Question about the oil filter(urgency)

[jli18]

hi guys, i just changed the oil today with pennzoil platium. when i changed the filter i tightened it with a clamp( not a filter clamp) and i used too much force.
as a result, the area where i clamp are now DENTED!! omg. now im worrying if its going to leak later on or am i thinking too much.. comments please...

[eagle23]

What did you use to tighten the filter? If it was enough to dent it, it could be enough to puncture the filter shell, imo. It may not have but...

For me, I'd just replace the filter. If it's your only ride, start it up and look for leaks. If okay, go get a new filter and relax. That solution may be overkill but why worry about it for the next x-thousands of miles for all of about $8 max.

But that's just me. Your mileage may vary :D

[XLR8]

Just throw a new filter on. You have to use quite a bit of force to bust one open. The only way I've ever busted one open at work is with a 3 prong clamp type deal while getting the old one off. For future reference I would only hand tighten it, that is enough to keep it snug, no need to use a tool to tightened it.

[psyshack]

Just put a new one one and only hand tighten it....

[stevencrosbie]

Get a new one as that is the best and cheapest insurance.

Now....keep this in mind. Spin the filter on until the seal touches.....once it touches....you only need 3/4 of a turn.

[jli18]

everything is too late. i left it on and put new oil already. ****... am i screwed now

[jli18]

can i still change the filter even though i put new oil in??

[kbd]

Yes you can, just check and top off the oil level.

[jli18]

wouldnt the oil spill out when i take out the filter?

[Bouncnb]

A little oil will come out. Remember that the oil pan is usually at the lowest part of the engine. If you have another car use that, go get a new filter and maybe a quart of oil. Change the filter and check your oil level afterwards. That is very important. If this is your only car, do like the others suggested, start it up check for leaks. If you don't see any, go buy a new filter and quart of oil. When you get home WAIT!! Hold off for about 3-4 hours, preferably overnight. This will give the oil that has been pumped through the engine time to drain back to the oil pan to minimize oil loss. Then proceed with changing the filter.

[jli18]

cool thanks guys. ill keep that in mind. just an fyi, i still have to commute about 100 miles before i am able to change it. shiet i hope nothing will happen. btw this is an 2007 v6

[XLR8]

as long as your don't see bare metal anywhere there is really nothing to worry about. And if you have started the car with the dented filter on there you would know if it was leaking. I've seen a few cars started with out oil filters on them and it's pretty high pressure spray, you'd know it you had a serious leak.

[jli18]

from what i see now there is no leak. i am just afraid that the metal on the filter will start to rust over time and leaking will occur within the next 5k miles.

[russiankid]

Just put a new one one and only hand tighten it....

^^^

[XLR8]

So spend $5 and toss a new one on. You wont loose that much oil like a 1/4-1/2 quart maybe. And just top off the level. It won't hurt anything.

[CA05LXDriver]

DUDE!

You are only supposed to hand-tighten it.

If it's not already leaking it's not going to. Don't be so paranoid.