Two days ago I changed my oil and filter and used the recommended VE oil filter. The next day as I was driving my oil light came one, one word "fudge". Pulled in the nearest gas station and check under car, oil filter was leaking. I thought maybe I didn't tighten it enough, nope it was tight. Poured in 4qts (yes it was 4qts low) oil to get home 3-4 miles down the road. Got home, removed and check the filter. For those firmiliar with the VE oil filter o-ring, it has a flat rubber piece attach to the round o-ring. When I removed the filter the o-ring fell out, I tried putting the o-ring back on but realized it was de-formed and wouldn't seal properly. This filter only had 80-90 miles on it before it failed. So I put back on my Purulator filter, refill oil to proper level and all is well. I'm a little nervous about trying another VE filter because hearing those lifters singing out loud is not a pleasant song, and this was my first VE oil filter since rebuilding the VTC's. So are the o-rings poorly designed on these filters, or did I just get a bad one?

Couple of side notes
1)Yes I did lube the o-ring with clean oil before installing
2)Yes I did prime the filter before installing

Is it possible that the old filter seal was still on the motor? If so, this would prevent the new filter from sealing properly. Also, could the filter have been on slightly crooked? Glad you Maxima didn't die! You got lucky.

I agree with Pervis. You probably had an old o-ring still on there.

To answer your questions:

- No, the filters are not poorly designed.
- No, you probably didnt get a bad one.

Always check for the old o-ring, stay with the genuine Nissan filters, and you'll be fine.

No the old seal was not on the engine, it definately cam off. I forgot to include that, but thanks anyway.

Did you remember to lube the ring to the new filter with new oil so it doesnt pinch?

OEM filters = CRAP (30-40 micron filtration)

get a high quality filter like Mobile 1 (10-12 micron filtration), or AC/delco Ultraguard Gold (8 micron filtration).

I use only the best in my max (AC/Delco ultraguard gold) www.carparts.com

The quality of the oil filtration is PROVEN to extend the life of your engine.

Never had a problem here

I hate the stock filter and have used either the Mobil 1 or now using the K&N oil filter which is just like the fram performance filter.

Jared

What is priming the filter?

I use the standard Fram filter. How do those stack up against those AC Delco's?

They are not really good at all. The filtration is around 30 microns. I used to use them in my old car, sure they work, but when I used a better filter the valve train noise went away. b/c the antidrainback valve in the fram is real cheap, so the oil flowed back out of the lifters and filter, then back into the oil pan. So when starting the engine after its been sitting, it takes a while before the lifters are able to pump up and function properly.

Eric - do both the filters you mention have the anti-drainback valve?

Actually ALL filters have antidrainback valves, they just vary in qaulity (materials used) and design (some are very ineffective).

Where did you get the micron filter rating on the Nissan filter? Thanks

The thing is the nissan filter is a standard element, its not synthetic like the above mentioned. So standard filters are in that range of 30+ microns. Believe me on this one nissan wont be giving you some special deal on there filters. All car manufacturers sell there own brand, only there brand is made by one of the major brands, like fram, ac delco (the standard model) etc.

here is some info:
How About the Filtration Medium?

In general, the more expensive filters have better filtration. Even if two (2) different filters look identical on the outside, they very well may have different filtration media inside them. There are really 4 levels of filters:


Dealer/Lube Shop Brands - Pennzoil, Valvoline, Quaker State - These are generally lowest quality capturing 40 micron sized particles.

Conventional- Fram Extraguard, Purolator, ACDelco Duraguard, Wix - These are around 25 micron filters.

Mid-grade - PureOne, Fram Toughguard, ACDelco Duraguard Silver (coming in August) - These are generally 10-20 micron filters.

Premium - ACDelco Ultraguard Gold- 8-10microns, Mobil One-10-12 microns.

end quote, from http://www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/filters.htm


Well according to this site, the filters from dealer are closer to 40 microns