5 things to watch when replacing your oil filter

In this blog we discuss five tips that you can easily overlook when replacing an oil filter. Assuming that you have found the right tools, filter and oil and have replaced a filter before, these are things to check extra.

The old sealing ring is still there

When removing your oil filter, you should always check whether the O-ring in the filter head has been removed. Because it has been in place for a long time, it can happen that it has remained in place. You can guess what happens when you attach the new filter. The new O-ring or sealing ring goes over the one that is still there and you run a high risk of leakage. Especially with spin-on filters, you should always check whether the sealing ring is still attached to the filter you have just taken off.

Over-tightening filter

It often feels good to screw a new filter nice and tight. This gives the feeling that it cannot leak. Nothing is less true. If you tighten a filter too tightly, you can break the sealing ring and therefore cause leakage. Worse than breaking the sealing ring is that you also break the thread of the filter head or your block. Then the problem just got a little bigger, because replacement is the only option. The manufacturer of the filter often indicates how tight you need to tighten it to get the perfect seal. Usually you have to tighten the filter by hand until the filter connects to the head. As soon as you feel some resistance and you have the correct connection, you often need to turn it another half turn or three quarters of a turn.

Adding contaminated oil

When you buy new oil you assume that it cannot be any cleaner. However, this is certainly not always the case. Some oil contains so much contamination from the factory that when it first passes the filters, it becomes cleaner than when it went in. It is advisable, especially with hydraulic oil, to always purify it before refilling the oil. An example of such a system, from hydraulic specialist Filtrec, can be found in our shop with item number FU00304M015B01.

If you would like to check out the pre-filtration unit of Filtrec click on the link below:

Filtrec FU00304M015B01

Checking oil levels too fast after topping up

If you have just been busy replacing oil and filters, it is tempting to check the oil level as quickly as possible, close the hood and continue with the next job. What can quickly happen is that you don't give the oil enough time to settle. As a result, you measure too little oil on the block or in your system and you quickly add too much oil. This means that later when your machine is running, there is a chance that the pressure will build up too high and oil will end up in places where it shouldn't be. An example of this is that you burn oil in the cylinders or it enters your crankcase ventilation system. Ultimately, you will notice less power, possible leakage and your catalytic converter may even die.

Not lubricating the sealing ring before installation

If you install a new filter, it will include a new O-ring or sealing ring. If this is not included, make sure you have it at hand. A new seal ring or 0-ring costs little, but this way you can be sure you have the correct seal after installing your new filter. What is often forgotten is to lubricate the new sealing ring with new oil. By lubricating it, it dries out much less quickly and the seal remains good for much longer.

Bonus tip when replacing your filter

Make sure you always work as cleanly as possible. Make sure you have new cleaning cloths at hand and that you always clean the filter head or the filter connection before installing the new filter. Often when you remove the old filter there is still dirt. If you do not remove this, it will enter the system or your engine. A great shame, because you replace your filter to keep your oil in the best possible condition.