Dented oil filter

[CrazyBaldhead]

I was installing a new oil filter and the only wrench I had available was one of those "Grip-it" wrenches, essentially a rubber band with a plastic handle. The handle was putting pressure on the filter as I was tightening it and when I removed the wrench I noticed a dent in the filter. Is this potentially harmful?

[lamy_chop]

you shouldn't need a wrench when installing an oil filter, they're designed to go on hand tight and be removed (after much vibration that tightens the filter) with a wrench.
i'd maybe look into getting a new filter just in case.

[djrussell]

do what works for you, lamy. from the service manual though....

Oil Filter Replacement
•Drain the engine oil (see Engine Oil Change).
•Remove the oil filter [A] with the oil filter wrench [B].
Special Tool - Oil Filter Wrench: 57001-1249
•Apply engine oil to the gasket [A] before installation.
•Tighten the filter with the oil filter wrench.
Torque - Oil Filter: 17.2 N·m (1.75 kgf·m, 13 ft·lb)
NOTE
○Hand tightening of the oil filter can not be allowed since
it does not reach to this tightening torque.

how deep of a dent are we talking about? i doubt it would be a problem but maybe a 'better safe than sorry' thing. oil flows through the whole circumference. so a dent on one side would only restrict a small amount of oil flow.

i use an oil filter socket and torque wrench. i think it was a size 6 for fram filters. i used a purolator filter more recently though and it was a little too big.

[dmarsingill]

You have to be a weakling not to be able to put 13 ft lbs by hand.
I have never used a wrench. I hardly ever have to use a wrench to get it off. Do whatever you want in that matter, but a dent shouldn't hurt anything.

Donald

[2007 650R]

Hand tight for filter install.
If the bike is a little warm you can remove it by hand, if not use a wrench.
If it has a dent, I would choose to replace it.

[CrazyBaldhead]

I read the above referenced manual too but since I've never had a proper size torque wrench I always just tightened the filter a quarter turn or so past hand tight with a filter wrench. This is the first I've heard of hand tightening alone being O.K., I'll try it next time.

It's not that significant of a dent, just what I would call a slight depression. I didn't know how much damage a slight restriction in flow could do - if any. Sounds like it should be O.K. but I might change it out just to be sure. No rush, according to the weather man it's going to rain for the next 4 days.

[Cope]

I say we need pics of said dent...



We'll be the judge in this filter abuse case. Crazybaldhead accused of 2nd degree battery against an underage puralator.

[2007 650R]

yes good idea. get that camera under there and snap some shots.

[lamy_chop]

thirteen foot pounds for something with walls that thin is, in my professional opinion, far too much. i have never installed a screw-on filter that tight.

[BRP]

Thus the reason I use K&N:
Has nut welded on, for install and removal.
Has hole is said nut for safety wire.
Rule of thumb, coat rubber seal with motor oil,
spin on filter till it seats.
1/4 to 1/2 turn past, and your good.
If you're worried that's not enough, run a piece of safety wire through it.

[djrussell]

true, they are pretty thin. the force is tangent to the surface though. no worries for me and i'm a mechanical engineer FWIW.

[skizzo81]

I was installing a new oil filter and the only wrench I had available was one of those "Grip-it" wrenches, essentially a rubber band with a plastic handle. The handle was putting pressure on the filter as I was tightening it and when I removed the wrench I noticed a dent in the filter. Is this potentially harmful?

u dont use a wrench to install a filter only to take it off u put it on hand tight when installing

[rubix777]

I hand tighten and loosen the filter as well. I use about as much force as need be to open a pickle jar and it's been okay for the past 10 oil changes I've done.