Oil Strainer Cover

A: No, they are not the same. The oil filter screen cover is a coarse filter (primary filtration) device in the engine lubrication system. It is usually located in the oil pan and is a metal filter screen, mainly filtering larger particles (such as metal debris, assembly impurities). While the oil filter (oil screen) is a fine filtration device, filtering finer particles and gums. Together, they form a complete filtration system.

A: As the engine operates, metal debris, gum, and sludge produced by wear will gradually adhere and clog the filter. If not cleaned for a long time, it will cause poor oil circulation and a decrease in oil pressure, thereby failing to provide sufficient lubrication to the engine. In severe cases, it may cause fatal damages such as cylinder seizure or bearing seizure.

A: Generally, it is recommended to check and clean the oil filter along with the oil change. For new vehicles or engines after major repairs, it is particularly important to clean the filter during the first maintenance to remove the metal debris generated during the initial running-in period.

A: The general procedure is as follows: After draining the old engine oil, remove the filter cover. Remove the filter screen and scrub it with carburetor cleaning agent or diesel. Dry it from the inside out using compressed air to ensure that the mesh is completely unobstructed. Check if the filter screen is damaged. If it is intact, reinstall it and make sure to replace the new gasket.

A: It is strongly recommended to replace the gasket each time it is removed. The old gasket will deform under pressure and heat, and reusing it will easily lead to poor sealing and oil leakage. The cost of a small gasket is much lower than the risk of engine damage caused by oil leakage.

A: If the filter cover leaks oil, it will cause the engine oil to slowly drain away. In mild cases, it will dirty the vehicle and produce an odor of burnt oil; in severe cases, due to insufficient oil pressure, it will lead to poor engine lubrication, severe wear and tear, and even direct vehicle failure.

A: Thoroughly clean the bottom of the engine and the area around the oil filter screen cover, then start the engine and run it for a while or do a short ride before observing. The source of the fresh oil seepage is usually the leak point. Oil leakage from the oil filter cover usually manifests as oil stains seeping out from the joint between the cover plate and the oil pan.

A: It is not recommended. The professional maintenance method is to use a dedicated sealing gasket. If the amount of applied sealing glue is incorrect, the excess glue that squeezes out may fall off and block the oil pump suction port or oil passage, causing more serious lubrication problems. Only in emergencies and when no new sealing gasket is available, can it be used carefully by a professional technician.