I was at wally world and buying my normal supertech oil filter (ST3953)when I noticed that the gasket was really loose, I could turn it around with a finger, so I opened 3 more boxes with the same result (it seriously looked like it could fall out easily). I found a couple that had the gasket firmly held in place like they always were before and bought those. Anybody see this before? I'll continue to use them because I think they are a good value, but I've noticed some beat up boxes too, I usually look inside just to make sure the filter isn't damaged. Kind of odd.
supertech loose gaskets
- Thread starter MustangGT
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Hey, both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara have "loose" gaskets too, but you don't see people complaining about them! Give your filters a break...
Kidding! So long as the gasket is set within a channel, occasional grooves, or similar where it can't squirm out of place while tightened, you're fine. But I could see how, in the process of installing it, it could bump or fall slightly out of a locator groove, it could then tighten while in a slight-oval shape, which you don't notice it until it spews oil. Gluing or crimping it in place at the factory would certainly be of benefit. More quality control antics by the bean counters...
Kidding! So long as the gasket is set within a channel, occasional grooves, or similar where it can't squirm out of place while tightened, you're fine. But I could see how, in the process of installing it, it could bump or fall slightly out of a locator groove, it could then tighten while in a slight-oval shape, which you don't notice it until it spews oil. Gluing or crimping it in place at the factory would certainly be of benefit. More quality control antics by the bean counters...
Hhrmmmm.. I just bought an ST3953a tonight and noticed the gasket being free to move as well. Didn't think anything of it, actually. Just gave the threads a quick run-through with the pinkie finger to check for loose shavings.
It's the first time i've purchased a Supertech (i get Purolators for my pontiac), so i didn't quite know what to "expect". Looks decent and was half the price of a Fram.
It's the first time i've purchased a Supertech (i get Purolators for my pontiac), so i didn't quite know what to "expect". Looks decent and was half the price of a Fram.
Actually, I would think that a moveable gasket would be an advantage - if it is free to move until it is 'really tight', then the only forces on it would be straight up and down compression (between the can and the block). If the gasket was not free to move, it would get stretched sideways as the filter was rotating.
Hard to describe, but that's why the Mobil1 filter ads say they have an "internally lubricated gasket" - it slides against the can smoothly until it's really compressed.
Hard to describe, but that's why the Mobil1 filter ads say they have an "internally lubricated gasket" - it slides against the can smoothly until it's really compressed.
my "made in japan" oem honda oil filter does the same thing also. ive never tried to pull it out.
I think that is part of the reason they tell you to put some oil on the gasket before installing. I go one better and use a bit of oil plus graphite on the gasket and thread.
Dave
Dave
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