A simple gasket question

[HawkeyeScott]

I have been changing my own oil for about 8 years. From Day 1, I was taught to oil the gasket on the new filter. (My dad taught me to dip my clean pinky finger in a new botle of oil and then rub it around the gasket several times.) He didn't explain why this is done. To this day, I still don't know. I do it, I just don't know why.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: HawkeyeScott
I have been changing my own oil for about 8 years. From Day 1, I was taught to oil the gasket on the new filter. (My dad taught me to dip my clean pinky finger in a new botle of oil and then rub it around the gasket several times.) He didn't explain why this is done. To this day, I still don't know. I do it, I just don't know why.



To keep the filter gasket from sticking to the engine. It makes it easier to remove the filter.

It also allows you to tighten the filter further and more consistently by hand

 

[HawkeyeScott]

Makes sense. Thanks!

 

[88Dakota]

Originally Posted By: XS650
It also allows you to tighten the filter further and more consistently by hand


This is the biggest reason. To seal correctly the gasket must be pressed tightly against the sealing surface, yet the tighter it gets the more it starts to bind and twist. The oil allows it to "slide" around the sealing surface and seal tightly.

 

[paulo57509]

I use the old oil in the drain pan for lubing the gasket. I don't know why, but it's just the way I do it.

It's probably because once the car is up, I throw everything I need (tools and filter) under the car and I don't come up for air until I button everything up down below. The drain pan is right there.

 

[Gregory]

You could just lube the filter before you get under the car.

 

[rangerdood]

I lube the filter gasket and add as much oil as possible to the filter before installing. It's nice on the Ranger that the filter is mounted vertically, so I can pretty much fill it to the brim before installing.

 

[paulo57509]

Originally Posted By: Gregory
You could just lube the filter before you get under the car.


I prefer to dip my finger in the nice warm oil.

The author of one of my Ducati manuals says that using used oil makes fiter removal easier because it prevents the gasket from fusing to the crankcase. I don't know how true this is as I've never really had troubles like this. Even in the days when I blew off lubing the gasket.

 

[John_K]

I have heard not to use dirty oil as it may have dirt in it that could cause a leak.

John

 

[Dyoel182]

I usually just touch the two filters, give it a twist and then put the new one on.

 

[Gary Allan]

My wrench buddy just relies on the oil that dripped all over the mount to perform this function. He's been doing it that way for a very long time.

 

[Shannow]

I use a little Li grease.

 

[Gary Allan]

That was our ointment of choice in my first shop. Paint the thing and install.