Oil Filter Damage?

[Al Swearengen]

While doing my oil change and filter last week I accidentally dropped my new filter on the concrete floor of my garage twice (it was cold as sheat here on the Front Range last week and my hands were slippery...).

Thought about it at the time but went ahead and installed the filter anyway. Is there anything in there that might be jarred loose or otherwise damaged that could lead to the filter failing?

Thanks

 

[Al Swearengen]

BTW it's a Purolator Premium Plus

 

[unDummy]

If you dinged or dented it, it could have issues.
I'd never install a damaged filter. Thats how stories, that blow up into hearsay, are created.

 

[Dark Jedi]

if you dropped it. I would get a new one. never know what the dent will do inside the filter can. atleast its not a M-1 filter or you would be cussing up a storm lol. one advantage of changing the oil in the grass. if yo udrop it. its less likely to dent

 

[KW]

Shoot as long as it's not crushed or something I'd have to say it's good to go.

 

[Pete C.]

Most filter manufactures, Wix included, say not to install damaged filters because the "dent" is a weak spot. READ THE BOX.

As the oil system pulses, it acts on the dented shell the same as rapidly bending a piece of metal does, it breaks.

That does not mean you can't install it and it won't rupture, but that's a chouce you have to make $5.00 filter vs $3000. engine.

 

[TallPaul]

Is the filter dented? Does it rattle when shaken?

I once ordered some Purolator L40017s and when I picked them up one of the filters was all loose inside so I refused it.

 

[Filter guy]

Tall Paul...in your instance either they left the tension spring out or if it was a leaf spring, they put it in upside down and there was no tension on the element..hence the rattle.

Pete C. has explained it best as to the pulsing effect on the filter and why a dented shell can develope a leak in a dented area. It's is not 100% certain the dented filter will do this. But it is 100% certain no filter manufacturer will warranty a leaking oil filter due to a dented shell. They don't build them with dents.

 

[Al Swearengen]

The filter wasn't dented - that's the original reason I installed it. However, after thinking about it for the last week I went ahead and put a new one on - afterall they only cost $1.88 a couple months ago at Advanced Auto (I bought 6)!

Thanks anyhow guys.

 

[Alex P.]

If it wasn't dented I don't think I would have sweated it. But they're so cheap, I suppose it's worth putting one on for the peace of mind alone.

 

[Hans]

I worked in a Ford assembly plant for 31 years and when an engine came down the line with a dented oil filter we always replaced the filter with a new one.