Wix Air Filter

allenp · Jul 2, 2002

Wix Air Filter is considering adding the air filter (part no. 124295-12560) that is used on the YM195, YM240, YM1600, YM1700, YM1900, and YM2000 to their product line. From what I understand, they (WIX) log the number of requests for new filters and introduce new products based on the number of e-mail and phone contacts. This one seems to have met the critera for a closer look. However, if you are interested in this particualr filter, you can increase the odds by calling: 1 800-949-6698 or by submitting a request via their website - www.wixfilters.com

LMTC · Jul 4, 2002

Don't hold your breath. We gave them and Baldwin info and the names/numbers to confirm it as to the volume of those being used and the market potential. No filter. When? Oh, about 3 years ago.
However....during those weekend nights we spend in the parts store stockroom (yes, virtually every part matchup you know about came as a result of a dealer, or a dealer's supplier, physically matching up the part) we discovered something interesting. Wix has a filter, made in several different factories (most filter mfgrs have their filters made in multiple places by multiple subcontractors)....it is physically DIFFERENT from each factory, but each still meets the application the filter is actually listed for. The trick is that ONE of the factories makes it in such a way that it works absolutely A-1, Jim Dandy, as close to OEM as you can get, in the 1500-2000-etc. applications. We have an arrangement with the distributor....they hand pick through incoming inventory to pull this factory's production for us. Of course this costs us. You might find it randomly on a shelf, and you might not. Randomly I believe it's about a $7 or $8 filter, but don't get the wrong one...it doesn't seal well and you will likely need rings soon. Non-randomly we sell them for $12. I'm sure someone will fuss about the "obscene" profit, but not only do we have to pay for the hand-picking, we have to buy 100 at a pop. Oh...and we had to figure out that one of the factories made one that works (ok, we had some help from a supplier on this one).
We also have oil and fuel filters for most (Wix--$7 each). Make your shipping $$$ count and order 2 or 3 of each. Please remember that if you order by model, we ship per original filters.....i.e., if someone has replaced the bowl on your 2000 with a long bowl and filter from a 2500 and you don't tell us you need the long fuel filter, you get a fuel filter you can't use.

allenp · Jul 5, 2002

Thanks for the warning. From what I was told, WIX has ordered an air filter from Yanmar in order to develop a cross. Maybe they will follow through... or maybe they won't. They were very clear on one point – their decision is based on potential lost sales, which they determine by the number of calls and requests via their website.

I find your info very interesting on random verses “hand picked”. The OEM Yanmar filter is 2 3/8” (height) x 4.5” (ID) x 7”(OD). The closest WIX filter (per WIX) is a 42297, which is 2.54” (H) x 5.57” (ID) x 7” (OD). Considering the difference in the ID, I will stay with the OEM Yanmar filter until a closer replacement hits the market.

LMTC · Jul 5, 2002

Using the wooden ruler from my desk, I get the following measurements: 7-3/8" OD x 4-7/16ID x 2-5/16"H
I am never one to advocate poor maintenance, and I tend to be too cautious (at least according to my friends and family. I think they are all way to wild, especially Grandma. She has been known to eat ice cream twice in a day. What a wild woman. Anyway......I tend to be over-cautious) in most things. You will certainly not get hurt using the OEM filter. However, the cost is high. This filter makes a very good seal (if both rubber flanges are intact yet in the filter canister), and the tractors seem to run well with it in place. It is a bit wider, but we've never seen a tractor seem to lack for air as a result. I know of at least one other major importer using it, with no apparent problems.

Inspector507 · Jul 5, 2002

Wayne,
Is that a Wix 42297 that you have hand-picked for you?

allenp · Jul 5, 2002

I went back to an old e-mail from WIX and they also mentioned another filter that was "close".

WIX 42904 - 2.75" (H) x 4.937" (ID) x 7.125" (OD)

FRAM CA79 (cross to WIX 4227) is 2.55" (H) x 5.58" (ID) x 7" (OD), which for all practical purposes has the same dimensions as WIX 42297.

However, in my area no one stocks the WIX or the FRAM so I don't have a chance at finding a close match. You are correct, the OEM filter is pricey, but I feel safer using the Yanmar filter until I know it has been "crossed" verses one that will fit.....just a personal preference only.

Ozarker · Jul 5, 2002

I wonder if the filter housing from a US model can be mounted on a grey? Anybody ever tried it?

roger_scotty · Jul 6, 2002

I don't know if the US model bolts up, but it would be worth a look at modifying one. A good example of what is involved is on the YM155. For a few years it came with a simple replaceable filter like some of the greys - which are also from that same erea. Later Yanmar offered an update kit to change the YM155 to a modern setup like the rest of the US models. This kit consisted of a circulating pre-cleaner plus a cleanable air filter element. The pre-cleaner works so well that the filter itself has a very long life. Yanmar says to clean the pre-filter daily, clean the air filter every 100 hours, and replace it every 600 hours!! I do mine more often. Check the rubber gaskets that seal between the air filter and the outside world -if yours has them. On mine, the rubber gaskets on the air filter housing seem need replacement as often as the filter does.

Diesels use a lot of air compared to gasoline engines.....and they tend to work in dirtier envirionments. I lost one diesel engine to a pin-hole leak. Amazing how much wear can result from the tiniest leak.