when you do your oil change does anyone else not put the gasket on the oil filter cap?
i havent the last 3 times ive done it and havent had a problem

one time i put it on and tightened it down too tight and it caused it to leak oil..good thing i checked it before i drove it

just wondering if you guys put the gasket on or not

 

Nope I have never.... but I should prolly look at it to see what kinda shape its in....

 

I always replace the rubber gasket, but I'm ocd when it comes to doing things the proper way

 

Are you just not replacing it, or are you not using one at all?

 

thats a good question. I install the filter element in the housing first then tighten the cap. I use a torque wrench for everything. I have never replaced the O ring on the cap, but thats a good idea though. Props to you.

 

i've never done it on the hundreds of ecotecs i've worked on over the years but i inspect the one that is on the filler cap before i put it back on to ensure there is no damage. if there is i would replace it.

 

I purchase the whole enchalada...only $3-4 more, so why not?

 

i just had a debate with myself today about if i should replace it or not. I didnt. Never did in my 05 sedan either.

 

Nahhh

 

I've always replaced mines

 

No need to unless its damaged, the factory o-ring is not meant to be replaced routinely.....thats why ACDelco filters dont come with a seal

 

I always oil and replace mine.

I usually skip out on the AC filter, and buy a high quality aftermarket filter that includes the seal.

You won't have a problem as long as you oil it and it's seated properly.

 

Me 2

 

The proper way is to only replace the seal when its damaged.....so I guess you guys have defective OCD.

 

yea i guess what i was saying is that i dont use one at all and have never had a problem mainly because that happened the first time.

whats it meant to be torqued down to? i usually just put it on there pretty tight

 

so you don't use the seal at all. or just haven't replaced it?

 

^^ uhh y not? its there for a reason.......so use it.

 

like i said i replaced it once and tightened it down pretty tight causing it to gap and leak oil out of the filter and cap so i just took it off and havent put one back on for like 3 or 4 oil changes
so since you guys say i should how hard should i tighten the cap im assuming not very hard but its difficult to tell when its so far down in there

 

get it sitting flush with the housing and then snug it up. doesn't need to be extremely tight. and the seal should be in the groove that is on the filler cap and from what you describe it wasn't in that groove causing it not to seal properly

 

thanks outtamymind your a helpful guy

now on another note you know the size of the socket i need for the nut on the oil pan?

 

15mm and no problem. always willing to share the knowledge i've gained just like others on here

 

15 mm on the oil pan

1.5 inch on the filter i believe.

 

i just take the ones out of the fram filters haha! the cashiers don't know the difference haha!

 

i always change it...usually comes in the filter box, why not?

 

You can buy a filter wrench attatchment just for that on Amazon. Uses 3/8 drive.
It's 1.25".