Question for those who reuse oil filters
- Thread starter himemsys
- Start date
If I went to the trouble of removing the filter, it gets replaced. If reusing, I leave it on without draining it to avoid future leaks of the filter's gasket.
IMO leaving the filter isn't reusing it, it's just continuing to use it.
If I remove a filter - any filter - it ain't going back on.
If I remove a filter - any filter - it ain't going back on.
Leaving a filter in place and changing the oil is a fairly common practice.
Honda springs to mind.
I've always felt the same way, but I recently saw a UOA where the person continued to use the same filter through 3 oil changes and ~20k miles and at least from an Insoluables standpoint, the insoluables % remained at 0.2%. It got me to at least consider changing the oil filter every other time. Though my OCIs are short for all three cars, so even if I changed the filter every other time, they'd still get no more than 10k miles.
If I'm doing back to back oil changes like 5 or 10 miles apart because the oil is very dirty, I have no problem doing that. Same on a car that's only been driven a few hundred miles in a year or two or three. The filter hasn't worn out but still has a good bit of old oil in it, so why not just drain it out and reuse it.
With all due respect to those who must change their filters every time. If I decide to do a second run with a quality filter, I’m not going to crawl under the vehicle to unscrew the filter for the few ounces of oil in the filter and in the galleys that was held back by the ADBV. I have a 5 quart pan. If I leave the filter on for a 2nd run the oil still looks pristine after mixing it with what ever oil was left.
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That's a good point but some filters hold more than just a few ounces and some are real easy to get to. But I did that on my Audi RS6 just before I sold it. Changed the oil and filter 3 or 4 years ago but drove it less than 200 miles since. This change took 7 quarts and the filter is a real PITA to get to. Didn't drain it either, and the oil still looked pristine after the change.
Best practice says if you're going more than one oci on an OF, leave the filter in place, don't remove. Reason for that is removing and reinstalling OF, has a greater chance of a compromised sealing gasket on subsequent oci(s). Doesn't mean that will happen, just means increased chance.
The reason I leave an extended performance filter on for a 2nd interval (aside from not wasting money) is to avoid the hassle and mess of removing the filter. So it stays on with that bit of used oil in it.
Zee09
$200 Site Donor 2023
The whole idea behind using an oil filter again is so you don't have to touch it.
Removing it to dump it is asking for all kinds of issues as stated like ruining the gasket or denting the can.
Removing it to dump it is asking for all kinds of issues as stated like ruining the gasket or denting the can.
On my car and truck I always change the filter with the oil but on my tractors the manual states oil every 100 hrs, oil filter every 200 hrs so I just leave it in place. Same with my motorcycle except that I change every other oil change because I start getting notchy shifting around 2500 miles so figure the filter is still good just need fresh oil.
That's why you oil the gasket before installing.
Zee09
$200 Site Donor 2023
Yes true but why mess with it?That's why you oil the gasket before installing.
We have all seen properly oiled gaskets stick for no reason.
And if you have to use a tool to get it off then leave it be or replace it.
How exactly does continuing to use a filter damage an engine?
If it goes into bypass mode and unfiltered oil circulates long enough...
If you already know the answer, why did you post the question?
@simple_gifts asked the question: How exactly does continuing to use a filter damage an engine?(which I answered)
The question I asked to start this thread is a completely different question.
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