Oil for filter gasket.

[Darwin1138]

Since we are all about splitting hairs here, did someone ever noticed a difference in the installation of an oil filter by using different oils?

Like: "When I used 5W-20 on the filter gasket, I over torqued the filter, now I only use 15w40 in all of my gaskets" or some similar statement.

If we haven't got that far into the rabbit hole, I do wonder, how close are we to start seriously discussing that topic?????

 

[JustinH]

The Toyota filters I buy come with a lubricant on the filter gasket from the factory.

They have a plastic cover on that part of the filter to keep it from smearing all over the box in transit.

Pretty good idea.

As for the other oil filters, I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.

 

[tinmanSC]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
The Toyota filters I buy come with a lubricant on the filter gasket from the factory.
They have a plastic cover on that part of the filter to keep it from smearing all over the box in transit.
Pretty good idea.
As for the other oil filters, I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.

+1 to everything said above.

 

[Quest]

over the years, I've used dirty oil, clean(fresh) oil, vaseline, etc. on new oil filter gaskets, and never have any issues with them.

A bit of oil/grease on fresh new oil filter gaskets serve 2 purposes: (a) provide a bit of lubrication between the 2 mating surface to reduce possibility of rip/cuts, and (b) there will be minor swelling as time goes by, which helps in providing additional sealing capability when compressed between 2 mating surfaces.

Always follow the instructions provided on the oil filter body and you'll be good to go.

Q.

 

[steveh]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
.

As for the other oil filters, I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.
That is what I do.

 

[KD0AXS]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.


That's exactly what I do too.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: JustinH
I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.


That's exactly what I do too.


As do i.

 

[DBMaster]

It's funny how the instructions always say to use clean oil. I guess that is a good default to keep from getting grit on there, but I have always used oil from the drain pan myself. In 35 years I don't recall ever having a filter gasket leak.

 

[gregk24]

I always use whatever new oil is going into the sump.

 

[MrQuackers]

MMO

 

[oldhp]

Dirty oil??? The Horror!!!

 

[Nyogtha]

I always use some of the used oil to lubricate the new filter gasket and threads.

My wife always uses some of the fresh oil to be installed to lubricate the new filter gasket and threads.

 

[wildcatswo]

I've generally dipped my (DRY!!) finger in the new oil. Whatev.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: steveh
Originally Posted By: JustinH
.

As for the other oil filters, I just dip my finger in the dirty oil and smear it on the new filter gasket before installation.
That is what I do.
cI used to do that as well until I found the special oil filter gasket oil . The special oil is hard to find but once you use it you will want a stash.

 

[cb_13]

I rub the new and old filters together at the bases. It smears used oil onto the new gasket. If not then I need to check the filter housing for the old gasket. Kinda kills two birds with one stone.

 

[Sayjac]

Originally Posted By: MrQuackers
MMO

To each their own but I wouldn't use that to lube a sealing gasket. There is a thread on the forum by G-MAN who used MMO and had a terrible time getting the filter off. Pretty experienced DIY guy so I'd assume he did everything else right. Found the thread with a quick search, linked below. Might want to read it.

DO NOT use MMO to lube the filter gasket!

As for me, during the filter prefill process I take a little fresh oil off the funnel used on the filter outlet hole and lightly lube the gasket. Not much to it.

 

[MrQuackers]

^^^^^ Thanks for the info

 

[Vern_in_IL]

I have used P-80 Emulsion Temporary Assembly Lubricant with great results.

You can request a free "sample" (need a company name) to try for yourself!

Quote:
P-80® Lubricants provide temporary lubrication that reduces the force needed to assemble tight-fitting rubber and soft plastic parts. P-80 Lubricants can be applied manually or automatically by dip, brush, sponge, or spray techniques.


BTW, I can get the filters on EXTEMELY TIGHT with this lubricant, it's that good, dries in one hour.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Darwin1138
Since we are all about splitting hairs here, did someone ever noticed a difference in the installation of an oil filter by using different oils?


No. Its not something i would think about.

 

[901Memphis]

As long as the gasket doesn't bind when turning you are fine, you can use any grade of oil you want to lube the gasket it won't matter whether its 0w16 or 20w50 as long as the gasket stays where it's supposed to be and glides on.

I have never tried dirty oil, i usually just use what's inside the cap of the jug of clean oil to lube it since i install the filter before dumping the fresh oil. Never had to reach into the jug with my finger but i would if i had to. Don't like the idea of using dirty oil but it is much better than no oil.