxDoc,

 

The only difference with the new filter is the length. I did some research and GM moved to that size for some reason, probably cause of a clearence problem with one of there other models. I personnaly have not looked at your application but if it is the same as my 02 5.3 then you can use the same filter as the 02 model. I personnaly use an Amsoil filter  part # SDF 30 it is 4.8 inches long where your PF44 is 3.5 inches long. I got a ton of clearence so I perfer to use the longer filter. That way you get the extra oil in the system and more filter media. The cost for the Amsoil filter is right around $10. You can order a filter and oil off my web site if you want. I dumped the dinosar oil out at 4k and have been running  Amsoil 0w-30 ever since, got 22k on it now with no problems, just a better piece of mind, IMO. Hope this helps.

[BDBWTE]

Here's my $0.02 on the subject...I would but the biggest filter on the truck I could...without getting around rotating assemblies or close to wear damage could incur to the filter...more oil and more filter area can't be a bad thing not to mention it might keep the oil a butt hair cooler...imo :thumb:

[CMNTMXR81]

PF44 is what comes with LS1's!  No surprise that it's on These engines too.  Part of the matter is clearance.

 

For those of you who feel the PF44 is too small and insufficient, I still use the PF44 on my Heads and cammed LS1 with nary a problem.  If I'm using it on that, it'll be more than enough for your needs.

[bobc]

Dealer recently de-carbon'd my 2001 5.3L for cold start "knock" and after doing so replaced oil and  filter.  However in the parts list they listed a PF59C instead of a PF59.  

 

Anyone know if there's a difference between a PF59 and a PF59C?

 

later!

bobc

[Tucson_02Silverado]

PF59C = PF59 compact = PF44  

[bobc]

Smart  a s s    

 

It's definately longer than the micro pf44.... (3.4" vs 4.5")

 

Looking at the Wix site it's apparent that the PF59 and PF44 filters are interchangeable.  The pf44 exists for tight clearance areas.   Both list '96-03 application.

 

later!

bobc

[Tucson_02Silverado]

In the ACDELCO.com online catalog, under the section vehicle list by part number.  The PF59 is listed for the 2002-1999 LS trucks and late 70's 5.7L trucks.  The PF44 is listed for the 2003 LS trucks, 2003-1997 Vettes, 2003-1998 LS1 F-Bodies, 2003-1996 2.4L and the early to mid 80's Jeeps using Chrysler 360's and 4.2 I6, late 70's Pontiac 301.

 

It looks like parts consolidation, with a secondary of clearance resolution.

 

Is the PF59C labeled AC Delco?

[bobc]

In the ACDELCO.com online catalog, under the section vehicle list by part number.  The PF59 is listed for the 2002-1999 LS trucks and late 70's 5.7L trucks.  The PF44 is listed for the 2003 LS trucks, 2003-1997 Vettes, 2003-1998 LS1 F-Bodies, 2003-1996 2.4L and the early to mid 80's Jeeps using Chrysler 360's and 4.2 I6, late 70's Pontiac 301.

 

It looks like parts consolidation, with a secondary of clearance resolution.

 

Is the PF59C labeled AC Delco?

I only peeked under the truck to confirm a filter change after noting oil and filter listed on the service record.  The service record lists "PF59C".  Yet like you I see no such beast anywhere.  It's probably an internal p/n or a typo I guess.

 

Filter is Blue.  I'll have to crawl under and see if it says something different than PF59...

 

BTW your list from AC Delco site is pretty much the same as that listed at the Wix site.   The filter specs at the very least have been around for quite some time.  If it's parts consolidation you can figure that aftermarket will sell this filter for quite some time, even if GM has decided to use only the 44.

 

later

bobc

[kasmiraus]

PF 59 fits on the 2003 silverado.  Just changed my own oil, and no problems

[Import Hater]

Shouldn't you all be using the UPF59?

 

Tsk, tsk...shame on you.

 

Rob