Universal M-18

[Bob4203]

Fellow M-18 owners, I am seeking the cross reference Kubota engine/block number in hopes of finding a fuel and oil filter that won't empty my wallet everytime!!! I understand that local autoparts stores carry the same quality filters; howver, they are referenced by the Kubota diesel block or engine number, which I cannot find anywhere..............The Catalina 30 International Association site has a great chart that cross references the Kubota number for this engine with all name brand filters.

Have any of you gone this route with using none "Universal" labeled or fuel filters with any issues of concern.

Thanks

Bob
1988 Mark II

 

[Stu Jackson]

Kubota Block Equivalents

Reply #7 here: http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoex...M40-engine-information&highlight=kubota+block

No issues with other filters.

 

[Bob4203]

Thanks Stu,

I noticed you were helpful on many other boards regarding Kubota crossover info.

No doubt the marine supply store prices are high, but what is interesting is my conversation with the parts guy at our local Kubota dealer here in Georgia. He claimed that although the blocks may be identical, when marinized the filter housing components may be totally different then the tractor engine. He claimed his oil and fuel filters would not fit my Universal, nor would starters as well as most other external parts. He obviously had to deal with other marine diesel owners with Kubota blocks before.

The only suggestion he gave was to get the Universal oil filter (spin on) part number and head over to NAPA or AUTOZONE and cross reference with a "Wick" oil filter that would be compatible.

If others have had any success finding an oil filter for the M-18 other then the OEM Universal, I sure would like to know about it.

Thanks

Bob

 

[Stu Jackson]

Bob, the only marinized part on the engine is the cooling system, with the HX and the exhaust riser off the back of the manifold.

That said, I use Universal secondary engine mounted filter, since I don't change that one for years. The primary takes care of most of the crud.

I use Fram oil filters. There's no change there, since the mounting hole is the same on the tractor.

If you have more specific questions about your engine, I've found most M18s on the Ericson board. Join up and ask away!

All the best, thanks for the kind words,

Stu

 

[Donnybrook]

I took a high dollar Universal fuel filter (298854) and rubbed off the paint with MEK and found a Baldwin BF940, which cross references to a Wix 33390 or CarQuest 86390. All are about 1/3 the price of a Universal and just as good. For an oil filter for my M-18, I use a Fram PH-3593-A. Easy to find, inexpensive, and a smaller diameter to clear the coolant line. Now I like to support my local merchants, but I won't pay $25 for a $10 filter.

 

[Bob4203]

Donnybrook,

You came through! Thank you. I was needing a cross number or alternative filter and that Fram number is an excellent start.:dance:

I have just over 500 hours on this 1988 M-18 engine. Its not even broken in! Since I sail in a large lake I rarely need it but to get me out of the dock and back in, yet I still change the oil annually. Heck, I might be running the same tank of diesel fuel since 1988

Any recommendations for the screw on fuel filter? I already have the Racor unit. I am seeking the screw on on the engine.

Appreciate the help.

Bob

 

[FastOlson]

Measure Twice......

One small observation, if I may.
When we bought our (used) boat, there were several spare oil filters included. Due to unavoidable circumstances, I was not able to speak to the seller to ask any questions.
Once home I started comparing those spares to the stock Universal filter, and found that while the base would seem to be a perfect match up.... the overall size of the filter case was larger or just a bit longer on a couple of them.

Thing is, on an M25-XP, that filter is crammed in tight inside the alternator and also shares space (darned little space) with the copper elbow that takes coolant back down the port side of the block.

So, I do appreciate the lead on the replacement, but would also measure it carefully before buying one.

LB

 

[Stu Jackson]

LB's right, that's why I use a Fram instead of the larger Universal oil filter. May be the same arrangement on your M18.

Donnybrook gave you all you need to know on swaps, seems to sound like my list for our M25, but you have an M18.

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Fuel

 

[Bob4203]

I have no issue with a smaller sized filter (length) if these replacements are smaller.

The reason I say this is because I noted right away that on our new Nissan Rogue the oil filter was incredibly small, almost too small by traditional oil filter sizes to believe. How could a four cylinder engine manage to maintain filtered oil through these small units? Its in the overall surface area of the filter material and the porosity of the material according to the dealers. All engineered in.

The M-18 has a lot of space around it compared to the M-25 so its an easier fit regardless of size.

I am more amazed at what happened when DonnyBrook cleaned off the Universal logo on the filter and found another manufacturer's name!!!!! Amazing.

Bob

 

[Bob S]

Donnybrook,

I've been using Baldwin filters for both fuel and oil. It fits my M25XP. There is not a lot of room but there is no interfernce. I don't know the # for the oil off hand but I bought 6 of the BF940 @ 6.54 each and change it every season.

http://www.adiesel.com/baldwinfilters/BF940.html

 

[fjwilsonjr]

My M-18 has Z500 stamped on the oil dipstick, and I have been told that that is the Kubota model number. I have been using Kubota filters for 20 years. I do not have the numbers at hand or I would post them. I can't find the notebook I wrote them in and the filters are on the boat. I would expect that if you gave a Kubota parts man the number of cylinders, bores, stroke, etc., he could identify the engine easily.