Please don't laugh at me but I'd like to ask a question regarding my oil filter. Today, I unscrewed my oil filter to let out a little oil, then screwed it back on with an oil wrench. Well, I dented the surface of the filter with the wrench, too much turning force I guess. The indentation is about 1/4" deep, but not even close to breaking its skin. Am I okay to keep on using the filter, since it's still new?

An oil filter is just a device to filter the oil, so as long as the inside of it is normal, there's nothing to be worried about, right? There should be nothing wrong with its outer metal skin being dented, right?

Please let me know, for my peace of mind. Thank you!

 

You should be okay.

 

Thank you! Oil filters have nothing to do with oil pressure, right? I know, I'm a dunce when it comes to engines.

 

All the parts to the oiling system, oil pump, filter, even the drain valve will affect oil pressure. If any part is defective causing a severe leak, or restrict oil flow, will cause the oil pressure light to come on.

Some guy just posted about his oil drain bolt exploding off his car. Scary moment!

I don't think your oil filter damage will impede on oil flow. If the damage was located on the inner side of the filter, closer to the engine, I'd say replace it. It might affect the seal and cause a leak. Not worth trying to salvage the filter at that point.

 

Heehee...I'm a cheapo!

But the damage is on the outer end of the filter, so the seal is not affected. But you know what? Tomorrow, I'll just replace the filter. It's not worth it, and not worth the peace of mind.

Thank you!