Oil change day.

[Dehcho]

Detailing and oil change day.

[ja17]

Don't forget to check for the critical upper rubber seal in the filter housing of the pagoda.

[Dehcho]

Is that the large round seal at the top of the housing? Looks like a very large rubber washer and fits in the groove? If so, I did change that.

Thank you!

[ja17]

No not that one. Just above the filter in the housing. It seals the top of the filter. Often times it goes missing without knowing. If it's gone your oil will not get filtered. Lots of information on this site on this. Try an "oil filter seal" search. Very important !

[Dehcho]

Thanks again..Is it one of these in the photo?

Brett

[BobH]

Did you look on here, should have everything you need to know.  Don't forget to also search in the technical manual, top left, when looking for advice

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Engine/Lubrication

[Dehcho]

Thanks Bob,

That's exactly what I needed...

Love this group..

Brett

[Peter h]

Joe probably means this seal.
Peter

[BobH]

Thanks Bob,

That's exactly what I needed...

Love this group..

Brett

I quite agree, the more knowledgeable and experienced members have spent a lot of time and effort compiling the technical manual, to make it easier for others, including myself, to find what they need all in one place, it would be a lot more difficult and time consuming without this brilliant forum

[ja17]

Yep, that's the one Peter. It is the one most commonly missing. It is important to be in place but does not need to be changed at every oil change. As long as it is in place and still soft and pliable it should still be usable. Another common mistake is that people accidentally install two of the large rubber O-rings in the top groove. Two can fit nicely, but the canister can break when tightening it down if this is the case. The cannister groove is designed so that just the one o-ring will compress enough so that it seals and the canister/upper housing seam is closed tight after installation. If you see a gap at the canister/upper housing seam you most likely have two large O-rings installed. I can tell right away just by looking for a gap without removing it. Lastly use a good approved filter. Many off brand filters are actually shorter in height and will not seal against the upper rubber seal in the housing.

[Dehcho]

Just confirmed that the top seal is missing
I’ve ordered a couple from the dealer.

Thanks again everyone.

Brett

[ja17]

You would be surprised how often this is the case. Your oil should stay cleaner longer with the seal installed.

[Dehcho]

Thanks again!!

[thelews]

Another common mistake is that people accidentally install two of the large rubber O-rings in the top groove. Two can fit nicely, but the canister can break when tightening it down if this is the case. The cannister groove is designed so that just the one o-ring will compress enough so that it seals and the canister/upper housing seam is closed tight after installation.

After 15 years of changing oil on mine, this last oil change this fall I noticed there were two O-rings in the cannister!  I embarrassed myself.  Fortunately, never hurt the canister or ever had any leakage.  Changing oil on the 250 is a zen experience.

[cfm65@me.com]

Thanks Joe,
Good advice to all of us.
Much appreciated.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[lreppond]

Hey Dehcho,

Within a blink of the eye, you have your “new” car looking really terrific!  The paint looks clean, the brightwork sparkles and it sounds like the car is running fine. Your hard work is paying off big time…and you’ve increased the value of your car. Congratulations! 

[Dehcho]

Thank you..It's coming along. still lots of little things to do. Just discovered the passenger side rear axle is leaking. I will tackle that next before the brakes are affected..