Here's my update on what I found today.... :builder:
Believe it or not, a regular old-style Chevy oil filter is
almost a perfect replacement filter. The size is right, as it doesn't stick out any farther than the bottom of the radiator. The o-ring seal diameter is just a wee bit smaller than Honda, but it will fit, and seal.
There are, however, TWO problems.
Problem 1: The threads on the Chevy filter are almost identical. In fact, the filter will thread onto a nipple the same size as the Honda filter bolt. But....the difference is SAE threads, versus Metric threads. I'm afraid the threads would not hold, so a nipple with metric threads on one side and SAE threads on the other would be needed. That is not an insurmountable problem.
Problem 2: With the Chevy filter threaded onto the engine case, it has a gap between the filter and the engine case, because of the boss that is cast into the front of the engine case(see pic below). It's about 3/4". IF the front of the case had been flat, it would be a simple thing to get a nipple with the correct sized threads on each end, and screw the filter right on. Soooo...a spacer of some sort would be needed, to seal against the engine case, and the filter. This might be a bit tougher to find/make. I'm going to look and see what I can come up with that will work, and be commonly available.
I think the Randakk kit takes care of all this, along with having the by-pass built into the spacer..... :doh:
I ain't givin up just yet.... :nea: