Getting challenging to find somewhat common items?

[Pmt133]

Happened a few weeks ago but still interesting none the less... I am building a remote mount oil filter kit for my 4.3l. Most kits use a PF454 or similar. You know, possibly one of the more common filter sizes in existence... Lately I noticed all my local auto parts stores (aside from NAPA but they aren't exactly local and still have to order usually) no longer carry pf454 or equivalent. I found one STP branded one but it wasn't on the shelf as they were also pulling it from stock/shelf space. My advanced has a couple of fram variants of it listed but they are never in stock and even when they are... I just don't exactly trust them. I just found it very odd and a little frustrating. I have like 5 vehicles on the road that use that or a PF1218 (tall can) and have to either drive to NAPA to order them or order online... And I always think I have a stock pile but never can seem to find them.

I've started to notice this trend with a lot of things, not just boat/car parts. My grocery shopping needs to span 3 stores now as they just don't have things in stock. And not obscure things, like pasta or meat or eggs.... Luckily the booze run is still one store but I don't know how long that'll be for... Anyone else having little annoyances lately that weren't a problem a short while ago?

 

[alldodge]

Most of the filters are so interchangeable these days , it should be easy to find a cross. Farm was the name many years ago so I bought 3 cases of the short filters and are Penzoil PZ- something (same as fram). Still have them but stopped using them because I started using Wix

Wix and Napa are the same filters, just put a 5 (i think) in front of the number.
Exp 705 Napa = 5705 Wix

 

[Pmt133]

Yes, napa a 4 digit and wix a 5 I think. But that's the thing, they went down the interchange list for a pf454 and a pf1218 for all however many brands they stocked and not a single one was a stocked item at any store. Napa had them in the warehouse at least but AA or AZ had nada. Just annoying I guess.

 

[alldodge]

Hope another helps to provide a better answer, but I buy all my filters online because I buy case size so get better deal then any local can provide

That said, it doesn't help the local but then again, plan in advance helps

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Had the same boat for 20 years. I buy my boat tune up parts and gas filters from NAPA.
In the past they’ve always had them in stock but this time, nothing. Took 4 days. I guess ‘Just In Time‘- isn’t!

 

[roscoe]

Lately I noticed all my local auto parts stores (aside from NAPA but they aren't exactly local

What is a local auto parts store ?
I don't think I've ever seen one.
They're all chain stores.

 

[Pmt133]

What is a local auto parts store ?
I don't think I've ever seen one.
They're all chain stores.

Correction: Local to me.

Hope another helps to provide a better answer, but I buy all my filters online because I buy case size so get better deal then any local can provide

That said, it doesn't help the local but then again, plan in advance helps

That's the plan from now on. I just hate not having the option if I need to. Such is life.

 

[ScottinAZ]

its not just you.... parts are definitely getting more difficult to find, not just marine ones either. Parts stores are now by and large just accessory crap retailers. You can find all kinds of chrome doo-dad ****, but try and get a simple oil filter for an engine made in the same form for nearly 60 years, and put into millions of vehicles, and they look at you like "what planet did you come from"..... and it only gets worse with less common parts. Its all "we dont stock that, it will take 3-5 days to order it" only to find that its either crap quality, or the wrong part......

 

[Pmt133]

its not just you.... parts are definitely getting more difficult to find, not just marine ones either. Parts stores are now by and large just accessory crap retailers. You can find all kinds of chrome doo-dad ****, but try and get a simple oil filter for an engine made in the same form for nearly 60 years, and put into millions of vehicles, and they look at you like "what planet did you come from"..... and it only gets worse with less common parts. Its all "we dont stock that, it will take 3-5 days to order it" only to find that its either crap quality, or the wrong part......

I'll do you one better. I've been waiting 3 months on an order from a friend for a water pump for my 2019 colorado. GM has them on back order for who knows how long. Not like they're an uncommon part or vehicle or anything. I just feel my proactive ordering may become a necessity by the time it actually shows up. I've heard people waiting for a year on them.

 

[ScottinAZ]

I'll do you one better. I've been waiting 3 months on an order from a friend for a water pump for my 2019 colorado. GM has them on back order for who knows how long. Not like they're an uncommon part or vehicle or anything. I just feel my proactive ordering may become a necessity by the time it actually shows up. I've heard people waiting for a year on them.

next try getting it warrantied when it fails..... going round and round on an oil pressure sensor right now.... used to be stocked, now a "special order" and they cant/wont get one to warranty the failed part.... funny how the NAPA in town and the competition both have them on the shelf...... Lifetime warranty my hairy arse......

