Oil Filter got wet

[wayne]

My brand new oil filter (still in box) got left outside and a puddle of rain water soaked the box. It didn't look like it
was drenched but the whole box was wet. I took the filter out of the box
and it was dry except for the rubber seal, which was wet because it
touched the bottom of the box. I can't detect any water inside the filter.
Can I still use this filter or should I chuck it and get another one.

Thanks,
Wayne

 

[No Way]

My brand new oil filter (still in box) got left outside and a puddle of

rain water soaked the box. It didn't look like it

was drenched but the whole box was wet. I took the filter out of the box
and it was dry except for the rubber seal, which was wet because it
touched the bottom of the box. I can't detect any water inside the filter.
Can I still use this filter or should I chuck it and get another one.

Thanks,
Wayne

If it was sitting with the gasket side down I would use it.
If it got water into it........no

 

[Rick Courtright]

If it got water into it........no

??????

Silly question time: why not?

Let's say the filter DID get water inside. Before installing, the OP
turns it upside down and drains whatever water he can. Then he installs
it and takes the car out for a long enough run to get everything up to
operating temps, and any water in the system will be evaporated.
Whatever little water was in the filter at startup will be forced thru
the system quickly without causing any more harm than the air in a fresh
filter on startup, maybe less. And there was probably no more water in
the filter at installation than in the sumps of many cars after a short
run in very cold winter conditions.

Of course, the filter could just be set aside to dry and used at the
next oil change. Ever get a filter with rust on it straight out of the
box? I've seen more than a few... I'd bet they get wet frequently in
transit or warehousing. What did I miss?

Rick

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Your advice to set it aside to dry is good but, aren' the insides of
most oil filters made of paper? The ratio of oil filter cost to major
engine repair cost would keep me from just pouring the water out and
using the filter. Thinking about a lump of paper goo traveling through
the system, coupled with the now compromised filtering ability of the
filter itself, gives me the willies. In the old days when water was more
prevalent in gasoline, the paper fuel filters would get wet and become
impassable to gasoline. Even if the paper element didn't turn to goo,
the oil will bypass and not be filtered.

If you're sure it was kept gasket side down, AND you're short on funds,
AND you don't mind a little risk, I'd let it dry for a while and use it.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[wayne]

??????

Silly question time: why not?

Let's say the filter DID get water inside. Before installing, the OP
turns it upside down and drains whatever water he can. Then he installs
it and takes the car out for a long enough run to get everything up to
operating temps, and any water in the system will be evaporated.
Whatever little water was in the filter at startup will be forced thru
the system quickly without causing any more harm than the air in a fresh
filter on startup, maybe less. And there was probably no more water in
the filter at installation than in the sumps of many cars after a short
run in very cold winter conditions.

Thanks for the reply. The filter was kept gasket side down. If any
water got into the filter, it got there through moisture in the air; the
box was wet all the way through.

Wayne

 

[No Way]

??????

Silly question time: why not?

Let's say the filter DID get water inside. Before installing, the OP
turns it upside down and drains whatever water he can. Then he installs
it and takes the car out for a long enough run to get everything up to
operating temps, and any water in the system will be evaporated.
Whatever little water was in the filter at startup will be forced thru
the system quickly without causing any more harm than the air in a fresh
filter on startup, maybe less. And there was probably no more water in
the filter at installation than in the sumps of many cars after a short
run in very cold winter conditions.

Of course, the filter could just be set aside to dry and used at the
next oil change. Ever get a filter with rust on it straight out of the
box? I've seen more than a few... I'd bet they get wet frequently in
transit or warehousing. What did I miss?

Rick

if the paper gets water soaked it could distort inside or breakup or get out
of shape
it is designed for oil not water
moisture gets carried by the oil

È

 

[Joseph Kwon]

6 bucks...get a new filter.

??????

Silly question time: why not?

Let's say the filter DID get water inside. Before installing, the OP
turns it upside down and drains whatever water he can. Then he installs
it and takes the car out for a long enough run to get everything up to
operating temps, and any water in the system will be evaporated.
Whatever little water was in the filter at startup will be forced thru
the system quickly without causing any more harm than the air in a fresh
filter on startup, maybe less. And there was probably no more water in
the filter at installation than in the sumps of many cars after a short
run in very cold winter conditions.

Of course, the filter could just be set aside to dry and used at the
next oil change. Ever get a filter with rust on it straight out of the
box? I've seen more than a few... I'd bet they get wet frequently in
transit or warehousing. What did I miss?

Rick

 

[John]

6 bucks...get a new filter.

No kidding... I was *so* tempted to write the same thing way back when this
thread started.
All this talk and discussion over a couple of dollars! What a waste. My
peace-of-mind would
have demanded tossing out the wet filter and getting a new one!
John

 

[George Layman]

My brand new oil filter (still in box) got left outside and a puddle of rain water soaked the box. It didn't look like it
was drenched but the whole box was wet. I took the filter out of the box
and it was dry except for the rubber seal, which was wet because it
touched the bottom of the box. I can't detect any water inside the filter.
Can I still use this filter or should I chuck it and get another one.

Thanks,
Wayne

Is it a lease?

 

[remy6908]

Yeahh, just buy a new filter. Why test it. Not worth the possible issues.