Is this dented filter usable? PurolatorBOSS PBL20195

[NashNative]

This is the correct take. Our engineers at Fleetguard say the same thing. Dents will often create weak points and the filters can start leaking.

I wouldn't use it and risk an engine over a free dented oil filter. Those dents look to have sharp edges which can translate into stress points that could weaken the metal and spring a leak from the pressure fluctuations.

 

[ford250]

Looks like one to me.

That had to be a hard lick to dent that can Those are thick material !

 

[Dborch41]

If that filter uses a leaf spring (most do), that dent could cause it to misalign with the filter cartridge. That would create an internal leak allowing oil to bypass the filter media.

I wouldn't risk it.

 

[ZeeOSix]

If that filter uses a leaf spring (most do), that dent could cause it to misalign with the filter cartridge. That would create an internal leak allowing oil to bypass the filter media.

Purolators that use a leaf spring have the bypass valve built into the end cap, therefore the leaf spring doesn't "seal" the center tube hole in the end cap. Frams were built that way, and it would be very hard for the leaf spring to misalign because it sticks down pretty far into the center tube hole in the end cap. One thing that could happen is if the leaf spring gets deformed from the dent(s) in the end dome, it could cause the filter's guts to become loose -ie, become a "rattler" is shook.