Not really an oil thread

[jazz]

I just did oil/filter on my 08 Nomad. My dealer stocks HiFlo filters, which I've always used on my BUBF, and they are a good economy filter.

For the 'Nad he looked up his application guide and provided me with a filter. I swapped it out, noting that on its box was the notation for exchange with Kawasaki OEM 16097-002/003.

After I did the check I rubbed the dirt off the old (now munted) filter, and noted that it's OEM part # is 16097-004.

Gadgets page refers to ~004 as the filter for most 800/1500/1600 model, with links suggesting it as superceding other earlier filters.

The HiFlo site says the one I used HF303 is the replacement for the 2006 1600 Nomad, but that refers to OEM 16097-003. It Talks of HF204 for the 2007-08 Nomad.

The application guide in the shop only referred to the filter I used, from my recollection looking over the parts guys shoulder.

I haven't read of any disaster stories in use of 2006 model filters in 2007/8 which might have necessitated HiFlo in changing the filter design, spec or #.

The OEM part # for both model years is now 16097-004 which suggests the same engine spec. Yet the HiFlo manual has two different filter numbers.

Questions, which haven't really been answered for me in VROC techtalk, yet...

What *if any* are the significant engine/oil related differences between 2006 and 2007/08 1600 Nomads?

Is it likely that HiFlo have simply rationalised their part #s given that one paper guide in the dealers parts counter is slightly different to the on-line application guide?

Am I taking a risk in using the filter I've now installed?

Regards.

[bigdave]

i have a 2007 and use the hiflo filters the hf303 fits just fine. i have 14900 miles with no problem with the filter

[jazz]

Thanks Dave - thats reassuring. The dealer was somewhat surprised I was electing to manage my own routine servicing, I would hate to give them an 'out' if there was an oil-related issue down the track later that they could try and pin on a possibly incorrect oil filter, even if they supplied it ...

Howard.

[bigdave]

if i remember right the hf 204 is just a shorter version making it easier to remove the filter with the goat belly in the way

[jazz]

Good. Although I had no problem with the 303 with the goat belly in there (and it was hot too). However, my polygrips made a mess of the original filter because being the original it had bedded itself in quite firmly <g>

[gopjohnny]

you are generally safe using an OEM to aftermarket cross reference, crossing one aftermarket number to another can cause lots of issues.

[bigdave]

had same problem getting original filter off was on way too tight