 

[froggy1150]

What's worse is the kid behind the counter "what's a accelerator pump? What car does it come off of?" I say.... it's not a car, it's a boat. I just need an accelerator pump for a holley 2300. Then I get " but what car does it come off of?
Arrggg!

 

[Pmt133]

What's worse is the kid behind the counter "what's a accelerator pump? What car does it come off of?" I say.... it's not a car, it's a boat. I just need an accelerator pump for a holley 2300. Then I get " but what car does it come off of?
Arrggg!

For years now I just walk in with a part number. It's easier unless it's like bulk hose or vacuum tube or something.

 

[matt167]

What is a local auto parts store ?
I don't think I've ever seen one.
They're all chain stores.

Auto value. Parts plus. Napa and a couple other smaller chains. They are all franchise suppliers but the stores themselves are usually independently owned or owned by a smaller local chain

 

[dingbat]

Spent half my career as a Mechanical design Engineer.

The support cycle of most parts is between 7-10 years. Once you get beyond that it becomes legacy support. Production and stock levels are demand driven.

Looking at the PH454 specifically, the bulk of its usage was 2000-2007. That’s 17 years ago if my math is correct.

All three of my “local” parts house supposedly have them in stock. Amazon can have one delivered to my house by 5pm today if I order by 8 am

 

[nola mike]

I remember having to actually pick up a phone and call a ton of places to find parts for my VWs back in the day. And God help me when I had a Saab. Parts are infinitely easier to get now in most cases.

 

[Pmt133]

Even more confusing... I stopped into an advance this morning just because. (Needed to burn some time) pf454 and pf1218 in stock. Also the cartridge for my 55 was stocked as well... I have more questions than answers now...

Again. Figure almost every small and big block chevy used a 454 or 1218 so that's what.... 50 years worth of vehicles on the road with them. I don't know

 

[Scott Danforth]

there are about 400 filters that will screw in where the delco curerntly fits.

its a 13/16-16 thread, 3-9/16 OD
gasket is 3" ID x 3-3/8"
anti-drain back
25-30 micron rating

I personally dont like the shorter filters, as they load up and bypass way too soon

Wix 57099 would be my preference over the AC Delco for short. however prefer the slightly longer 51086 or 51069 or 51061

Wix is now under Mann & Hummel https://mannhummelcatalogs.com/products so their cross-reference is only Mann & Hummel brands

Filter Finder

www.wixfilters.com

 

[Pmt133]

there are about 400 filters that will screw in where the delco curerntly fits.

its a 13/16-16 thread, 3-9/16 OD
gasket is 3" ID x 3-3/8"
anti-drain back
25-30 micron rating

I personally dont like the shorter filters, as they load up and bypass way too soon

Wix 57099 would be my preference over the AC Delco for short. however prefer the slightly longer 51086 or 51069 or 51061

Wix is now under Mann & Hummel https://mannhummelcatalogs.com/products so their cross-reference is only Mann & Hummel brands

Filter Finder

www.wixfilters.com

Due to where I have to mount my remote filter, I have to keep the size to about a PF454 height wise. A good friend dropped off a case of 57099s last night so I'm good there now and that was a "no charge" sit down for a beer purchase... the best kind. I typically used the mobil variant of that size however for the reasons above. I just cite pf454 as thats the size everyone probably is familiar with. I use a 51060 or mobil for the vette. (Whatever is available cheaper at the time) Any longer and it hits those slow speed humps....

 

[airshot]

Happened a few weeks ago but still interesting none the less... I am building a remote mount oil filter kit for my 4.3l. Most kits use a PF454 or similar. You know, possibly one of the more common filter sizes in existence... Lately I noticed all my local auto parts stores (aside from NAPA but they aren't exactly local and still have to order usually) no longer carry pf454 or equivalent. I found one STP branded one but it wasn't on the shelf as they were also pulling it from stock/shelf space. My advanced has a couple of fram variants of it listed but they are never in stock and even when they are... I just don't exactly trust them. I just found it very odd and a little frustrating. I have like 5 vehicles on the road that use that or a PF1218 (tall can) and have to either drive to NAPA to order them or order online... And I always think I have a stock pile but never can seem to find them.

I've started to notice this trend with a lot of things, not just boat/car parts. My grocery shopping needs to span 3 stores now as they just don't have things in stock. And not obscure things, like pasta or meat or eggs.... Luckily the booze run is still one store but I don't know how long that'll be for... Anyone else having little annoyances lately that weren't a problem a short while ago?

When have you ever saw a booze store close ? Way to much profit to be made to ever close !

 

[Pmt133]

When have you ever saw a booze store close ? Way to much profit to be made to ever close !

Actually a few have. But in my defense there are 5 within a 15 minute walk from my house so it may be a saturated market!