stored Oil Filter Question

Joined
May 16, 2015
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732
Location
Louisiana
I have a question for more experienced BITOGers. I have a DBL7349 that has had oil in it for about 6 months with a filter plug screwed on since it was filled. I changed my mind about installing it last OC and installed a different filter. Do any of you think the filter is ok to use with it having been filled with oil and just sitting ? TIA
 
Filters have oil in them the whole time they are mounted on an engine, so doesn't matter if the filter is filled with oil and not on the engine.
 
My only concern would be that the filter be protected from dirt or debris getting into it. Secure it in a Ziploc or similar bag, store it well, and it'll be ready to use when the time comes.
 
Filters have oil in them the whole time they are mounted on an engine, so doesn't matter if the filter is filled with oil and not on the engine.
I figured it would be ok but I wasn’t sure how long it would be ok being saturated with oil. It’s a full synthetic filter so I didn’t know if it would deteriorate any or not. Thanks
 
My only concern would be that the filter be protected from dirt or debris getting into it. Secure it in a Ziploc or similar bag, store it well, and it'll be ready to use when the time comes.
It has a filter plug in it that fully seals the filter and the plug has been in it since it was filled. I have to use the plug to install it on my truck without getting oil all over everything.
 
It has a filter plug in it that fully seals the filter and the plug has been in it since it was filled. I have to use the plug to install it on my truck without getting oil all over everything.
Can you post a pic of that setup. I'm having difficulty envisioning it.
 
It has a filter plug in it that fully seals the filter and the plug has been in it since it was filled. I have to use the plug to install it on my truck without getting oil all over everything.
Never having heard of a filter plug, I did a search, and now inderstand what it is and how it works. Were it me, I'd still wrap the filter with the plug in a Ziploc bag. The quality of the seal between the filter O-ring and the plug base is an unknown (to me) as is the storage condition and time of storage, so the extra protection of the bag would raise my comfort level.

Looking at a video on how the plug is intendetd to be used, and reading a couple of descriptions on its use, I saw nothing to suggest its use for long-term storge with a filter full of oil. I tend to be conservative about such things - a belt and suspenders kind of guy. Bagging the filter won't hurt anything and may, under some circumstance, be helpful.

Thanks for mentioning the plug. I learned something new.
 
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It’s been in my shop in an old milk crate I converted to keep the filters upright while pre-filling them. My shop is temperature and humidity controlled, not like my house, but to keep the tools I have from rusting from condensation and temperature swings.
 
I figured it would be ok but I wasn’t sure how long it would be ok being saturated with oil. It’s a full synthetic filter so I didn’t know if it would deteriorate any or not. Thanks
Some guys have had an oil filter on their engine for 5-6 years and the filter is still fine.
 
Looking at a video on how the plug is intendetd to be used, and reading a couple of descriptions on its use, I saw nothing to suggest its use for long-term storge with a filter full of oil.
If it's anything like this plug, then the material is going to be fine for long time storage. Some are even made out of anodized aluminum - see 2nd image. it screws into the filter base, and seals against the base gasket.

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That particular filter use it for sure. I had a similar one in use over 2 years, dbl7405.
 
If it's anything like this plug, then the material is going to be fine for long time storage. Some are even made out of anodized aluminum - see 2nd image. it screws into the filter base, and seals against the base gasket.

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It is. It’s a plastic one but it’s the type. The oil level is just below the plug. With it being synthetic, not cellulose and made by Donaldson, I figured it would be ok but I wanted to check first with others with more knowledge. I wasn’t wild about the idea of having to throw it away.
 
Even if the media was a cellulose or a blend, it would be fine. Filters without full synthetic media are left on engines for many years and never show any issue.
 
Some guys have had an oil filter on their engine for 5-6 years and the filter is still fine.
If a cannister filter has been on an engine for a while, and hasn't been removed for inspection, how would you know it's still fine? A few years ago I'd never have asked that question, just assuming the filter was OK. But as a BITOGer, I have seen pics of used filters with damage., such as tears and separations. Since we know that damage can occur, it might be a good idea to change certain filters regularly.
 
If a cannister filter has been on an engine for a while, and hasn't been removed for inspection, how would you know it's still fine? A few years ago I'd never have asked that question, just assuming the filter was OK. But as a BITOGer, I have seen pics of used filters with damage., such as tears and separations. Since we know that damage can occur, it might be a good idea to change certain filters regularly.
Because people here have cut open and inspected filters on an engine that long. Here's a thread posted yesterday showing a filter that was on for 4 years. Nothing noted .. looks just fine. So this tells me that the media and the potting glue doesn't really care how long they've been submersed in oil - that was the main concern of the OP. Filter failing in service from other factors beside the material being in oil is another subject matter. I'd think any well know filter maker is going to verify the materials can be in used oil for years without deteriorating.

 
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