Heads Up Re: V6 Oil Filter Setup Catching Water

[Bluesky 07]

I popped the hood following some water crossings recently and there was water in the circular tray where the oil filter is mounted. It was about halfway to the top of the metal lip, apparently having been splashed up there with no way to drain out because the rubber cover was on the nipple. This can also happen if you're cleaning your engine compartment and don't take off the nipple cover.

It seemed highly unlikely any water got into the system because the filter is obviously tightened down enough to prevent oil leakage but I changed my oil on arriving home just to be on the safe side.

I've seen posts from owners who say they leave the cover off the nipple. Still on the fence about that. What's more likely, the filter leaks so oil exits through the nipple and makes a mess or water collects and potentially gets into the system? Both are probably just as improbable but I'm leaning toward leaving it off.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Not a chance water will get into the system. The oil is under pressure, if you're not blowing oil out around the filter, standing water sure as hell has zero chance of entering the system.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Not a chance water will get into the system. The oil is under pressure, if you're not blowing oil out around the filter, standing water sure as hell has zero chance of entering the system.

Thanks, good to know.

 

[TowMeOut]

I never knew there was a cap for that fitting. Mine didn't have one when I bought it used. It looked like a great way to make a huge mess when changing the oil. I added a section of rubber hose that's long enough to extend down below the skid plate. I cram it down below when changing my oil so I can catch the dribbles in a pan. When not in use it gets coiled up and crammed between the battery and headlight. The majority of the hose is down low and the end is open so any residual water just drains out.

 

[Bluesky 07]

An empty quart oil bottle fits perfectly under the nipple to catch oil during a change.
[MENTION=153213]2016 4Runner SR5[/MENTION], is that true even when the engine is off? Meaning if the seal holds oil under pressure there’s no way it will admit water whether or not the engine is operating?

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

An empty quart oil bottle fits perfectly under the nipple to catch oil during a change.
[MENTION=153213]2016 4Runner SR5[/MENTION], is that true even when the engine is off? Meaning if the seal holds oil under pressure there’s no way it will admit water whether or not the engine is operating?

Absolutely. Your engine oil is under pressure at the filter. If the seal had failed, oil would spray out. You'd know, it goes everywhere. If it can hold back oil under pressure, it's going to seal non pressurized water out as well.

 

[TechWrench]

An empty quart oil bottle fits perfectly under the nipple to catch oil during a change.
[MENTION=153213]2016 4Runner SR5[/MENTION], is that true even when the engine is off? Meaning if the seal holds oil under pressure there’s no way it will admit water whether or not the engine is operating?

I also used a 1 quart oil bottle to catch any run off from oil filter when changing it, just make sure to remove it before starting engine. I took the rubber cap off early on, and never used it again. No problems in all the years I owned the V6, up until I sold it. Now have a V8, so a different set of problems to deal with. I like the V8 power, but sure do miss how the V6 oil filter was setup.

 

[Trumpet]

Absolutely. Your engine oil is under pressure at the filter. If the seal had failed, oil would spray out. You'd know, it goes everywhere. If it can hold back oil under pressure, it's going to seal non pressurized water out as well.

If the filter fails or you double o-ringed (don't ask*) the oil filter YOU WILL KNOW IT very quickly. It will make a mess and rust proof quite a few surfaces !



* Ok, Ok happened a long time ago on a Gran Marquis. Learned to always check the filter for the seal. The mess was preceded by a loud whistling sound. In the time it took to process what the sound was.....3 quarts were on the ground and all over the underside of the engine compartment.

 

[AuSeeker]

If the filter fails or you double o-ringed (don't ask*) the oil filter YOU WILL KNOW IT very quickly. It will make a mess and rust proof quite a few surfaces !



* Ok, Ok happened a long time ago on a Gran Marquis. Learned to always check the filter for the seal. The mess was preceded by a loud whistling sound. In the time it took to process what the sound was.....3 quarts were on the ground and all over the underside of the engine compartment.

I hate when that happens !!:redbrick:

 

[Trumpet]

I hate when that happens !!:redbrick:

#metoo! at least I own the driveway :surfer: