Replacing the oil filter element is a common maintenance operation, but why do oil leaks occur from time to time? On the one hand, it is due to the use of inferior products, and the more common situation is that the operation process of installing the oil filter is not standardized. It is not complicated to maintain and replace the filter element according to reason, but it is often simple to test the details of the operation.

01 Need to apply engine oil to the sealing ring

Before installation, it is necessary to apply a small amount of engine oil on the sealing ring to provide lubrication to avoid friction between the sealing ring and the filter mounting seat during installation, which may lead to poor sealing. Applying engine oil to the seal ring helps to soften the rubber material of the seal ring and reduce friction.

Before the oil filter is installed, if the sealing ring is not oiled, the sealing ring cannot slide smoothly in the groove and on the base during the installation and rotation process, and sealing ring may be squeezed out of the groove, stuck on the groove wall of the sealing ring or stuck outside the groove, resulting in poor sealing, and in the case of a large screw-on torque, the sealing ring may be damaged and oil leakage.

02 Tighten the filter according to the specified number of turns

For different oil filters, the number of rotations required for installation is also different due to the difference in shape, size and matching models. In view of this differentiated installation characteristics, the general oil filter housing will mark the number of tightening turns required after the rotating oil filter element is attached to the base.

03 Tighten the filter according to the specified torque

Finally, when a torque wrench is needed, the tightening oil filter must strictly follow the standard torque required by the product, which is generally 20Nm. If you operate blindly, it is easy to cause the filter tightening torque to be too large, resulting in damage to the filter housing, fixing bolts, rubber seals, and filter seat. Moreover, the tightening torque is too large when the filter is installed, and it is not easy to disassemble it during the next maintenance and replacement.

04 Do not add too much oil

When adding oil, it is not necessary to add the liquid level to the upper limit of the standard value, just make sure that the liquid level is between the upper and lower limits of the oil dipstick. When too much oil is added, the oil level in the oil pan will become very high, so that the fast-moving blade rod of the crankshaft contacts the oil and inflates it, resulting in foam that affects the power output of the engine. At the same time, the engine oil may flee into the combustion chamber to participate in the combustion, causing the phenomenon of burning engine oil. Moreover, the excess oil will generate excessive pressure inside the engine, which may overflow through various gaskets and seals, causing oil leakage.

05 Start the engine to check for leaks

After completing the installation of the engine filter and filling the engine oil, start the engine and run it at idle speed to allow the engine oil to circulate fully. Afterwards, by observing and wiping, check whether there is any leakage at the joint of the oil filter installation. After confirming that there is no oil leakage, turn off the engine and stand still for a period of time, and check the oil level again. After confirming that it is normal, the operation of replacing the filter is completed.

If you want to prevent oil leakage after replacing the oil filter, choosing a genuine oil filter with guaranteed quality is the prerequisite. Secondly, although the replacement process is simple, do not operate at will. Each link has precise installation requirements and must be operated in accordance with the specifications.