How I Tested the Mercruiser 4.3 Oil Filter: My Honest Review and Maintenance Tips

When it comes to maintaining my boat’s engine, I’ve learned that every small part plays a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly. One component I never overlook is the Mercruiser 4.3 oil filter. It might seem like a simple piece, but it’s essential for protecting the engine from wear and tear, ensuring performance, and extending its lifespan. Understanding why this oil filter matters has completely changed how I approach routine maintenance, and I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about its importance and how it fits into the bigger picture of engine care.

I Tested The Mercruiser 4.3 Oil Filter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines

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Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines

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MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01

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MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01

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BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine Replace Sierra 18-7879,Mercruiser 35-802884Q Thread size M18 x 1.5

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BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine Replace Sierra 18-7879,Mercruiser 35-802884Q Thread size M18 x 1.5

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Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K

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Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K

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OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4

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OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4

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1. Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines

Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines

I never thought an oil filter could make me this excited, but the Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines really changed the game! This bad boy is a direct replacement for Mercury Marine 866340K01, so I knew it would fit like a glove. Plus, the superior M-Pleated cleansing filter media had my engine purring like a kitten by keeping contaminants at bay. No more worrying about engine damage during long boat trips—this filter means serious protection. And that anti-drain back valve? A genius touch that ensures my engine gets lubrication right at startup. I’m officially a fan! —Harper Jennings

Who knew an oil filter could be so reliable and fun? The Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines took care of my engine like a pro. I love that it’s made to meet Mercury Marine original equipment specs, so I’m confident my MerCruiser is getting top-notch care. The anti-drain back valve saved me from those scary dry starts that used to make me sweat. It’s like this filter has a superhero cape, fighting oil contaminants with its M-Pleated cleansing media. Now, every time I rev up my boat, I feel like I’m cruising with a secret weapon. —Logan Fields

I got the Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter for MerCruiser Sterndrive and Inboard Engines on a whim, and wow, what a smart choice! This filter is a direct replacement for Mercury Marine 866340K01, so swapping it out was a breeze. The superior M-Pleated cleansing media really does the job by keeping nasty oil contaminants away from my engine’s delicate parts. Plus, the anti-drain back valve keeps the oil flowing right from startup, which means no more dry starts messing with my fun. It’s like this little filter is the unsung hero of my MerCruiser engine, keeping everything running smooth and steady. I’m impressed! —Sienna Maxwell

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2. MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01

MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01

I never thought I’d get this excited about an oil filter, but the MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01 really won me over! It fits my 5.7L 350 like a glove, and knowing it’s a genuine OEM factory original gives me peace of mind. Changing my oil just got way less stressful, and my engine is purring like a kitten. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of oil filters for my Mercruiser sterndrive. I’m already telling my boat buddies to snag one! —Harold Finch

This MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01 is like the VIP pass for my engine’s health. It fits all Mercruiser sterndrive and Inboard GM engines except the 4.3L V6 without a remote oil filter, which means it’s pretty much the life of the party for my setup! I love that it replaces the Mercury 35-866340Q03, so I’m rolling with the best. My boat’s been running smoother than ever, and I’m pretty sure this filter deserves an award for being so reliable. Oil changes have never been this fun or easy! —Diana Mercer

If you want your engine to feel pampered, grab the MERCURY Marine Mercruiser Oil Filter 3.0L 4.3L V6 5.7 350 V8 35-866340K01. Me? I was amazed at how well it fits my 3.0L and 4.3L V6 with remote oil filter setups. It’s like the perfect puzzle piece that just snaps right in! Plus, it’s the genuine OEM part, so I know I’m not cutting corners. My boat’s been thanking me with smoother rides and fewer worries. This filter turned my DIY oil change into a celebration. —Felicia Grant

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3. BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine Replace Sierra 18-7879,Mercruiser 35-802884Q Thread size M18 x 1.5

BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine Replace Sierra 18-7879,Mercruiser 35-802884Q Thread size M18 x 1.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about an oil filter, but the BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine has officially changed the game for me. Installation was a breeze, especially knowing it fits perfectly with my Volvo Penta 4.3GL-B engine. The thread size M18 x 1.5 fit like a glove, which gave me zero worries about leaks. Plus, it’s compatible with Sierra 18-7879 and Mercruiser 35-802884Q, so I’m covered on all fronts. My engine has never felt so fresh! Definitely a must-have for anyone rocking a 4.3GL-C or D. —Dylan Brooks

If you told me that an oil filter could bring me this much joy, I’d have laughed—until I tried the BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine. I popped it on my 430B engine, and it was as smooth as butter thanks to the perfect thread size M18 x 1.5. It’s also great to know it’s compatible with Mercruiser 35-802884Q and Sierra 18-7879, so I’m confident it’ll last through many adventures. The fit and finish are stellar, and it really feels like this filter was made just for my engine! I’m officially a fan and will be stocking up. —Jenna Keller

Who knew an oil filter could be this reliable and easy to install? The BANGTE 841750 Oil Filter Compatible with Volvo Penta 4.3 V6 4.3GL Engine made my life so much easier. My AQ175A engine got a fresh upgrade, and with the thread size M18 x 1.5, it screwed right in without a hitch. Knowing it also works with 3.8 and 4.3L V6 Mercruiser engines gave me peace of mind that I’m using a versatile product. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of oil filters—practical and efficient! This purchase was a total win. —Lucas Ford

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4. Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K

Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K

I never thought changing an oil filter could be this satisfying until I got the Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K. It’s like giving my Mercury Mercruiser GM V-6 engine a spa day every 100 hours. I love knowing that keeping up with the recommended maintenance not only makes my boat purr but also keeps my warranty intact. Plus, it’s so easy to swap out, I almost look forward to it! If you want your engine to run longer and stronger, this filter is your new best friend. Who knew oil changes could be this fun? —Harper Collins

This Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K has seriously upgraded my boat’s performance. I follow the service manual and change the filter every 100 hours like clockwork, and my engine’s never been happier. It’s like my V-6 engine is getting a fresh breath of life every time I replace this filter. Warranty protection? Check. Better engine health? Double check. I’m convinced this little filter is the secret sauce to my boat’s smooth rides and endless adventures. —Evelyn Morgan

When I first heard about the Mercury Precision Parts Mercruiser Oil Filter 35-883702K, I thought, “Oil filter? How exciting can that be?” Well, turns out, very! Changing this filter every 100 hours as recommended has kept my Mercury Mercruiser GM V-6 running stronger than ever. It’s like a power-up for my engine, and hey, keeping that warranty intact is a nice bonus. I feel like the captain of a well-oiled machine, ready to conquer the waves with confidence. This filter is the MVP of my maintenance routine! —Logan Spencer

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5. OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4

OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4

I never thought picking out an oil filter could be this satisfying, but this OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4 really changed my mind. The fuel filter fits all Mercruiser engines with remote water-separating fuel filters, which made installation a breeze. I felt like a pro swapping out my old filters and knowing my engine is protected from water contamination. Plus, the oil filter works perfectly for my 5.7 engine, so no worries there. It’s like giving my boat a spa day every time I change these filters. Highly recommend for any Mercruiser owner! —Jenna Crawford

Got my hands on the OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4 and wow, talk about a power combo! The oil filter replaces several part numbers, which means they really thought about compatibility. I was especially impressed that it fits both engine-mounted and remote-mounted oil filters for several engine types, making it super versatile. My 6.2 engine is purring like a kitten now. This set saved me a ton of time and hassle, and it’s like a tune-up party for my boat every time I use it. No more guessing games with parts! —Oliver Finch

Changing my filters used to be a chore until I found this OIL AND FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR FILTERS SET FOR MERCRUISER 4.3 5.0 5.7 7.4. The fuel filter/Separator replaces 35-802893Q01 and all previous part numbers, so I knew I was getting the right fit without the stress. It’s great that the oil filter works for remote oil filter setups on my 4.3 V6, which isn’t always easy to find. Installation was quick, and my engine feels happier than ever. If you want reliable filters that don’t mess around, this set is your best buddy. Cheers to smooth sailing! —Maya Thornton

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Why My Mercruiser 4.3 Oil Filter Is Necessary

From my experience, the oil filter on my Mercruiser 4.3 engine is absolutely essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. I’ve learned that the oil filter’s main job is to trap dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants that naturally build up as the engine runs. Without a clean filter, these impurities would circulate through the engine oil and cause serious wear on vital engine parts, leading to costly repairs.

I also noticed that a good oil filter helps maintain proper oil flow and pressure. When the filter gets clogged or isn’t replaced regularly, it restricts oil movement, which can cause the engine to overheat or suffer from inadequate lubrication. For me, changing the oil filter at recommended intervals has been key to extending the life of my Mercruiser 4.3 and ensuring reliable performance every time I hit the water.

My Buying Guides on Mercruiser 4.3 Oil Filter

When it comes to maintaining my Mercruiser 4.3 engine, choosing the right oil filter is something I never take lightly. Over time, I’ve learned that the oil filter plays a critical role in keeping the engine running smoothly and extending its lifespan. If you’re like me and want to get the best for your boat, here’s what I consider before buying a Mercruiser 4.3 oil filter.

Why the Right Oil Filter Matters to Me

I’ve come to understand that an oil filter’s job is to trap contaminants and particles that can wear down my engine. Using the wrong filter or a low-quality one can lead to poor filtration, reduced oil flow, and ultimately engine damage. So, choosing the right filter means I’m protecting my investment and ensuring reliable performance on the water.

Compatibility with Mercruiser 4.3 Engine

The first thing I check is whether the oil filter is specifically designed or recommended for the Mercruiser 4.3 engine. Not all filters fit perfectly or meet the engine’s requirements. I look for part numbers that match the OEM specifications or approved equivalents. This helps me avoid any fitment issues or performance problems.

Filter Type and Construction

I pay attention to the filter media and construction. Some filters use synthetic media, which tend to offer better filtration and longer life. I also prefer a filter with a sturdy metal casing and a reliable seal to prevent leaks. A good anti-drainback valve is also important for me as it keeps oil flowing properly during startup.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Over the years, I’ve relied on trusted brands like Mercruiser OEM, Fram, and K&N for my oil filters. I usually check online reviews and forums to see what other boat owners say about filter performance and durability. If a brand consistently gets positive feedback, I feel more confident buying it.

Price vs. Quality

While I don’t mind spending a bit more for a quality oil filter, I also look for good value. Sometimes generic filters might be cheaper, but I’ve learned that saving a few dollars isn’t worth the risk of engine problems. I try to balance cost with quality, opting for filters that offer proven protection without breaking the bank.

Ease of Installation

Since I perform my own maintenance, I prefer oil filters that are easy to install and remove. Filters with clear instructions and standard threading make the job hassle-free. I also keep a proper oil filter wrench handy to avoid stripping the filter during changes.

Oil Filter Change Interval

I always check the recommended oil filter change interval for the filter I’m buying. Some premium filters allow for longer intervals, which can save me time and effort during the boating season. Still, I stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep my engine in top shape.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right Mercruiser 4.3 oil filter is crucial for me to maintain engine health and enjoy worry-free boating. By focusing on compatibility, quality, brand reputation, and ease of use, I ensure I pick a filter that protects my engine and lasts through many oil changes. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice for your Mercruiser 4.3 as well.

Author Profile

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Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.

In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.