dented my Amsoil EA oil filter. Toss or keep?

[davidg]

Hi,
This is my first post. I've browsed this site a bit, and one of many things I learned was how effective the Amsoil EA oil filters are. So I bought a couple of EAO 20 filters via a bitog sponsor. Today I dropped the one I was about to install a few feet, and dented the bottom slightly.

I figured there was a small chance the dent would make it leak internally, so I didn't use it. If it were a less expensive filter, I'd just throw it away. Since it's kind of pricy, I figure I'll ask first.

1. Is it possible the small dent on the bottom would ruin the filter, make it leak internally, etc.?
2. Is there any way to tell if it's ruined (e.g. fill the middle, and see how fast oil flows through)?
3. Might a photo of the dent allow someone (here or at amsoil support) to know for sure?
4. Can you point me to a cutaway photo of one of these? That might help me to figure this out my self.

In my car the open part is on top, so no need for the anti-drainback valve to function, if it even has one.

Thanks,
David

 

[ewetho]

Probably be fine. If it is a small dent should not be a big deal. If it was a big one then you need a new one,

 

[Gary Allan]

David,

First things first.

The problem with a dented filter isn't internal. It's the shell itself potentially flexing in and out due to pulsations and or pressure. That's the main concern for the warning about dents. The dimple can potentially flex in and out repeatedly. This could weaken the metal and eventually cause it to fracture/breach.

Now that precautionary advice aside, I discovered a relatively deep dent in a filter on my wife's jeep. I had installed a sandwich oil:coolant heat exchanger and it moved the filter out too far and it smacked the motor mount every so often. Not only that, but the action was offset so that the striking managed to spin the filter toward loosening. No leakage, but you can imagine me counting my blessings that she didn't do too many starts on hills where the engine would stress the mounts.

YMMV

 

[Pablo]

david - highly unlikely it's damaged internally.

Post a photo (or email one to me) before I comment further. I'm thinking it's OK, but wanna see a pict. Maybe include a scale in the photo, too - but not necessary, because IIRC a Ea20 is about 3" OD.

 

[davidg]

Thanks Pablo! I was going to take a photo and email it, but after digesting this I think I'm confident in it. If the filter element sealed against the bottom of the can it would be a problem. Otherwise I'm sure it's fine.

 

[Mike_dup1]

Shake the filter to make sure nothing is loose on the inside. If you hear a rattle, discard it. Otherwise I would be tempted to use it.

 

[TurboJim]

Should the filter fail, however remote you may now think that would be, you're on your on. No manufacturer will warranty a dented filter.

 

[Papa Bear]

Toss it ... over here.

 

[alreadygone]

I'm sure sometime, somewhere a filter has cracked because of a dent. In over thirty years as a undercar technician (grease monkey) I've never seen one. Probably seen hundreds with stone dents, few hundred more with fumble-finger (like yours) dents. Occasionally receieve cases of new filters with handling dents, never yet been a problem.

Bob