Oil Filter Adapter

If you're like me, and got the "wrong" VG33 engine (you probably want one from an Xterra/Frontier, to keep the accessories in the same location as the VG30--the Pathfinder/QX4 VG33 has the alternator and power steering pump "swapped"), then you'll need to get an Oil Filter Mount (called OIL FILTER BRACKET by Nissan parts) from an Xterra/Frontier. The Xterra/Frontier has a a mount that angles the oil filter forward to make room for the alternator, while the Pathfinder/QX4 oil filter points straight down.

• 1. The mount came! And it's the right one! (I was worried, since the parts diagrams only show a picture of the vertical Pathfinder/QX4 mount).

• 1. Adapter on, adapter off...

• 1. The Pathfinder/QX4 uses O-rings, the Frontier/Xterra uses a metal gasket...not sure why, but hope it works!

• 1. Thread sealant...

• 1. Sending unit cleaned and sealant applied...

• 1. Oil sending unit installed...

• 1. Exposed threads of the Pathfinder/QX4 adapter and exposed threads of Xterra/Frontier adapter...Didn't think until I got ready to put it on that the adapters are a different thickness! If I'da paid attention to that, I woulda ordered the factory bolts, but sucked it up and went to the local Ace hardware...I used a M8x1.25x25mm bolt for the bottom, "shallow" mounting hole, and used M8x1.25x30mm bolts for the top and middle holes ("took" 3 trips to the hardware store to figure that out)...

• 1. Oil pump mating service cleaned...

• 1. Adapter installed! Soon to see if that metal gasket "works" without any sealant...