Cleaning the oil filter mounting area?
- Thread starter ZZman
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Most DIY'ers that care do it. Quick lube places probably don't since they tend to do the minimal to get you out ASAP. They don't pre oil the filter, probably don't put new oil or any at all on the filter gasket and don't always wait for all of the old oil to drain out before re-installing the plug back on.
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JHZR2
Staff member
yes, I wipe everything down thoroughly. Wasted a good deal of paper...
I clean it every time, several times before spinning the new filter on. It's a good practice to help ensure the old filter gasket didn't stick to the side of the engine. I also make sure the hollow bolt that holds the filter mounting plate and the filter screws on to is tight. I had it come loose on me a few OC's ago. Pre-filling the filter and oiling the gasket is just something you should never ever forget to do, even if you do work at a quickie lube place.
Depends upon how it affects the filter's label position (just came here from the Wix's label orientation thread).
I usually wipe it with a paper towel if I can see the mating surface, on my Saturn I use a cloth as I couldn't see the bits of paper towel that might get left behind if it tore.
Never have prefilled a filter.
I usually wipe it with a paper towel if I can see the mating surface, on my Saturn I use a cloth as I couldn't see the bits of paper towel that might get left behind if it tore.
Never have prefilled a filter.
I'm with lewdwig. I always wipe the oil filter mounting surface. I had prefilled filters on occasion but usually I don't do it. Especially on my Civic the filter is so small I'm just not worried about it.
I clean mounting area for oil filter.
I also wipe the dipstick of any old oil as well,before I dump in the new oil
I also wipe the dipstick of any old oil as well,before I dump in the new oil
What is there to clean off, the oil? probably all you are doing is leaving lint behind.
Originally Posted By: Steve S
What is there to clean off, the oil? probably all you are doing is leaving lint behind.
Lint free towels for the win!
What is there to clean off, the oil? probably all you are doing is leaving lint behind.
Lint free towels for the win!
Originally Posted By: ZZman
When I change my oil and take off the filter I make sure I wipe off the mounting area and make sure it is clean before installing the new filter.
I do so religiously. It helps ensure a good seal...
When I change my oil and take off the filter I make sure I wipe off the mounting area and make sure it is clean before installing the new filter.
I do so religiously. It helps ensure a good seal...
Always clean it.
It's not the old oil, but the dirt/grit that may surround it.
And most importantly, you are checking for the old gasket that may have stuck on there! This will cause an oil leak .
It's not the old oil, but the dirt/grit that may surround it.
And most importantly, you are checking for the old gasket that may have stuck on there! This will cause an oil leak .
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Always clean it.
It's not the old oil, but the dirt/grit that may surround it.
Yep, I'm more worried about the road dirt that has built up around the filter than a few drops of old oil.
Remember, the inside of your engine is COVERED in old oil every time you change it!
Always clean it.
It's not the old oil, but the dirt/grit that may surround it.
Yep, I'm more worried about the road dirt that has built up around the filter than a few drops of old oil.
Remember, the inside of your engine is COVERED in old oil every time you change it!
Clean the area off around the filter before it is taken off.
good cleaning with brake cleaner and wipe with a rag and you are good to go. i used to run the new filter on the grill on our oil drain and spin it on. most cars seem to have the filter designed so you cant prefill.
...but don't get brake cleaner into the engine through the oil filter mount.
In my old Hondas I never touched it with more than my finger because I couldn't see it well enough up there to know if a wipe was simply moving grit from outside the gasket contact to inside, and thus inside the engine.
When I have a clear view I make sure that it is all nice and clean.
In my old Hondas I never touched it with more than my finger because I couldn't see it well enough up there to know if a wipe was simply moving grit from outside the gasket contact to inside, and thus inside the engine.
When I have a clear view I make sure that it is all nice and clean.
Originally Posted By: BearZDefect
...but don't get brake cleaner into the engine through the oil filter mount.
because the 1/4oz of fluid that evaporates in the time it takes me to oil the gasket and put the filter up really makes me concerned.
...but don't get brake cleaner into the engine through the oil filter mount.
because the 1/4oz of fluid that evaporates in the time it takes me to oil the gasket and put the filter up really makes me concerned.
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