Oil filter too close to cooling hose?

I put on a Napa oil filter last week. it's a few inches taller than stock merc filter, so it is about .25-.5 inches away from the cooling hose that goes from the thermostat housing to the transmission oil cooler. I imagine the clearance will get tighter as the hose heats up and expands. I am wondering if the filter would melt the hose if it came in contact or cause other issues. I can swap out for a smaller filter, but would like to keep that one on if it's not going to matter. 07 Merc Black Scorpion. Pic attached.
Thanks in advance.

Should be a non-issue. Just ensure it doesn't rub.

That hose should not expand. If it does, it should be replaced. I dont see the oil filter getting hot enough to melt a radiator/cooling system grade hose. I think you are good.

It's fine. The shorter filter is just much easier to install. You're not in a dusty environment so the small filter is more than adequate.

Thanks. Neither filter is tough to install since i removed the factory hard tanks. I'll just leave it and make sure it's not rubbing.

i did notice one bolt was missing on the transmission housing just to the left in that picture and another was loose. It exposed a bit of what looked like cork gasket. Wasn't sure exactly what that meant. Anyone?

Bolts vibrate loose on occasion. Just install a new one and torque it, and the loose ones.

The one behind the filter in that pic? It's just the splash cover for the flywheel. The bolt should be 1/4-20 X 3/4" if you need one.