How to Lubricate an Oil Filter

All the tools won't help if you forget to lubricate the oil filter.

Oil filters clean the engine oil that is used to lubricate and cool your engine as it works. On a regular schedule you should not only change the oil in the engine, but the oil filter as well. Many home mechanics are stumped when a small oil leak becomes apparent after they have changed the oil and filter. The reason for this common leak is that they have forgotten to lubricate the oil filter before installing it. The oil filter must be lubricated to form a tight seal to the engine block.

Things You'll Need

• Oil
• Oil filter

Instructions

1. Hold the oil filter so the opening is facing up. You should be able to see the black rubber gasket ring set in the edge and the center hole that allows the oil to pass through the filter.

2. Dip your index finger into some oil.

3. Wipe the oil on the surface of the black rubber gasket ring. Make sure there is a thin, even coat on the gasket.

4. Screw the filter into place on the engine block. Once it is hand tight, turn it 1/4 turn more and continue with the rest of your oil change.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the oil from your old filter as the lubricant for the new filter's gasket. There will be some left in it even after you have drained the oil and it will be easier to dip your finger in the oil filter then try and get some of the new oil out of the bottle without making a mess.

• Don't be confused by the filter oil sprays sold on the market. These sprays are designed to lubricate air filters only. If you apply them to your oil filter they will not do the job of lubricating it and you may wind up with an oil leak.

References

• Carbibles.com: Engine Oil
• Second Chance Garage: How to Change an Oil Filter

Resources

• Second Chance Garage: How Oil Filters Work