Oil filter cannister seal #39

[TJMart]

I am in the process of replacing the two oil filter canister seals at the bottom of the canister. From reading prior posts there is a "hat shaped" sheet metal cap that holds the donut seal #39 and the bolt seal ring #40. It appears from the photos I have attached that the "hat shaped" metal cap is missing. Also is the copper o ring, in my picture, supposed to be there?

If the hat shaped cap is missing, what is the part number? and is it even a separate part?

[WRe]

Hi,
Afaik the hat shaped sheet metal cap belongs to the base part of the oil filter canister, I didn't found a separate part number for it and there is no copper ring in the base. The cap helds the two rubber gaskets in place, the small one prevents oil coming out when you back off the canister.
...WRe8

[ja17]

Unfortunately, I have never seen a part number for this hat-shaped retaining ring. They sometimes get deformed when removing it to replace the seals. You can carefully straiten it out if it becomes bent, so you can re-use it. I suspect that new ones come with the filter housing,as an assembly, when a new housing is ordered?

[TJMart]

Thanks Joe,

Yeah you’re right. I called the Classic Center and it is not a separate part. They don't sell the housing. I posted a “wanted to buy” hoping that someone might have one. My thoughts were to place the seal where it belongs with a dab of grease to hold it in place, put the small seal around the bolt and carefully place the filter inside and bolt  it back on. Hope that will work?

[mnahon]

I have the attached drawing, in case it helps; it sounds like you already have it

[mbzse]

.../...I called the Classic Center and it is not a separate part. They don't sell the housing.../...

The housing was used on the engine of many types of fuel injected Mercedes models from the sixties. So, try asking at some wrecking yard! Locally or online, in order to locate a second-hand housing for your SL

[ja17]

  The housing was used on the engine of many types of fuel injected Mercedes models from the sixties. So, try asking at some wrecking yard! Locally or online, in order to locate a second-hand housing for your SL   

In addition it was used in many carbureted and injected sedans of the 60's, 70s and some 4 cyl. models even into the mid 70s

[Tyler S]

The sheet metal hat is in fact part of a new housing.

[ja17]

Unfortunately the part number on the housing (000 184 23 02) is discontinued! Time to send the legions out to scour wrecking yards and NOS parts bins to rescue and preserve these valuables. Of coarse we can always convert to the non-original spin-on adapters. 

[TJMart]

Just wanted to let you all know that I found several used oil filter housings on EBay for approximately $130 to $150. I somehow stumbled on to a new housing through Authentic Classics. It comes with all the seals for the housing including the "hat".

https://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-Engine-Oil-Filter-Housing-p/auth-003520.htm

I purchased and installed it. No problems! Just FYI for all those interested.

Thanks everyone for all your expertise and suggestions!!

[ja17]

Be careful never to accidentally install two of the  O-rings in the housing lip. When you tighten the housing, it can split the rim. The housing is ruined and your oil can leak out .

[mauro12]

Hello guys , just a quick word about the oil filter seals . Today I replaced the oil and changed the old cracked gasket at the top and bottom of the filter . The only seal I couldn’t figure out where is supposed to be placed is the n.40 ( 3280 last part numbers ).
The diameter is too small to be placed on the bottom of the canister . Do you have some ideas ?
With new seals , should I see Some improvements in the filtration of the oil ? Maybe less black oil ?
Thank you

[WRe]

Hi,
both seals 39 and 40 are sitting underneath the sheet metal cap, 40 seal the central screw and to prevent oil coming out when you loose the central screw.
All seals ensure that all of the oil goes through the filter and not past it.
...WRe

[mauro12]

Hi, the small seal 3280 , has a smaller diameter than the long screw that attach the canister . Maybe my canister was not the original one but I think it is . The other seals were hard like rocks . Anyway, I just checked and there is no  leaks from the filter, maybe this small seal is not essential . Was a bit tricky to remove and out the new one at the bottom and the canister . Should I see any difference in the engine oil color , due to the better filtration with new seals ?

[Tyler S]

The 3280 seal is designed to be stretched over the bolt shank at the bottom, under the metal hat.  Its an interference fit with the bolt shank. It keeps the oil from leaking out when loosening the bolt and also retains the bolt in the housing so it doesn’t fall out. It only comes into play when changing the filter.

[mauro12]

So it doesn’t make any difference in the oil filtration right ?

[wwheeler]

Not sure if anybody noticed this, but Authentic has the hat for sale. It is a repro but nice to have if yours is missing.
https://www.authenticclassics.com/seal-retainer-cap-Mercedes-Oil-Filter-Housing-p/auth-009843.htm

In regards the the small bolt seal - it doesn't affect filtration. But it does allow you to fill the oil filter housing with some oil before installing. That way the engine isn't starved for oil at start up after an oil change. Without the seal, oil would pour past the bolt if you filled the housing with oil prior to installation.