YACT: Installed wrong oil filter, should I change it ASAP?

[koolhand]

Was asked by GF to change her oil in a Toyota Camry. Got oil + filter at local auto store. I also got oil + filter for my next oil change (Honda Accord). As I got the car ready, asked her to get the oil + filter she bought, and she gave me the Honda oil filter instead (it's Purulator brand) - didn't find out until AFTER I installed it and poor in the 5 qt of 10W40 that the wrong filter was installed... from the empty box.

The wrong oil filter seemed to fit the screw thread, and it was tightened by hand OK. I offered to change the oil again w/ correct filter, GF said no it's OK, no oil leaking (yet), and didn't want to waste the 5 qt oil. Did notice couple drops on the garage floor in 5 days, nothing significant. Only has been driven to work, about 5-min drive each way this week.

Should I change the filter? Anyway to save the oil and re-use perhaps pour thr. a filter and add another 0.5 to 1 qt, or not worth the $1.86 per qt?

 

[deadlyapp]

well, you shoulda switched it back...because who knows if the filter will blow off and oil will go all over the freeway in the middle of driving.

 

[Kadarin]

While it's possible the thread and gasket sizes are the same, I would still change it. If there is a problem and the oil does leak out at some point, you've got a good chance of destroying the engine.

 

[Pepsi90919]

your oil filter doesn't hold 5 quarts. i don't know why you're worried about just switching it.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Just switch the filter, no need to drain your oil.

 

[tranceport]

Change the filter.

 

[Eli]

You don't need to re-change the oil, just switch the filter out. You'll only have to top it off with like 1/4 - 1/2 a quart.

You could also go back to the store and compare the filter that was installed with the correct one. If the gasket is the same size, it should be OK.

 

[koolhand]

If I change the filter w/o draining, unscrewing the filter will have oil spilling out... oil filter is situated horizontal, and make a complete mess. True it does not hold 5 qt... but I think at least 1/2 of the oil will have to be replaced...

Will probably have to do another oil change tomorrow...

 

[imported_LoKe]

Quick swap, plug the hole. Make sure the car hasn't been running for a good while, because the oil will be hot.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: koolhand
If I change the filter w/o draining, unscrewing the filter will have oil spilling out... oil filter is situated horizontal, and make a complete mess. True it does not hold 5 qt... but I think at least 1/2 of the oil will have to be replaced...

Will probably have to do another oil change tomorrow...

Umm..

Perhaps you should leave the oil changing to someone who knows what they're doing.

Incase you didn't hear us, I will repeat:

You don't have to re-change the oil to replace your oil filter. Yes, some oil will leak out, but it is the oil contained in the filter. The rest of the oil is sitting happily in the crankcase. It isn't going to magically jump out when the filter is removed.

You will only have to add 1/4 - 1/2 a quart of oil when you replace the filter.

 

[koolhand]

Tight position of filter makes a quick swap difficult takes a good 10-15 sec to do the swap ...

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: koolhand
If I change the filter w/o draining, unscrewing the filter will have oil spilling out... oil filter is situated horizontal, and make a complete mess. True it does not hold 5 qt... but I think at least 1/2 of the oil will have to be replaced...

Will probably have to do another oil change tomorrow...

dude, isn't the oil filter halfway up the engine?