Will filter gaskets degrade in storage?

[rgl]

I am not sure that putting oil on it will help at all, my understanding is that the rubber compounds are resistant to decay from oil, not that they are helped by being in contact with it. The silicone grease is probably a better idea. My understanding is that once in service the oil will swell the seals to the proper amount.

If you were talking WW2 dated Jeep rubber parts (or worse, cork!) I would be concerned, but a few years should not be a problem.

 

[TallPaul]

Also, after the filters are laying around a few years you can inspect the gasket. Push on it and see how it springs back. See if it is still supple or has hardened.

The other thing is the paper element. Not sure how long it lasts before maybe it starts getting brittle. Maybe not a problem. Synthetic element probably better for long shelf life.

Check with the filter manufacturer and see what they say about shelf life.

 

[rcy]

Hi. I bought 6 of these 30000km Mann filters for my VW Beetle. I'm still kind of leary of leaving a filter on for 30000km, but assuming I did, I have filters for 180000km, which will be about 6 or 7 years worth assuming an average 25000km/year mileage. Even if I left the filter on for 15000km, I'm still looking at my last filter being 3yrs old when I put it on.

So, is it OK to store these filters for that long, or will the gasket and maybe the ADBV deteriorate over time? Should I maybe put a thin layer of oil on the gaskets?

 

[ruking77]

I would not worry at all!

If you want to put anything, silicon dielectric grease is the ticket! I bought a slug of Toyota Landcruiser filters, some as old as 1998 and we are going on 2005, and some of the Japanese oem you just pull off the plastic wrap and it is coated with it. The Fram's that I have just needs either engine oil or silicon dielectric grease and it is still good to go!

 

[Hirev]

I would not worry about using a 3 year old oil filter if it was stored a room temperature. There is probably filters older than that in some auto parts stores.

Not sure why you would want to leave a oil filter on for 20,000 miles. I know I would not.

 

[1kickbuttranger]

quote:

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Originally posted by Hirev:
stored a room temperature.

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Exactly... Keep them indoors.